Tank cleaner

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank cleaner (1) designed for mounting on a tank (2), comprising a housing (11) with an inlet (12), an outlet (13) extending in an outlet plane (E), and an interior space (14) in fluid communication with both; a movable plunger body (15) for selectively separating the outlet (13) and the interior space (14); and a conical gap (10) extending from the interior space (14) towards the outlet (13) and formed between a conically shaped inner wall (18) and a matching guide surface (24) within the housing (11). The invention provides that the conically shaped inner wall (18) extends at a first angle (α) of 5° to 30° relative to the outlet surface (E) and that the guide surface (24) extends at a second angle (β) of 5° to 30° relative to the outlet surface (E).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank cleaner. In particular, the present invention relates to a tank cleaner designed for mounting on a tank and comprising the following: - a housing with an inlet designed to receive a pressurized fluid, an outlet extending in an outlet plane and designed to discharge the fluid through the outlet in a spray cone into the tank, and an interior space in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, - a movable plunger body arranged in the housing and configured to move along a longitudinal axis between a closing position, in which the plunger body rests against a seat surface inside the housing and thereby separates the outlet and the interior, and a dispensing position, in which the plunger body is arranged at a distance from the outlet and thereby enables a fluid connection between the outlet and the interior, and - a conical gap extending from the interior towards the outlet, wherein the conical gap is formed between a conically shaped inner wall of the housing and a matching guide surface inside the housing.

[0002] In the field of tank cleaning, it is common to use devices that can efficiently clean the inner surfaces of tanks by spraying pressurized fluid.

[0003] Known systems typically comprise a housing with an inlet for receiving the fluid, an outlet for discharging the fluid into the tank, and an internal mechanism for controlling the fluid flow and distribution. These systems are designed to generate a spray pattern that ensures thorough cleaning of the tank interior. In this respect, the design of the internal flow channels within the housing plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of the spray pattern. In many known systems, the flow channels are not optimized, resulting in turbulence, pressure drops, and uneven distribution of the cleaning fluid. This can lead to certain areas of the tank being inadequately cleaned, necessitating additional cleaning cycles and further increasing the consumption of cleaning agents and water.For example, known systems tend to dispense the cleaning fluid in a hollow cone, so additional cleaning procedures are required to ensure proper cleaning of the entire tank.

[0004] WO 2018 / 145711 A2 discloses an improved tank cleaner with a conical outlet channel defined by two mating surfaces inclined at an angle of at least 45° relative to an outlet surface. This tank cleaner allows the cleaning fluid to be dispensed in a full cone. However, there is still potential for improvement regarding the spray pattern to maximize efficiency while minimizing fluid consumption, which remains a challenge.

[0005] Furthermore, existing tank cleaners often rely on complex mechanical arrangements to control the movement and positioning of internal components such as piston bodies or valves, thereby regulating fluid flow. These components must be precisely aligned and able to withstand high pressures and repeated stress without significant wear or failure. Despite considerable advances in tank cleaning technology, many established systems suffer from problems such as inconsistent spray patterns, inadequate sealing, and difficulties in maintenance and replacing worn parts. These issues can lead to inefficient cleaning, increased downtime for maintenance, and higher operating costs.

[0006] Therefore, one aim of this invention is to provide a tank cleaner that overcomes one or more of the disadvantages of known systems.

[0007] The invention achieves this objective in a first aspect by means of a tank cleaner according to claim 1. In particular, the invention proposes a tank cleaner of the type described above with a conical gap extending from the interior to the outlet. This gap is formed between the conically shaped inner wall of the housing and the corresponding guide surface inside the housing. The conically shaped inner wall extends at a first angle with respect to the outlet surface, which is between 5 degrees and 30 degrees. Similarly, the guide surface extends at a second angle with respect to the outlet surface, which is also between 5 degrees and 30 degrees. Among the advantages of this arrangement is improved control of the fluid discharge, thereby ensuring an effective spray pattern for cleaning the tank.The specific angles of the conical inner wall and the guide surface contribute to improving the overall performance of the tank cleaner. Specifically, the inventors have recognized that this angular range of the two surfaces defining the conical gap avoids turbulence and results in a wide spray pattern without a central area of ​​the spray cone that is omitted. In other words, the design of the internal flow channels is optimized by the conical gap defined by the inner wall and the guide surface within the specified angular ranges, leading to a more effective spray pattern due to wider dispersion and the absence of a hollow area in the spray cone.

[0008] The invention is described below with reference to preferred embodiments and the dependent claims.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the first angle differs from the second angle by 10° or less. In other words, the first angle, which is the angle of the conically shaped inner wall with respect to the outlet face, and the second angle, which is the angle of the guide surface with respect to the outlet face, are set to differ by 10 degrees or less. Thus, both angles can be of the same magnitude. Alternatively, either the first angle or the second angle can be larger, resulting in different shapes of the conical gap. This precise angular ratio likely contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the fluid connection between the interior and the outlet, as it ensures a predictable flow of the pressurized fluid through the outlet.By limiting the difference between the two angles to 10 degrees or less, the design minimizes potential disturbances or turbulence in the fluid flow that could otherwise affect the consistency and coverage of the spray cone within the tank.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the conical gap extends between an inlet opening and an outlet opening. It is further preferred that the conically shaped inner wall and / or the guide surface is bent radially outwards with a radius or chamfer near the inlet opening and / or the outlet opening. Thus, the gap width can increase abruptly due to the chamfer or radius near the inlet opening and / or the outlet opening. The design of the inlet and outlet openings of the conical gap influences the flow dynamics of the expelled fluid.

[0011] This specific configuration of the gap, with its inlet and outlet openings, ensures a more uniform flow of pressurized fluid through the conical gap, potentially reducing turbulence and improving the efficiency of fluid discharge into the tank. This configuration also simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes, as the defined transitions can be more accurately replicated in production, guaranteeing consistent quality and performance of the tank cleaners.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the conical gap between the inlet and outlet openings is defined by a gap length and a gap width perpendicular to the gap length, which is defined by the distance between the conically shaped inner wall and the guide surface. In other words, the gap length is limited by the extent of the projection surfaces of the conically shaped inner wall and the guide surface. The gap width is defined by the distance between the conically shaped inner wall and the guide surface along the extent of the opposite projection surface. In this respect, the gap length is the measurement along the longitudinal axis from the inlet opening to the outlet opening, while the gap width is the perpendicular distance between the conical inner wall and the guide surface.This detailed characterization of the conical gap also enables better manufacturing tolerances and quality controls during production, as the specific dimensions provide clear guidelines for assembly and inspection.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the first angle differs from the second angle, resulting in a varying gap width along the gap length, averaging from 0.4 mm to 4 mm. According to the invention and with reference to the figures, the first angle, denoted as α, and the second angle, denoted as β, can be either different or the same, which directly affects the gap width, denoted as b, along the gap length, denoted as l. When the first angle α differs from the second angle β, the gap width varies along the gap length, with the average gap width ranging from 0.4 mm to 4 mm and preferably from 0.4 mm to 2 mm.This variation in the gap width influences the flow dynamics of the pressurized fluid as it moves through the conical gap, resulting in a more controlled and efficient discharge into the tank. According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the first angle α is equal to the second angle β, which causes the gap width to remain constant along the gap length, again within the specified range of 0.4 mm to 4 mm, and preferably 0.4 mm to 2 mm. This constant gap width ensures a uniform flow channel, promoting linear flow behavior. By defining the ranges for the gap width, the occurrence of turbulence is avoided or at least reduced.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferred that the gap length lies within a range of 1 mm to 40 mm, particularly from 10 mm to 30 mm. This feature ensures precise dimensioning of the gap length, which has a significant impact on the performance and efficiency of the tank cleaner. The gap length directly affects the flow dynamics within the tank cleaner and influences the flow rate and spray cone characteristics of the ejected fluid. By specifying the gap length within the indicated range, the embodiment ensures that the tank cleaner operates within optimal parameters, thereby potentially improving cleaning efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, the specified range for the gap length simplifies the manufacturing process and provides clear guidelines for the production of the tank cleaner components. This precision in the design leads to improved quality control and consistency of the final product.The emphasis on the specific range of 10 mm to 30 mm indicates that this range is considered the most effective for achieving the desired cleaning performance while striking a balance between the need for sufficient fluid flow and the structural integrity of the tank cleaner.

[0015] It is further preferred that the outlet has a diameter in the range of 10 mm to 35 mm. Specifying a particular diameter range for the outlet improves the functionality of the tank cleaner by ensuring that the outlet is neither too small nor too large, which could impair the efficiency and effectiveness of the spray pattern. In particular, it prevents the flow emerging from the conical gap from being disrupted by the outlet, which could affect the spray pattern. A diameter within the specified range thus ensures optimal flow dynamics and enables a uniform and controlled discharge of the fluid into the tank. This dimensional specification also simplifies the design and manufacturing process, as it provides clear parameters for the outlet size, which are crucial for achieving the desired performance characteristics of the tank cleaner.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the tank cleaner has a seal, in particular an elastomeric seal, provided on the plunger body and configured to bear against the seat surface in the closed position, thereby separating the outlet and the interior. The plunger body is movable along a longitudinal axis between a closed position, in which it bears against the seat surface, and a discharge position, in which it is located at a distance from the outlet, thus enabling fluid communication between the outlet and the interior. The seal ensures a more secure and effective separation of the outlet and the interior when the plunger body is in the closed position.This seal, especially if it is made of an elastomer, forms a flexible yet robust barrier that conforms to the contours of the seat and ensures a tight seal, preventing unintentional fluid leakage. This property offers several advantages. First, it increases the reliability of the tank cleaner by ensuring that the pressurized fluid only escapes through the outlet when necessary, thus improving the efficiency of the cleaning process. Second, the elastomeric nature of the seal allows it to withstand repeated movements of the piston body, giving the tank cleaner durability and longevity.Thirdly, the ability of the seal to rest against the seat surface in the closed position ensures that the seal between the outlet and the interior is maintained even under changing pressure conditions, thereby improving the overall performance of the tank cleaner.

[0017] Preferably, the outlet has a diameter larger than the gap width; in particular, the outlet diameter is at least 2.5 times larger than the gap width. Preferably, the outlet diameter is 15 to 40 times larger than the gap width. This ratio between the outlet diameter and the gap width influences the flow dynamics within the tank cleaner. The larger outlet diameter relative to the gap width ensures that the pressurized fluid exiting the outlet forms a more controlled and effective spray pattern. This ratio improves the efficiency of the cleaning process by optimizing the spray pattern and coverage within the tank. The increased outlet diameter allows for a higher fluid flow rate, which enhances the impact force of the spray jet on the tank surfaces and results in better cleaning performance.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the seat and the conically shaped inner wall of the housing are functionally separated and connected to different parts of the tank cleaner. This functional separation means that the seat, against which the plunger rests in the closed position, is not part of the conically shaped inner wall that forms the conical gap. Instead, these components are separate and belong to different structural elements of the tank cleaner, allowing for more precise control of the plunger movement and the fluid connection between the interior and the outlet. This separation increases the reliability and efficiency of the tank cleaner by ensuring that the seat and the conically shaped inner wall can be optimized independently for their respective functions.This optimizes the position of the seat surface with regard to potential tolerance issues that may arise during operation or assembly. Furthermore, the conically shaped inner wall is not subject to wear from the moving piston body that rests against the seat surface.

[0019] Alternatively, the seating surface is defined by an inner wall of the housing that extends coaxially to the longitudinal axis, offset from the conical gap. In this configuration, the seating surface and the conically shaped inner wall are integrated into a single structural element. Preferably, the plunger body is surrounded by the inner wall in the closed position and has a seal designed as a radial seal that abuts the inner wall. This integration means that the conically shaped inner wall itself forms the seating surface against which the plunger body rests in the closed position. This makes the tank cleaner more compact and simplifies assembly by reducing the number of components. In this integrated configuration, the gap width is completely blocked in the closed position and released in the dispensing position.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the tank cleaner comprises a guide body that is fixedly attached to the housing and encompasses the guide surface. This guide body serves as a structural component that ensures the precise positioning and stability of the guide surface within the housing. Due to its fixed attachment, the guide body ensures that the guide surface remains in a consistent and stable position relative to the conically shaped inner wall of the housing. This fixed attachment minimizes any movement or misalignment that could occur during operation of the tank cleaner, thus ensuring the integrity of the conical gap extending from the interior toward the outlet.The guide surface, which is part of the guide body, is thus kept constantly at the defined second angle relative to the outlet surface, ensuring that the flow dynamics within the tank cleaner are optimized for efficient fluid delivery into the tank in a spray cone. By integrating the guide surface into a solid guide body, the design ensures that the conical gap is precisely formed and maintained, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the plunger body as it moves between the closed and discharge positions.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the guide body has an internal guide channel designed to guide the plunger body through it. This feature improves the functionality of the tank cleaner by ensuring that the movement of the plunger body is precisely controlled and directed. The internal guide channel acts as a conduit through which the plunger body can move, thus facilitating its movement between the closed position, where it rests against the seat inside the housing and separates the outlet from the interior, and the discharge position, where it is spaced from the outlet and allows fluid communication between the outlet and the interior.This configuration ensures that the piston body moves in a guided and controlled manner, reducing the likelihood of misalignment or improper sealing that could otherwise compromise the efficiency and effectiveness of the tank cleaner. Specifically, the guide body features an outer surface that defines the guide area and an inner surface that defines the guide channel. By providing a dedicated channel for the piston body within the guide body, the tank cleaner becomes more compact.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the conical gap and the inner guide channel are arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis and radially offset from each other. In particular, the conical gap surrounds the inner guide channel in which the piston body is received. This configuration results in a specific spatial relationship between the conical gap and the inner guide channel, thereby improving the structural and functional integration of the tank cleaner components. The coaxial arrangement ensures that both the conical gap and the inner guide channel have a common central axis that is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tank cleaner. The radial offset between the conical gap and the inner guide channel means that these two elements are positioned at different radial distances from the central axis.This offset allows the conical gap to enclose the inner guide channel, effectively creating a nested structure in which the plunger body is housed within the inner guide channel. The plunger body, received within the inner guide channel, is guided precisely along its longitudinal axis, ensuring accurate movement between the closing and dispensing positions. This precise guidance minimizes the risk of misalignment or jamming, thus increasing the reliability and durability of the tank cleaner. The surrounding conical gap, extending towards the outlet, helps to direct the flow of pressurized fluid in a controlled manner, contributing to the formation of a spray cone.

[0023] It is further preferred that the outlet opening terminates in an outlet opening that is offset from the plunger body in the dispensing position. This configuration means that when the plunger body is in the dispensing position, it is retracted into the housing relative to the outlet opening of the conical gap in the direction of its longitudinal axis. This offset positioning ensures that the plunger body does not block the outlet opening, thus allowing an uninterrupted flow of fluid through the conical gap and out of the outlet opening. This arrangement improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the tank cleaner by ensuring that the fluid is dispensed in a uniform and controlled manner, forming a spray cone as intended.

[0024] In a second aspect, which also represents a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the invention relates to a tank cleaner of the type mentioned above, wherein the seating surface is defined by an inner wall of the housing that extends coaxially to the longitudinal axis, offset from the conical gap. The plunger body extends through the cylindrical inner wall and has a radial seal that, in the closed position, abuts the seating surface. This inner wall provides a precise and stable surface against which the plunger body can abut. The inner wall can have a cylindrical or a conical shape. The plunger body itself extends through the housing toward the outlet and is arranged such that, in the closed position, it abuts the inner wall. The plunger body is preferably equipped with a radial seal.

[0025] This radial seal is designed to seal tightly against the seat surface when the piston body is in the closed position. The radial seal forms a robust sealing mechanism that effectively prevents the escape of pressurized fluid when the piston body is in the closed position. The radial seal is designed to exert uniform pressure on the seat surface, thereby improving sealing effectiveness and durability. Furthermore, the functional integration of the seat surface with the inner wall, which forms the conical gap, results in a more compact design.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the radial seal is designed to abut the inner guide channel in the dispensing position. This engagement provides a sealing function that prevents fluid from escaping between the interior and the outlet when the plunger body is positioned to allow fluid communication between these two components. The adaptation of the radial seal to abut the inner guide channel in the dispensing position ensures that the seal engages only when needed, thereby reducing seal wear and extending the service life of the tank cleaner. This feature also contributes to the precision of the fluid outlet, as the seal ensures that the fluid flow can only pass through the intended outlet path, thus improving the cleaning performance of the tank cleaner.The specific adaptation of the radial seal to the inner guide channel underscores the importance of precise interaction between the components within the tank cleaner, ensuring that each part functions optimally within the overall system. Furthermore, tolerances have less impact on the seal due to the inner guide channel providing the seating surface, as only the tolerance between the inner guide channel and the piston body guided within it is critical. Axial seals and axially oriented sealing surfaces, on the other hand, require a more precise fit due to the axial movement of the piston body and do not permit such large tolerances.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, the tank cleaner has a stop element designed to limit the axial movement of the piston body along its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the position of the stop element relative to the piston body is adjustable, thus allowing for adjustment of the axial movement of the piston body, in particular its stroke, which is defined by the distance between a first stop surface of the piston body and a corresponding second stop surface of the stop element. The adjustable stop element enables additional control of the piston body's movement. This allows for precise adjustment of the piston body's position along its longitudinal axis, which is crucial for ensuring optimal tank cleaner performance.By limiting the axial movement of the piston body, the stop element ensures that the piston body can be precisely positioned to either interrupt or enable the connection between the outlet and the interior. This feature enhances the functionality of the tank cleaner by providing a means of fine-tuning the piston body's function, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the cleaning process.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment, the seal is received in a groove and protrudes from it. This configuration ensures that the seal is securely held in place while simultaneously protruding from the groove. This improves the sealing capability of the device by ensuring that the seal is properly positioned and held in the groove, thereby reducing the risk of leaks or improper sealing. Furthermore, the seal protruding from the groove can facilitate installation and maintenance, as the seal is more easily accessible and can be readjusted if necessary.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, the piston body is advanced toward the seat surface by a drive mechanism. This drive mechanism can include a diaphragm connected to the piston body, which is configured to deform under pressure. The deformation of the diaphragm causes the piston body to be advanced solely by fluid pressure, enabling actuation without external actuating forces. The diaphragm mechanism utilizes the pressure-induced deformation to move the piston body and offers a responsive and potentially more compact solution. Alternatively, the drive mechanism can include a pneumatic actuator with a working chamber and an actuating element that extends into the working chamber and is coupled to the piston body. The actuating element is designed for linear movement, which is actuated by pressurizing the working chamber.The pneumatic actuator offers a robust and reliable way to achieve linear movement by pressurizing the working chamber, which is particularly advantageous in environments requiring precise control and durability. Both mechanisms ensure that the piston body can be effectively advanced toward the seat, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of the tank cleaner. The diaphragm mechanism, with its pressure-dependent deformation, offers a simpler and potentially more cost-effective solution, while the pneumatic actuator provides a more complex but highly controllable movement option.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment, the tank cleaner also features a return element designed to exert a restoring force on the plunger body toward the closed position. The return element, which may be a spring or other elastic component, exerts a force that opposes the movement of the plunger body away from the seat inside the housing. This mechanism ensures that the plunger body reliably returns to its dispensing position, thereby maintaining the clearance between the outlet and the interior when the tank cleaner is not in operation. The inclusion of the return element eliminates potential problems associated with plunger body movement, such as incomplete sealing or delayed closing, which could lead to inefficiencies or malfunctions in the cleaning process.By providing a consistent and reliable way to return the piston body to its closed position, the reset element contributes to the overall effectiveness and reliability of the tank cleaner.

[0031] The invention is described below with reference to the attached figures and preferred embodiments. Fig. 1: shows an embodiment of a tank cleaner with various components, including a housing, a conical gap and a plunger body in a closed position; Fig. 2: shows the tank cleaner according to Fig. 1, including the stamp body in an output position; and Fig. 3: shows a detailed view of the tank cleaner, including the plunger body in the dispensing position according to Fig. 2.

[0032] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a tank cleaner 1 designed for mounting on a tank 2. The tank cleaner 1 comprises a housing 11 with an internal flow channel system. This system includes an inlet 12 designed to receive pressurized fluid and an outlet 13 extending into an outlet area E and designed to discharge the fluid into the tank 2 in a spray cone. The housing 11 encloses an interior 14 that is in fluid communication with both the inlet 12 and the outlet 13.

[0033] Furthermore, the internal flow system of the housing 11 has a conical gap 10 extending from the interior 14 to the outlet 13.

[0034] A punch body 15 is movably arranged within the housing 11 and is configured to move along a longitudinal axis L between a closing position P1 and an ejection position P2. Fig. Figure 1 shows the stamp body 15 in the closed position P1, while Fig. 2 represents the stamp body 15 in its output position P2.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the piston body 15 rests in the closed position P1 on a seat 23 inside the housing 11, thereby separating the outlet 13 from the interior 14. As shown in Figure 1, the piston body 15 rests in the closed position P1 on a seat 23 inside the housing 11, thus separating the outlet 13 from the interior 14. Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the punch body 15 is positioned in the output position P2 at a distance from the outlet 13, thus enabling a fluid connection between the outlet 13 and the interior 14.

[0036] The piston body 15 can be advanced towards the seat surface 23 by a drive mechanism 16, which may include a diaphragm that deforms under pressure or a pneumatic actuator with a working chamber and an actuating element. The tank cleaner 1 also includes a return element 17, which serves to exert a return force on the piston body 15 in the direction of the closed position P1. A stop element 22 is more preferably provided, which limits the axial movement of the piston body 15 along the longitudinal axis L. The stop element 22 is particularly preferably designed as an adjustable stop element 22, wherein the position of the adjustable stop element 22 relative to the piston body 15 can be adjusted, thereby setting the stroke of the piston body 15.For example, the stop element 22 can have a thread that engages with a corresponding thread on an upper housing part 26 or a cap 26a associated with the upper housing part 26. However, other mechanisms for adjusting the position of a stop element 22 relative to the punch body 15 or other arrangements of the stop element 22 are also possible.

[0037] A seal 21, preferably an elastomer seal, is provided on the closing element 15 and is designed to bear against the seat surface 23 in the closed position P1, thereby separating the outlet 13 from the interior 14. The seal 21 is located in a groove 27 (see Fig. 3) is captured and protrudes from it.

[0038] The conical gap 10 is formed between a conically shaped inner wall 18 of the housing 11 and a matching guide surface 24 inside the housing 11.

[0039] The tank cleaner 1 preferably comprises a guide body 19, which is fixedly mounted inside the housing 11 and has a guide surface 24. The guide body 19 has an inner guide channel 25, which is configured to guide the plunger body 15 through it. The conical gap 10 and the inner guide channel 25 are arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis L and radially offset from each other. In particular, the conical gap 10 surrounds the inner guide channel 25 with the plunger body 15 received therein.

[0040] The seat surface 23 and the conically shaped inner wall 18 of the housing 11 do not share a function and each interacts with different parts of the tank cleaner 1. In other words, on the one hand, the seat surface 23 only acts as a seat for the piston body 18 and does not define the conical gap 10. On the other hand, the conically shaped inner wall 18 of the housing 11 does not interact with the piston body to fluidically separate the interior 14 from the outlet in the closed position P1.

[0041] The tank cleaner 1 is designed to ensure efficient cleaning of the tank 2 by using pressurized fluid to generate a spray cone through the outlet 13. This spray pattern is facilitated by the movement of the piston body 15 and the configuration of the conical gap 10. The tank cleaner 1 has a tank flange 28 that connects to the tank 2, so that the inlet is located outside the tank and can be connected to a fluid source, while the outlet leads into the interior of the tank 2.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows a detailed sectional view of a tank cleaner 1, illustrating the dimensions and angles of the internal components and their arrangement. Reference is made to the above description of the tank cleaner 1, and the focus is on the formation of the gap 10 and the relationship of the components relevant to the formation of the spray cone.

[0043] The conical gap 10 is defined between an inlet opening 10a and an outlet opening 10b. The conically shaped inner wall 18 extends at a first angle α relative to the outlet surface E, while the guide surface 24 extends at a second angle β relative to the outlet surface E. Both angles α and β are in the range of 5° to 30°.

[0044] The guide surface 24 and the conically shaped inner wall 18 are bent radially outwards with a radius or chamfer near the inlet opening 10a. Furthermore, the guide surface 24 and the conically shaped inner wall 18 are bent radially outwards with a radius or chamfer near the outlet opening 10b.

[0045] The gap length l and the gap width b define the conical gap 10. The gap width b is the distance between the conically shaped inner wall 18 and the guide surface 24 in the area defined between the inlet opening 10a and the outlet opening 10b. The gap width b can vary along the gap length l if the first angle α differs from the second angle β, or it can remain constant if the first angle α is equal to the second angle β. The gap width b is typically in the range of 0.4 mm to 4 mm, preferably 0.4 mm to 2 mm.

[0046] The outlet 13 has a diameter d that is larger than the gap width b. In particular, the outlet diameter d is at least 2.5 times larger than the gap width b, preferably 15 to 40 times larger. In particular, the diameter d is in the range of 10 mm to 35 mm.

[0047] In the ejection position, the piston body 15 is offset relative to the outlet opening 10b of the conical gap 10. In the ejection position P2, the piston body 15 is retracted into the housing 11 relative to the outlet opening 10b of the conical gap 10 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.

[0048] As in Fig. As further shown in Figure 3, the seat surface 23 is defined by an inner wall 11a of the housing 11, which extends coaxially to the longitudinal axis L and offset from the conical gap 10. In the closed position P1, the piston body 15 is surrounded by the inner wall 11a and has a seal 21, which is designed as a radial seal and seals against the inner wall 11a. Reference sign 1 Tank cleaner 2 Tank 10 conical gap 10a Entrance 10b Outlet opening 11 cases 11a Interior wall 12 Admission 13 Outlet 14 Interior 15 stamp bodies 16 Drive mechanism 17 Return element 18 conically shaped inner walls 19 leadership bodies 21 Seal 22 Stop element 23 Seating area 24 guide surface 25 inner guide channel 26 upper housing part 26a Cap 27 Nut 28 Tank flange b Gap width I Gap length d outlet diameter E Outlet area L Longitudinal axis a first angle β second angle Output position Claims QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2018 / 145711 A2

[0004]

Claims

Tank cleaner (1) designed for mounting on a tank (2), comprising: - a housing (11) with an inlet (12) designed to receive a pressurized fluid, an outlet (13) extending in an outlet plane (E) and designed to discharge the fluid through the outlet (13) in a spray cone into the tank (2), and an interior space (14) in fluid communication with the inlet (12) and the outlet (13); - a plunger body (15) movably arranged in the housing (11) and designed to move along a longitudinal axis (L) between a closed position (P1), in which the plunger body (15) rests against a seat (23) inside the housing (11) and thereby separates the outlet (13) and the interior space (14), and a discharge position (P2), in which the plunger body (15) is spaced from the outlet (13) and thereby establishes a fluid connection between the outlet (13) and interior (14) allows- a conical gap (10) extending from the interior (14) towards the outlet (13), wherein the conical gap (10) is formed between a conically shaped inner wall (18) of the housing (11) and a matching guide surface (24) inside the housing (11), characterized in that the conically shaped inner wall (18) extends at a first angle (α) with respect to the outlet surface (E) in a range of 5° to 30° and the guide surface (24) extends at a second angle (β) with respect to the outlet surface (E) in a range of 5° to 30°. Tank cleaner (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first angle (α) differs from the second angle (β) by 10° or less. Tank cleaner (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the conical gap (10) extends between an inlet opening (10a) and an outlet opening (10b), and the conically shaped inner wall (18) and / or the guide surface (24) is preferably bent radially outwards with a radius or chamfer near the inlet opening (10a) and / or the outlet opening (10b). Tank cleaner (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the conical gap (10) between the inlet opening (10a) and the outlet opening (10b) is defined by a gap length (l) and a gap width (b) perpendicular to the gap length (l), which is defined by the distance between the conically shaped inner wall (18) and the guide surface (24). Tank cleaner (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first angle (α) differs from the second angle (β), whereby the gap width (b) varies along the gap length (l) and is on average in a range of 0.4 mm to 4 mm, preferably in a range of 0.4 mm to 2 mm, or that the first angle (α) corresponds to the second angle (β), whereby the gap width (b) along the gap length (l) is constant in a range of 0.4 mm to 4 mm, preferably in a range of 0.4 mm to 2 mm. Tank cleaner (1) according to claim 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the gap length (l) is in a range of 1 mm to 40 mm, in particular from 10 mm to 30 mm. Tank cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet (13) has a diameter (d) in the range of 10 mm to 35 mm. Tank cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a seal (21), in particular an elastomer seal, which is provided on the plunger body (15) and is designed to bear against the seat surface (23) in the closed position, thereby separating the outlet (13) and the interior from each other. Tank cleaner (1) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the outlet (13) has an outlet diameter (d) which is larger than the gap width (b), in particular the outlet diameter (d) is at least 2.5 times larger than the gap width (b), preferably the outlet diameter (d) is 15 to 40 times larger than the gap width (b). Tank cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat surface (23) and the conically shaped inner wall (18) of the housing (11) are functionally separated from each other and assigned to different parts of the tank cleaner (1), or that the seat surface (23) is defined by the conically shaped inner wall (18) of the housing (11), wherein the gap width (b) has a minimum in the closed position (P1) and a maximum in the dispensing position (P2). Tank cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a guide body (19) which is fixedly attached in the housing (11) and comprises the guide surface (24). Tank cleaner according to claim 11, characterized in that the guide body (19) has an inner guide channel (25) which is designed to guide the plunger body (15) through it. Tank cleaner (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the conical gap (10) and the inner guide channel (25) are arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis (L) and radially offset from each other, in particular the conical gap (10) surrounds the inner guide channel (25) with the plunger body (15) received therein. Tank cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plunger body (15) is offset in the dispensing position (P2) relative to the outlet opening (10b), in particular in the dispensing position (P2) the plunger body (15) is retracted into the housing (11) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) relative to the outlet opening (26) of the conical gap (10). Tank cleaner (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 and / or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat surface (23) is defined by an inner wall (11a) of the housing (11) which extends coaxially to the longitudinal axis offset to the conical gap, wherein the plunger body (15) in the closed position (P1) is surrounded by the inner wall (11a) and has a seal (21) designed as a radial seal which abuts the inner wall (11a) in a sealing manner. Tank cleaner (1) at least according to claim 12 and claim 15, characterized in that the radial seal (21) is arranged to be in a sealing position against the inner guide channel (25) in the dispensing position (P2). Tank cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a stop element (22) configured to limit the axial movement of the plunger body (15) along the longitudinal axis (L), wherein the position of the stop element (22) in relation to the plunger body (15) is preferably adjustable, thereby enabling adjustment of the axial movement of the plunger body (15). Tank cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seal (21) is received in a groove (27) and protrudes from it. Tank cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the piston body (15) is advanced towards the seat surface (23) by a drive mechanism (16), the drive mechanism preferably comprising at least one of the following elements: - a diaphragm coupled to the piston body (15) which is configured to deform under pressure, wherein the deformation of the diaphragm drives the movement of the piston body (15), - a pneumatic actuator with a working chamber and an actuating element which extends into the working chamber and is coupled to the piston body (15), wherein the actuating element is configured for a linear movement which is actuated by pressurizing the working chamber. Tank cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a return element (17) designed to exert a return force on the plunger body (15) in the direction of the closing position.

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