Tank cleaner with gearbox assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank cleaner (1) with a static body (3) for coupling to a supply line (6), a rotating body (4) rotatably mounted on the static body (3), a nozzle carrier (8) mounted on the rotating body (4) and having at least one nozzle (82) for dispensing cleaning fluid, a drive arrangement (7) for converting fluid pressure into kinetic energy, a gear assembly (10) with a main input shaft (120) driven by the drive arrangement (7) and a main output shaft (130) for driving the rotating body (4) about the main axis of rotation (R1).The invention provides that the main input shaft (120) has a first engagement area (123) which engages with a first input gear area (142), and at least a second engagement area (124) which engages with a second input gear area (144) which is arranged at a distance (d1) from the first input gear area (142).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank cleaner, in particular an orbital cleaner, for cleaning a tank. The tank cleaner comprises a stationary body with a housing having an upper housing part configured for connection to a supply line for receiving a cleaning fluid and a lower housing part, a rotatable body mounted on the stationary body about a main axis of rotation, a gear assembly comprising a gear assembly with a main input shaft and a main output shaft extending beyond the housing and configured to drive the rotatable body about the main axis of rotation, and a nozzle carrier mounted on the rotatable body, the nozzle carrier having at least one nozzle for dispensing the cleaning fluid.

[0002] In tank cleaning, it is common practice to use mechanical cleaning equipment to ensure the thorough removal of residues and contaminants from the internal surfaces of tanks. This equipment is essential in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, where maintaining high standards of cleanliness is critical. Common systems typically employ rotating nozzles that eject cleaning fluids at high pressure to loosen and remove unwanted materials. These systems often utilize gear assemblies to convert the fluid pressure into rotary motion, which in turn drives the nozzles. These systems frequently feature a turbine-like drive connected to the internal gear assembly.

[0003] Despite the effectiveness of existing tank cleaning systems, several challenges remain. A significant problem is the reliability of the gear assemblies used to drive the rotating components. Conventional gear assemblies can exhibit wear due to high mechanical stresses, leading to frequent maintenance and potential downtime. Furthermore, the efficiency of these systems can be compromised by suboptimal gear engagement, resulting in uneven rotation and inconsistent cleaning performance. In known designs, the engagement between the drive shaft and the gear unit for torque transmission creates uneven stress, which can exacerbate these problems by concentrating the load on a small area.

[0004] Despite significant advances in tank cleaning technology, there remains a need for improved transmission assemblies that offer greater reliability, efficiency, and control. Therefore, one of the technical objectives of the present invention is to provide a tank cleaner that at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of known systems.

[0005] The aim of this invention is to provide a tank cleaner that overcomes one or more of the disadvantages of known systems.

[0006] According to the first aspect of the invention, this problem is solved by a tank cleaner according to claim 1.

[0007] This task is specifically accomplished by a tank cleaner, particularly an orbital cleaner, designed for efficient tank cleaning. The tank cleaner comprises a stationary body configured to be coupled to a supply line for receiving cleaning fluid, thus ensuring a stable and reliable connection. A rotating body, mounted on the stationary body and rotating around a main axis of rotation, enables comprehensive cleaning coverage. The nozzle carrier attached to the rotating body includes at least one nozzle for dispensing the cleaning fluid, which can improve the distribution and effectiveness of the cleaning process. The tank cleaner further features a drive assembly configured to convert the fluid pressure of the collected cleaning fluid into kinetic energy, as well as a gearbox assembly connected to the drive assembly.The transmission assembly comprises a main input shaft driven by the drive assembly, which is propelled by the incorporated cleaning fluid, and a main output shaft that rotates the rotating body about the main axis. The invention according to the first aspect solves the aforementioned problem by proposing that the main input shaft has a first engagement area configured to engage with a corresponding first input gear section of the transmission assembly, and a second engagement area configured to engage with a corresponding second input gear section located at a distance from the first gear section. This dual gear engagement design enables a smooth and efficient torque transmission, thereby reducing wear on individual components and increasing the service life of the cleaner due to improved load distribution.The arrangement of these components can enable a more balanced and stable operation, minimize vibrations and ensure a more uniform cleaning effect.

[0008] Further embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, which further develop the concept of the invention with regard to advantageous features in connection with the subject matter of the invention and with regard to further advantages.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the gear assembly is configured as a planetary gear set with a sun gear, an outer ring gear, and a number of planet gears. The planetary gear configuration introduces a highly efficient and compact mechanism for transmitting torque from the main input shaft to the main output shaft, thereby improving the rotary drive of the rotating body. The sun gear, located in the center of the planetary gear system, serves as the primary drive, meshing with the planet gears. This arrangement ensures a balanced power distribution and smooth rotary motion, which is crucial for maintaining the stability and efficiency of the tank cleaner during operation. The outer ring gear is arranged coaxially with the sun gear, meaning it shares the same central axis but is positioned externally.This coaxial arrangement enables seamless transmission of rotational force from the sun gear to the outer ring gear, further optimizing the performance of the gearbox assembly. The coaxial positioning of the outer ring gear also contributes to the compact design of the gearbox assembly, which has a positive impact on the overall shape of the tank cleaner. Furthermore, the planet gears are rotatable around a secondary axis of rotation that is parallel and radially offset from the main axis. These planet gears, which revolve around the sun gear, play a crucial role in the planetary gearbox by distributing the input torque evenly across the gearbox assembly. The parallel and radially offset secondary axis configuration of the planet gears ensures that the rotational forces are balanced and that the gearbox assembly operates with minimal friction and wear.This arrangement not only increases the durability and longevity of the gearbox assembly, but also improves the precision and control of the nozzle carrier's rotary motion. The planetary gear system's ability to deliver high torque in a compact and efficient manner makes it particularly suitable for the demanding operating requirements of an orbital cleaner, where precise and powerful rotary motion is essential for thorough tank cleaning.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the sun gear is located on the main input shaft. This establishes a direct mechanical connection, facilitating the transmission of rotary motion from the main input shaft to the gearbox assembly. This configuration ensures efficient transfer of the rotational energy derived from the cleaning fluid, thereby optimizing the driving force exerted on the rotating body. Furthermore, the outer ring gear is preferably located on the output shaft, which serves as a crucial intermediate element transmitting the rotary motion from the gearbox assembly to the rotating body. This arrangement ensures seamless and effective motion transmission, thereby improving the overall dynamics of the tank cleaner. The corresponding first and second input gear ranges are provided by the number of planetary gears.This feature incorporates a planetary gear system that distributes the load more evenly across multiple planetary gears and their respective first and second input gear ranges, thereby reducing wear and improving the durability and reliability of the gear assembly. The planetary gear system also allows for a more compact and efficient design, as it can achieve higher torque transmission in a smaller space compared to conventional gear systems. These improvements contribute to a more robust and efficient tank cleaning mechanism that delivers consistent and powerful cleaning performance.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the planetary gears are mounted on a gear carrier. The gear carrier serves as a support structure, allowing the planetary gears to rotate around their own axes and simultaneously around the main axis of rotation. This dual motion facilitates the transmission of torque from the main input shaft to the main output shaft and improves the efficiency and stability of the gearbox assembly. The gear carrier ensures that the planetary gears maintain their relative positions and mesh correctly with their corresponding gears, thus guaranteeing smooth and consistent operation of the gearbox assembly. The introduction of the gear carrier with planetary gears offers several advantages. First, it distributes the load more evenly across the gearbox assembly, reducing wear on individual components and extending the overall service life of the cleaner.Secondly, it increases the precision of the gear assembly by maintaining the correct alignment of the planetary gears, which is crucial for the accurate transmission of motion and power. Thirdly, the use of a gear carrier with planetary gears can improve the cleaner's handling of pressure and flow fluctuations in the cleaning fluid, as the distributed load and precise alignment help to absorb and compensate for fluctuations, thus ensuring consistent performance.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the sun gear is located on the main input shaft and the outer ring gear on the main output shaft. The sun gear, positioned on the main input shaft, serves as a critical component in the transmission of rotational force from the drive assembly to the gearbox. This configuration enables a more efficient and controlled transfer of the cleaning fluid's kinetic energy into mechanical motion and ensures that the nozzle carrier's rotational movement is both smooth and consistent. The sun gear's engagement with the corresponding gears within the gearbox allows for precise and reliable torque transmission, which is essential for maintaining the desired speed and direction of rotation of the rotating body.Additionally, the outer ring gear on the main output shaft further refines the transmission mechanism by providing a stable and robust interface for the final stage of torque transmission. The interaction of the outer ring gear with the gearbox assembly ensures that the rotational force is distributed evenly and potential mechanical losses are minimized.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the sun gear, the outer ring gear on the output shaft, and the gear carrier are rotatably mounted, while the gear carrier is fixed around the main axis of rotation. This configuration enables a specific transmission mechanism between the components, in which the sun gear, the outer ring gear, and the gear carrier can rotate freely around the main axis, thereby facilitating the transmission of rotary motion from the main input shaft to the main output shaft via the gear assembly. Furthermore, it is preferred that a housing part with an inner ring gear is stationary around the main axis of rotation and meshes with the planet gears.The stationary mounting of the housing part ensures that it remains fixed in its position and forms a stable frame within which the sun gear, the outer ring gear and the gear carrier can rotate, while the planet gears arranged between the sun gear and the ring gear can continue to rotate freely about their respective secondary axes of rotation.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the first input gear section and the second input gear section are both spaced apart from each other along the secondary axis of rotation on at least one of the planetary gears. This spatial arrangement allows for a more evenly distributed engagement along the secondary axis of rotation, potentially reducing local wear on the gear teeth and improving the durability and service life of the gearbox assembly. This new feature offers several advantages for the tank cleaner's performance. The spacing between the engagement sections improves the load distribution along the planetary gear, resulting in a more uniform transmission of rotational forces from the main input shaft to the gearbox assembly. This leads to more efficient and reliable operation of the rotating body, which is crucial for the uniform and thorough cleaning of the tank.Furthermore, the spaced configuration can help mitigate problems associated with gear slippage or misalignment, ensuring the nozzle holder maintains its intended rotational movement and delivers the cleaning fluid precisely and effectively. This design improvement can also contribute to reduced maintenance, as the more even distribution of mechanical loads can decrease the frequency of component replacement and repair. Overall, the integration of spaced first and second input gear sections on the planetary gear represents a significant improvement in the mechanical robustness and operational efficiency of the tank cleaner, thus serving the overarching goal of providing a reliable and effective tank cleaning solution.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the tank cleaner includes an output gear section configured to engage with the main output shaft and strategically positioned between the corresponding first and second input gear sections. This configuration enables a more efficient transmission of mechanical force from the main input shaft to the main output shaft, thereby improving the rotational dynamics of the rotating body about its main axis of rotation. The inclusion of the output gear section between the two input gear sections results in a more balanced force distribution within the gear assembly, reducing the potential wear of individual gear components and promoting a longer service life.The specific arrangement of the outer ring gear between the first and second input gear sections ensures that the torque generated by the gear assembly, driven by the incorporated cleaning fluid, is effectively transmitted to the rotating body via the gear assembly. It is preferred that the distance between the first input gear section and the output gear section differs from the distance between the first and second input gear sections and the output gear section. Preferably, the output gear section differs in the number of teeth from the first and / or second input gear sections to increase the gear ratio.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the first input gear section is arranged at a first distal end of a gear pin engaged by the gear carrier. Furthermore, the second input gear section is preferably arranged at a second distal end of the gear pin engaged by the gear carrier. This configuration allows for a distribution of the mechanical load and a reduction in stress on individual components. The two engagement sections, one at each distal end of the gear pin, ensure that the gear assembly can handle higher torque loads without compromising the integrity of the system. This dual gear engagement mechanism also enables a smoother and more consistent rotation of the nozzle carrier, which is crucial for uniform cleaning performance within the tank.By ensuring that the gear pins are engaged at both distal ends, the design reduces the risk of gear slippage and reduces wear on individual gear components.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the first and second engagement areas are defined by a set of main gears spaced apart along the main axis of rotation. This configuration enables a more efficient and reliable transmission of rotary power from the main input shaft to the gear assembly. By spacing the main gears along the main axis of rotation, the load distribution across the gear assembly is improved, thereby reducing wear on the individual gear components. Furthermore, the spaced gear arrangement allows for better alignment and meshing of the gears, which can lead to more precise control of the rotational speed and the torque transmitted to the rotating body.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the first and second engagement areas are defined by a main gear extending from both areas. This main gear, extending from the first to the second engagement area, ensures continuous and reliable power transmission from the main input shaft to the transmission assembly. Extending the main gear across both engagement areas allows for a more balanced power distribution, thereby reducing wear on individual components and extending the service life of the transmission assembly.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the first engagement area of ​​the main input shaft has a first longitudinal extension in the direction of the main axis of rotation. This longitudinal extension ensures that the engagement area has sufficient surface contact with the corresponding first input gear section of the transmission assembly, thereby facilitating a stable and effective transmission of the rotary force from the main input shaft to the transmission assembly. The second engagement area of ​​the main input shaft, on the other hand, is equipped with a second longitudinal extension in the direction of the main axis of rotation, which is at least 70% of the first longitudinal extension. This proportional relationship between the first and second longitudinal extensions ensures that the second engagement area also maintains substantial surface contact with the corresponding second input gear section of the transmission assembly.The spacing of these engagement areas allows for a more even load distribution along the main input shaft, thereby reducing the risk of localized wear and improving the durability of the gearbox assembly. Furthermore, since the second longitudinal extent is at least 70% of the first, the design ensures that the second engagement area is large enough to absorb a significant portion of the rotational force, contributing to a balanced and efficient power transmission from the main input shaft to the rotating body.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the tank cleaner, in particular the orbital cleaner for cleaning a tank, comprises a first input gear section with a third longitudinal extension that aligns with the first longitudinal extension of the main input shaft. Additionally, the second input gear section comprises a fourth longitudinal extension that corresponds to the second longitudinal extension of the main input shaft. The alignment of these extensions enables a more stable transmission of the rotational force from the main input shaft to the gear assembly, thereby improving the overall performance of the tank cleaner. By providing an additional point of application, the second longitudinal extension and the corresponding fourth longitudinal extension distribute the mechanical load more evenly across the gear assembly. This distribution reduces wear on individual components and thus extends the service life of the tank cleaner.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the distance between the corresponding first input gear section and the corresponding second input gear section is defined as the first distance, wherein a second distance between the first engagement section and the second engagement section of the main input shaft is designed to correspond precisely to this first distance. This correspondence between the distances ensures that the engagement sections on the main input shaft are perfectly aligned with the respective gear sections of the transmission assembly. This alignment is crucial for the efficient operation of the transmission assembly, as it ensures that the drive arrangement can effectively drive the main input shaft, which in turn drives the main output shaft and the rotating body about the main axis of rotation.The precise alignment of the distances ensures that the gear assembly operates with high efficiency and minimal wear, as the engagement surfaces and gear faces are perfectly matched. This reduces the likelihood of misalignment and the associated mechanical problems, such as increased friction and wear, which can lead to premature component failure.

[0022] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a transmission assembly for a tank cleaner according to claim 15. The transmission assembly comprises a main input shaft, which is configured to be driven about a main axis by the cleaning fluid and coupled to a drive arrangement, and a main output shaft, which is configured to drive the rotating body about the main axis. In other words, the transmission assembly is configured to be coupled to a drive arrangement that can convert the fluid pressure of the cleaning fluid into kinetic energy, which in turn forces the main input shaft to rotate. This main input shaft is coupled to the drive arrangement, thereby ensuring a seamless transfer of the kinetic energy from the cleaning fluid to the mechanical components of the transmission assembly.The main output shaft is designed to drive a rotating body around the main axis of rotation, enabling a nozzle carrier coupled to the rotating body to effectively dispense the cleaning fluid inside the tank.

[0023] The problem mentioned at the outset is solved in the second aspect by proposing that the drive shaft has a first engagement area specifically designed to engage with a corresponding first input gear area of ​​the transmission assembly, and that the drive shaft includes a second engagement area that engages with a corresponding second input gear area of ​​the transmission assembly. This second engagement area is strategically positioned at a distance from the first gear. This arrangement enables a more balanced force distribution and reduces wear on individual components. The inclusion of multiple engagement areas on the input shaft not only increases the durability of the transmission assembly but also improves its overall performance by ensuring that the rotational force is distributed evenly across the gears, as described in the first aspect of the invention.Thus, the advantages and preferred embodiments described with regard to the first aspect of the invention are simultaneously advantages and preferred embodiments of the second aspect of the invention.

[0024] According to a further aspect, the disclosure relates to a tank cleaner of the type originally mentioned and described in the preamble of claim 1. It is proposed that the tank cleaner further comprises a main bearing configured for supporting the output shaft in a housing of the stationary body, in particular in a lower housing part. The main bearing is designed as a tapered bearing, in particular as a conical bearing, extending from a lower, narrower end facing the rotating body to a larger upper end facing the output shaft. As such, the shape of the main bearing conforms to the shape of the output shaft, which has a correspondingly shaped upper distal end on which the tapered bearing forms a stop shoulder for axial support.The bearing is preferably supported by an upper support edge, designed to correspond to the tapered bearing and configured to axially fix the tapered bearing. Preferably, the tapered bearing also supports a lower, stationary gear mounted on the main output shaft and configured to transmit the rotary motion to the output shaft of the nozzle holder. The main bearing must not only withstand the extreme forces generated by the pressure of the liquid entering the tank cleaner, both as normal operating pressure and as additional water hammer forces, but it must also allow the output shaft to rotate and maintain a stable position. By using a main bearing designed as a tapered bearing, the bearing area can be increased without compromising the cross-sectional area, and the alignment can be kept centric.In particular, the tapered roller bearing can be combined with one, several, or all preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0025] According to another aspect, the disclosure relates to a tank cleaner of the type originally mentioned and described in the preamble of claim 1.

[0026] It is proposed that the tank cleaner further comprises a ball bearing configured to support the main input shaft. The ball bearing is arranged between a distal end of the main input shaft and a matching upper stop surface of the main output shaft. A single ball made of any material is used in the tank cleaner as the end of a thrust bearing. The ball may be encapsulated within a capsule or be independent of any environment. The advantage of the ball bearing is that it provides an effective, small, and low-friction bearing within the transmission assembly. In particular, the ball bearing can be combined with one, several, or all of the preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0027] The present disclosure will be further explained by means of examples with reference to the drawings in which: Fig. 1a: shows an embodiment of a tank cleaner comprising a static body, a rotating body, a nozzle carrier and nozzles; Fig. 1b: shows a cross-section of the tank cleaner, showing the internal components including the supply line, gearbox assembly and nozzles; Fig. 2: A perspective exploded view of a gearbox assembly for a tank in a first perspective view shows; Fig. 3: A detailed view of a main input wave of the in Fig. The gear assembly shown in section 2 is shown; Fig. 4: A detailed view of a planetary gear from the in Fig. The gear assembly shown in section 2 is shown.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1a shows a tank cleaner 1, in particular an orbital cleaner 2, designed for cleaning tanks. The tank cleaner comprises a stationary body 3, which is configured to be coupled to a supply line 6 for receiving a cleaning fluid. The stationary body 3 supports a rotating body 4, which is rotatably mounted on the stationary body 4 about a principal axis of rotation R1. A nozzle carrier 8 is attached to the rotating body 4, which includes at least one nozzle 82 for dispensing the cleaning fluid. Fig. Figure 1b shows a sectional view of the tank cleaner 1, providing a detailed view of the internal components and their interconnections. The supply line 6 is connected to the static body 3, which houses a gearbox assembly 10.

[0029] The tank cleaner 1 has a drive assembly 7 designed to convert the fluid pressure of the cleaning fluid drawn in from the supply line 6 into kinetic energy. The drive assembly 7 comprises a stator 71 and an impeller 72, which are housed in a casing part 170.

[0030] The static body 3 comprises a housing 30 with an upper housing part 31 and a lower housing part 32. The upper housing part 31 is designed for connection to a supply line 6 for receiving cleaning fluid. The upper housing part 31 facilitates connection to the supply line 6 and ensures that the cleaning fluid is directed into the housing 30 for subsequent use in the cleaning process. The housing part 32 has a sealing section 172 to seal against the upper housing part 31.

[0031] The gearbox assembly 10 comprises a main input shaft 120 and a main output shaft 130. The main input shaft 120 is driven by the drive assembly 7, which is driven by the cleaning fluid supplied via the supply line 6. The gearbox assembly 10 is partially enclosed in the housing 30, so that the output shaft 130 extends from inside the housing 30 into the rotating body 4 to drive the rotating body 4 about the main axis of rotation R1. The output shaft 130 is supported in the housing 30 by means of a bevel gear 132.

[0032] A stationary gear 160 is mounted at a lower end of the output shaft 130, which extends into the rotating body 4. The stationary gear 160 is supported on the output shaft 130 by means of a ring bearing 134.

[0033] The main input shaft 120 is supported in the housing 30 by a ball bearing 92, which is preferably made of ruby. The ball bearing 92 rests against a suitable upper stop surface 94 of the main output shaft 130. Furthermore, the ball bearing 92 can be encapsulated by a capsule part 95. Fig. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a gear assembly 10 of a tank cleaner, specifically configured as a planetary gear system 11. Similar or identical parts have been incorporated into the Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b and Fig. 2 identical reference symbols, and reference is made to the above description of the general training of the tank cleaner 1.

[0034] The main input shaft 120 is located at the center of the transmission assembly 10 described above. The main input shaft 120 has a first engagement area 123 and a second engagement area 124, which are configured to engage with a corresponding first input gear section 142 and a corresponding second input gear section 144 of the transmission assembly 10. These engagement areas 142 and 144 are arranged at a distance d1 from each other (see figure). Fig. 4).

[0035] The first engagement area 123 and the second engagement area 124 on the main input shaft 120 are defined by a set of main gears 122 which are arranged at a distance in the direction of the main axis of rotation R1.

[0036] The first input gear section 142 and the second input gear section 144 are provided by the planet gears 140, which are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the secondary axis of rotation R2.

[0037] The gear assembly 10 is configured as a planetary gear set 11, comprising a sun gear 121, an outer ring gear 131, and a number of planet gears 140. The sun gear 121 is located on the main input shaft 120, while the outer ring gear 131 is located on the main output shaft 130. The planet gears 140 are mounted on a gear carrier 150 and each rotates about its respective secondary axis of rotation R2, which is parallel to and radially offset from the main axis R1. The carrier 150 is rotatably mounted about the main axis of rotation R1 and transmits the motion of the planet gears 140 about the main axis of rotation R1. The sun gear 121, located on the main input shaft 120, drives the planet gears 140, which in turn drive the outer ring gear 131 on the main output shaft 130. This configuration allows the rotating body 4 to rotate around the main axis of rotation R1, driven by the cleaning fluid supplied via the supply line 6.The tapered bearing 132 serves to support the main output shaft 130. The shape of the tapered bearing corresponds to the outer contour of the main output shaft 130.

[0038] The planet gears 140 have first input gear sections 142 and second input gear sections 144, which are spaced apart from each other along the direction of the secondary axis of rotation R2. These gear sections 142 and 144 engage with the corresponding engagement areas 123 and 124 on the main input shaft 120. Additionally, the planet gears 140 include output gear sections 145, which are configured to engage with the main output shaft 130, in particular with the outer ring gear 131.

[0039] The planet gears 140 are defined by gear pins 141, each of which engages with the gear carrier 150 and each has a first distal end 141a, at which the first input gear section 142 is located, and a second distal end 141b, at which the second input gear section 144 is located. In the illustrated embodiment, the first input gear section 142 is provided by a first input gear and the second input gear section 144 by a second input gear, both of which are either mounted on the respective gear pin 141 or formed integrally with the gear pin 141. The output gear section 145 is positioned between the first input gear section 142 and the second input gear section 144.Similar to the first input gear section 142 and the second input gear section 144, the output gear section 145 can be provided by an output gear which is either mounted on the respective gear pin 141 or is integrally formed with the gear pin 141.

[0040] The transmission carrier 150 extends into the housing part 170 and is mounted there by means of a transmission carrier bushing 151.

[0041] The housing part 170 has a ring gear section 171, which is fixedly mounted with respect to the main axis of rotation and is arranged so that it engages with at least the first gear section 142. The ring gear section 171 thus guides the planet gears 140 received in the gear carrier 150.

[0042] In summary, it offers Fig. Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the tank cleaner's gearbox assembly, highlighting the arrangement and interaction of the main input shaft 120, the planet gears 140, the sun gear 121, the outer ring gear 131, and the gearbox carrier 150. This configuration facilitates the efficient transmission of rotary motion from the main input shaft 120 to the rotating body 4, thus enabling effective tank cleaning.

[0043] Fig. Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the main input shaft 120 and the associated components within the gearbox assembly 10 of the tank cleaner 1. The main input shaft 120 is configured as a sun gear 121. The sun gear 121 is an integral part of the planetary gear system 11 and engages with the planet gears 140 to provide the rotary motion required for the cleaning process.

[0044] The main input shaft 120 has two different engagement areas: the first engagement area 123 and the second engagement area 124. These engagement areas are designed to mesh with the corresponding gear areas 142, 144 (see figure). Fig. ) within the gear assembly 10 interact. The first engagement area 123 is located at a distance d2 from the second engagement area 124.

[0045] The engagement areas 123 and 124 are defined by sets of main gears 122. These gears 122 are spaced apart from each other along the main axis of rotation to ensure proper engagement with the corresponding gear areas on the planet gears 140.

[0046] Fig. Figure 3 also highlights the longitudinal extents of the engagement areas. The first engagement area 123 has a first longitudinal extent L1, and the second engagement area 124 has a second longitudinal extent L2, which is at least 70% of the first longitudinal extent L1. Accordingly, the first input gear area 142 has a third longitudinal extent L3, which corresponds to the first longitudinal extent L1, and the second input gear area 144 has a fourth longitudinal extent L4, which corresponds to the second longitudinal extent L2. A distance d1 between the first input gear area 142 and the second input gear area 144 (see Figure 3) Fig. 4) corresponds to the distance d2 between the first intervention area 123 and the second intervention area 124.

[0047] Fig. Figure 4 shows a detailed view of part of the planetary gear 140, which is a component of the gear assembly 10 in the tank cleaner 1. The planetary gear 140 has the first input gear section 142, the second input gear section 144, and the output gear section 145.

[0048] The first input gear section 142 is located at one end of the planet gear 140 and is characterized by a longitudinal extent L3. The second input gear section 144 is located at the opposite end of the planet gear 140 and has a longitudinal extent L4. The distance between the first input gear section 142 and the second input gear section 144 is designated as d1. This distance d1 is crucial for the engagement of the corresponding first and second engagement sections 123 and 124 of the main input shaft 120 (see Figure 1). Fig. 3).

[0049] The output gear section 145 is located between the first input gear section 142 and the second input gear section 144. This configuration allows the planetary gear 140 to interact with both the input and output components of the gear assembly 10, thereby facilitating the transmission of rotary motion from the main input shaft 120 to the main output shaft 130.

[0050] The planet gear 140 is designed to rotate around the secondary axis of rotation R2 (see Fig. 3), which runs parallel to the main axis R1 and is radially offset. This arrangement is typical for planetary gear sets, in which several planet gears 140 rotate around a central sun gear 121 and mesh with an outer ring gear 131. The planet gears 140 are mounted on a gear carrier 150, which holds them in position and allows them to rotate freely about their respective secondary axes of rotation R2.

[0051] The first input gear section 142 and the second input gear section 144 are both arranged so that they engage with corresponding engagement areas on the main input shaft 120 (see figure). Fig. 2) The output gear section 145 is designed to engage with the main output shaft 130, in particular with the outer ring gear 131 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2) Through this intervention, the rotary motion of the planetary gears 140 can be transferred to the main output shaft 130, thereby driving the rotating body 4 of the tank cleaner 1 around the main axis R1. Reference symbol list 1 Tank cleaner 2 orbital cleaners 3 static bodies 4 Rotating Bodies 6 Supply line 7 Drive arrangement 8 nozzle carriers 10 Gearbox assembly 11 planetary gears 30 cases 31 upper housing part 32 lower housing part 71 Stator 72 impellers 82 nozzle 120 Main input shaft 121 Sun wheel 122 Main gear 123 first intervention area 124 second intervention area 130 Main output shaft 131 outer ring gear 132 conical bearings 134 ring bearings 140 planetary gears 141 first gear pin 141a distal end of the first gear pin 142 first input gear area 143 second gear pin 143a distal end of the second gear pin 144 second entry wheel area 145 Output gear area 150 gearbox carriers 151 Gearbox carrier bushing 160 fixed gear 170 Housing part 171 inner ring gear part 172 Sealing part L1 first longitudinal extent L2 second longitudinal extent L3 third longitudinal extension L4 fourth longitudinal extension d1 (first) distance d2 second distance R1 Main axis of rotation R2 secondary pivot axis

Claims

[1] Tank cleaner (1), in particular orbital cleaner (2), for cleaning a tank, comprising: - a static body (3) designed to be coupled to a supply line (6) for receiving a cleaning fluid, - a rotating body (4) which is rotatably mounted on the static body (3) about a main axis of rotation (R1), - a nozzle carrier (8) mounted on the rotating body (4) and having at least one nozzle (82) for dispensing the cleaning fluid, - a drive arrangement (7) designed to convert the fluid pressure of the absorbed cleaning fluid into kinetic energy, - a gear assembly (10) comprising a main input shaft (120) coupled to the drive arrangement (7) for driving the main input shaft (120) through the absorbed cleaning fluid, and a main output shaft (130) configured to drive the rotating body (4) about the main axis of rotation (R1), characterized by , that the main input shaft (120) has a first engagement area (123) which is configured to engage with a corresponding first input gear area (142) of the transmission arrangement (10), and has at least a second engagement area (124) which is configured to engage with a corresponding second input gear area (144) of the transmission arrangement (10) which is arranged at a distance (d1) from the first input gear area (142). [2] Tank cleaner (1) according to claim 1, wherein the gear assembly (10) is configured as a planetary gear (11) comprising a sun gear (121), an outer ring gear (131) arranged coaxially to the sun gear (121) and a number of planet gears (140) rotatable about a secondary axis of rotation (R2) parallel to the main axis of rotation (R1) and radially offset. [3] Tank cleaner (1) according to claim 2, wherein the sun gear (121) is provided on the main input shaft (120), the outer ring gear (131) is provided on the output shaft and the corresponding first input gear section (142) and the corresponding second input gear section (144) are formed by the number of planet gears (140). [4] Tank cleaner (1) according to claim 3, wherein the number of planetary gears (140) is provided on a gear carrier (150). [5] Tank cleaner (1) according to claim 4, wherein the sun gear (121) is provided on the main input shaft (120) and the outer ring gear (131) is provided on the main output shaft (130). [6] Tank cleaner (1) according to claim 5, wherein the sun gear (121), the outer ring gear (131) and the gear carrier (150) are rotatably mounted about the main axis of rotation (R1). [7] Tank cleaner (1) according to claim 6, further comprising: - a housing part (170) with a ring gear (171) which is stationary around the main axis of rotation (R1) and engages with the planet gears (140). [8] Tank cleaner (1) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the corresponding first input gear section (142) and the corresponding second input gear section (144) are both spaced apart from each other in the direction of the secondary axis of rotation (R2) on at least one of the planet gears (140). [9] Tank cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an output gear section (145) is provided between the corresponding first input gear section (142) and the corresponding second input gear section (144), which is designed to engage with the main output shaft (130), in particular the outer ring gear (131). [10] Tank cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the first input gear section (142) is arranged at a first distal end (141a) of a gear pin engaged by the gear carrier (150) and / or the second input gear section (144) is arranged at a second distal end (143a) of a gear pin engaged by the gear carrier (150). [11] Tank cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engagement area (123) and the second engagement area (124) are defined by a set of main gears (122) spaced apart in the direction of the main axis of rotation, or wherein the first engagement area (123) and the second engagement area (124) are defined by a main gear (122) extending from the first engagement area (123) and the second engagement area (124). [12] Tank cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engagement area (123) has a first longitudinal extent (L1) in the direction of the main axis of rotation and the second engagement area (124) has a second longitudinal extent (L2) in the direction of the main axis of rotation, which is at least 70% of the first longitudinal extent (L1). [13] Tank cleaner (1) according to claim 12, wherein the first input gear section (142) has a third longitudinal extension (L3) that fits the first longitudinal extension (L1), and / or the second input gear section (144) has a fourth longitudinal extension (L4) that fits the second longitudinal extension (L2). [14] Tank cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance (d1) between the corresponding first input gear area (142) and the corresponding second input gear area (144) is a first distance (d1) and a second distance (d2) between the first engagement area (123) and the second engagement area (124) corresponds to the first distance (d1). [15] Gear assembly (10) for a tank cleaner (1), in particular for a tank cleaner (1) according to one of the claims, comprising a main input shaft (120) which is configured to drive the main input shaft (120) by force through the cleaning fluid received, coupled to a drive arrangement (7), and a main output shaft (130) which is configured to drive the rotating body (4) about the main axis of rotation (R1), characterized by , that the input shaft has a first engagement area (123) which is configured to engage with a corresponding first input gear area (142) of the gear assembly (10), and has a second engagement area (124) which is configured to engage with a corresponding second input gear area (144) of the gear assembly (10) which is arranged at a distance (d1) from the first gear area (142).

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