Rotating head for cleaning cisterns, tanks, containers and the like

Abstract

Rotating head for cleaning cisterns, tanks, containers and the like, in particular for cleaning and disinfecting the inner walls of cisterns, tanks or other containers, with or comprising a rotating body that can be positioned inside the cistern, tank or other container and that is driven by a drive shaft driven by an external motor and is equipped with nozzles for spraying cleaning fluid onto the inner walls of the cistern, tank or other containers, characterized in that the head comprises: - a product feed part (1) having a generally cylindrical tube shape, which can be fastened by means of screws through through-holes (4) provided in an extension of a skirt or flange (3), wherein the product feed part (1) has internal receptacles (5) dimensioned and designed to receive seals (6), which are designed in particular for operation at high pressures of up to 200 bar and high temperatures of up to 110 °C, wherein the product feed part (1) has a feed opening (2) in the form of a threaded bore for the supply of cleaning and disinfecting agents, which allows the attachment of a standard fitting, and - a closure disc comprising a detachable structure made up of two circular discs of different diameters: a larger closure disc (9) with a larger diameter and a smaller closure disc (8) with a smaller diameter, which is obtained by separating the closure disc (9) with a larger diameter and is surrounded by a metallic element or disc (10) formed as an annulus and which overlaps the outer edge region of the closure disc (8) with a smaller diameter and is connected to the disc with a larger diameter by spot welds (11) or a weld seam, wherein the fixed connection with the larger closure disc (9) is provided by means of screws and threaded holes (12), and wherein a vent or check valve (13) is fitted on the closure disc (8),which allows air to enter from the outside when there is negative pressure inside, and , - at least one nozzle comprising a substantially cylindrical main body (101) provided with a longitudinal opening (102) for the flow of liquid, wherein three regions are defined in this body: a lower thread (103), a middle region (104) with at least one facet or flattening (105) and an upper thread (106) on which an inverted shell (107) with a corresponding complementary internal thread is mounted, wherein the shell has a central opening (108) at its upper base, the diameter of which is larger than that of the longitudinal opening (102), and wherein the shell (107) has a pair of opposing transverse windows (109) through which a flow selector plate (110) can be displaced, in which at least two openings (111, 112) of different diameters are provided, wherein a safety button (115) is axially displaceable in the middle region (104) of the main body (101),which is pressed upwards by a steel band or a spring (116) which rests on the top of a nut (117) which is screwed onto the lower thread (103) of the main body, wherein a support and pressure surface for the user's fingers is defined on this safety button (115) and the safety button (115) is provided on its top with one or more teeth (118) which engage in one or more recesses (119) on the lower edge of the inverted shell (107).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotating head for cleaning cisterns, tanks, containers or ISO tanks.

[0002] In particular, the invention proposes a rotating head for cleaning cisterns such as those mounted on transport vehicles, tanks for storing liquid or powdered products, ISO tanks or containers for transporting liquid bulk goods built according to ISO standards, waste containers or containers of other types, etc., with the aim of improving their hygiene. A number of improvements have been made to certain components of the head assembly compared to conventional rotating cleaning heads, with the aim of increasing efficiency and cleaning quality, as well as preventing implosions inside the cistern, tank, or respective element when cleaning with very hot water is carried out and the head tightly seals the inlet to this tank, cistern, or container.

[0003] The scope of application of the invention lies in the industrial sector, which deals with the manufacture, marketing and use of cleaning devices for tanks of transport vehicles and other storage means for products of any kind.

[0004] The invention also relates to the nozzle used in the head, which contains means for regulating the pressurized water flow in order to provide two flows of different magnitudes depending on the specific requirements of the case. STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Experts in this field are aware of the need for internal cleaning of devices used to hold primarily, but not exclusively, liquid products, such as cisterns mounted on truck beds for transporting liquids, tanks used in various industries, including the pharmaceutical industry, or other types of containers, particularly for liquid and / or powdered products. These cleaning processes aim to clean the interior surfaces of the containers by applying a mixture of water and a selected cleaning agent, thereby disinfecting the interior of the cisterns, tanks, or other containers before the substance in question is placed inside.

[0006] Numerous devices specifically designed for cleaning and disinfecting containers of the type mentioned are already known from the prior art. Generally, these cleaning devices follow a common design philosophy and are designed to be inserted into the container to be cleaned and / or disinfected through the inlet opening (cleaning opening). They essentially comprise an elongated, tubular body that is hollow inside to form a conduit in the form of a through-tube or other cylindrical body, and at the upper end (i.e., the end of the tube or other cylindrical longitudinal body),(which remains outside the container) has a connection for supplying the cleaning and / or disinfectant(s) at a predetermined pressure and flow rate and at its lower end (i.e., the end of the tubular body or other cylindrical longitudinal body that is inserted into the container) has a head that rotates relative to the axis of the tube and is equipped with nozzles which, in some embodiments, are static and, in other embodiments, can also be rotated relative to the central axis of the plate that supports them, so that after the tube or cylindrical body has been inserted into the cistern or other container, the rotating head is positioned at a mean height and the rotation of this head allows the cleaning and / or disinfectant fluid ejected from the nozzles of the rotating head and sprayed onto the inner walls of the cistern, tank, or other container to remove all particles,which may have adhered to the surface of the container, are removed, and the cistern, tank or other container is thus cleaned and disinfected and can be used again.

[0007] As prior art relating to a rotating head for cleaning the interior of cisterns, the Spanish utility model ES-1056120-U should be mentioned, which relates to a “rotating head for cleaning cisterns” and describes a device of said type which is based on a structure consisting of a circular body which supports the entire structure and can be connected to the inlet of the cistern, tank or other container, through the center of which runs an elongated cylindrical pipe body which directs the cleaning fluid into the tank and is connected at its upper part to an inlet for the cleaning fluid.At its inner end is a rotating head consisting of a holder equipped with a valve that distributes the cleaning fluid or detergent onto the inner walls of the cistern, and from whose circular body rises a kind of tower that ends in a ring for suspending the entire device during insertion and removal into / out of the cistern, and at the same time forms a cage that serves as a housing for a hydraulic motor that drives the rotating head to turn.

[0008] Although the described embodiment of the rotating cleaning head for cisterns fulfills the function designed for it, the present invention relates to improvements. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] To improve the tightness at the upper end of the body or the cylindrical longitudinal tube, a primary objective is to install one or more seals of the type marketed under the TURCON® brand in special seal receptacles to increase performance and improve the operating and functional conditions with regard to pressure and temperature of the assembly.

[0010] An alternative or cumulative second objective of the present invention is to provide a component for supplying liquid cleaning and / or disinfecting agents into a cistern, tank, or other container, which is equipped with a product feed opening to the rotating head, the diameter of which is larger than that of conventional models to allow a greater flow rate of the incoming liquid, wherein the opening has a connecting thread, which may, for example, but is not limited to, a 3 / 8" thread or any other thread deemed suitable. This thread makes it possible, if necessary, to connect any other component for dividing the product or even for the simultaneous discharge of multiple feed openings by means of a standard connector.

[0011] An alternative or cumulative third objective of the present invention is to reform the so-called "closing disc", i.e. the flat circular structure which is attached to the cleaning or feed opening into the cistern, tank or other container and which consists of two removable plates with different diameters, so that the diameter of this closing disc can be changed to adapt it to different models of existing cisterns, tanks or other containers.

[0012] This sealing disc has a vent or check valve that allows air to enter from the outside and prevents implosion, which the container tends to do when it is being cleaned with hot water while the head is on the inlet of the container being cleaned and it suddenly cools down for some reason.

[0013] The nozzle or nozzles used in the device consists of a substantially cylindrical main body which is provided with a longitudinal opening for the flow of pressurized water.The main body has a lower thread for connection to the respective head, a faceted central area in which the flow selection mechanism is used, and an upper thread onto which an inverted shell-shaped part with a hexagonal outer shape is screwed like a nut, with an opening at its upper base for the flow of water and two opposing transverse windows through which a rectangular plate with angled ends can be moved, which has a pair of openings of different diameters that can be selectively assigned to the water flow opening to form two different diffusers depending on the configuration of these openings: one for a lower flow and a shorter effective cleaning distance and another for a higher flow and a longer effective cleaning distance.

[0014] Depending on the tightening torque of this shell-shaped part, the transverse plate contained therein can be locked against the main body of the nozzle, in particular against its upper end, where a circumferential seal is attached to the pressurized water outlet opening, the nozzle being provided with a locking mechanism for this part which prevents its accidental release.

[0015] For this purpose, a second plate or safety button acts axially on the faceted central area, which is pressed against the inverted shell by a spring whose lower end rests on a nut that is screwed onto the lower thread of the nozzle.

[0016] This plate, which acts as a push button, has teeth that engage in recesses corresponding to the lower edge of the inverted shell, thus preventing its rotation during normal operation. However, when the safety button is pressed axially, these teeth disengage from the inverted shell, allowing it to rotate. This relieves the pressure on the flow selector plate, releasing it sufficiently to slide laterally and expose the opening opposite the previously used opening to change the flow rate.

[0017] Once the desired opening has been selected, it is sufficient to tighten the shell again, i.e., to screw it on in the tightening direction, and to release the button so that it locks the shell via the aforementioned toothing, thus providing a versatile, very safe, stable and reliable device.

[0018] Advantageous further developments of the invention result from the claims, the description and the drawings.

[0019] The advantages of features and combinations of features mentioned in the description are merely exemplary and can have an effect alternatively or cumulatively, without the advantages necessarily having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention.

[0020] Regarding the disclosure content—not the scope of protection—of the original application documents and the utility model, the following applies: Further features can be seen in the drawings—in particular, the geometries shown and the relative dimensions of several components to one another, as well as their relative arrangement and functional connection. The combination of features from different embodiments of the invention or from features of different claims is also possible, deviating from the chosen cross-references of the claims, and is hereby encouraged. This also applies to features that are shown in separate drawings or mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features from different claims.Likewise, features listed in the claims may be omitted for further embodiments of the invention, but this does not apply to the independent claims of the registered utility model.

[0021] The features mentioned in the claims and the description are to be understood, with regard to their number, as meaning that exactly that number or a greater number than stated is present, without the need for the explicit use of the adverb "at least". Thus, for example, if an element is mentioned, this is to be understood as meaning that exactly one element, two elements, or more elements are present. These features may be supplemented by other features or may be the only features of which the respective product consists.

[0022] The reference marks included in the claims do not constitute a limitation of the scope of the subject matter protected by the claims. They merely serve the purpose of making the claims easier to understand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] To supplement the following description and to provide a better understanding of the features of the invention, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of this description according to a preferred embodiment thereof, in which the following are shown to illustrate the invention, which is not to be understood as a limitation of the invention: Fig. Two schematic views show a section through a vertical intermediate plane of a product feeder. Fig. shows a perspective partial view of a seal of the type used in the invention, which is incorporated into the Fig. visible recordings can be used. Fig. shows a schematic perspective view of a product feeder for feeding the product into the cistern, tank or other container, in which the product feeder opening with a connecting thread is clearly visible. Fig. show views of the structure of the locking disc together with a retaining ring. Fig. shows a perspective view of a variable flow nozzle for the device from the Fig. . Fig. shows an elevation view of the device Fig. . Fig. shows a profile view of the device from the Fig. . Fig. shows a top view of the device from the Fig. . Fig. shows a perspective detail view of the main body of the nozzle. Fig. shows a perspective detail view of the flow selector plate. FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0024] As already mentioned, the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the subject matter of the invention follows with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which identical or similar parts are identified by the same reference numerals. Thus, with reference to Fig. First, cross-sectional views through a vertical intermediate plane of a product feed part 1 are shown. This part is generally cylindrical and hollow to allow the product introduced through a feed opening 2, which consists of a through-hole in the wall of the feed part body, to pass through, and to optionally allow the passage of the shaft of a drive motor for the rotating head (not shown). The product feed part 1 is also provided with a lower circular skirt or a flange 3 with through-holes 4 for the passage of fastening screws.

[0025] Inside the product feed section 1, two receptacles 5 are provided, each designed to receive a seal specifically designed for high temperatures and high pressures, such as those partially used in Fig. shown seal 6.

[0026] In particular, the invention provides that the type of seal that can be inserted into the receptacles 5 may optionally have properties like those sold under the brand name TURCON®, although other seals that offer equivalent or similar functional conditions may also be used.

[0027] A preferred embodiment of the invention proposes the insertion of seals 6 which are functional at high pressures of up to, for example, 200 bar and high temperatures of up to, for example, 110 °C, which is sufficient for highly effective cleaning work inside.

[0028] In Fig. The connection between a product feed part 1 and a closure disc 8 is visible. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, both the product feed part 1 and the closure disc 8 are made of a pressure- and temperature-resistant metallic material, such as stainless steel.

[0029] As shown, the closure disc 8 consists of a flat circular sheet metal part to which the product feed part 1 is attached with screws 7.

[0030] The product feed part 1 is itself hollow inside to allow the flow of the products supplied through the feed opening 2 and also to allow the passage of the drive shaft driven by an external motor, preferably a hydraulic motor (not shown in the figure).

[0031] Additionally, it should be noted that the product feed opening 2 is provided with a thread whose diameter is significantly larger than that of corresponding parts from the prior art, thus enabling a larger product feed-in and also avoiding the need for welding.

[0032] Furthermore, the thread of this part allows the use of a standard connector to adapt all parts required for product separation, or even for the simultaneous diversion of multiple inlets of different products.

[0033] The Fig. show an embodiment of a closure disc that enables the coupling of the rotating cleaning head for cisterns, tanks or other containers to cleaning openings of containers with different diameters.

[0034] For this purpose, the sealing disc consists of a detachable structure composed of two circular discs with different diameters: a larger sealing disc 9 with a larger diameter and a smaller sealing disc 8, which is obtained by separating the larger-diameter disc and surrounded by a metallic element or disc 10 designed as a circular ring. This ring overlaps the outer edge of the smaller-diameter sealing disc 8 and is connected to the larger-diameter disc by spot welds or seams 11. A fixed connection to the larger sealing disc 9 is achieved using screws and threaded holes 12. In this way, a sealing disc assembly is provided which can be used with cleaning openings of correspondingly different diameters.

[0035] Finally, it should be noted that a vent or check valve 13 is installed in the sealing disc 8, which allows air to enter from the outside in order to prevent implosion of the container, to which it tends to do when it is cleaned with hot water while the head is tightly seated on the inlet opening of the container to be cleaned.

[0036] It is not considered necessary to elaborate further on the content of this description in order for a person skilled in the art to understand its scope and the advantages arising therefrom and to carry out the practical implementation of its subject matter.

[0037] Notwithstanding the foregoing, and since the present description relates only to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is understood that numerous detailed variants may be used within the nature of the invention, which are also protected and may relate to the shape, size or manufacturing materials of the arrangement or its parts, without this constituting a change to the invention as a whole, which is limited exclusively by the claims specified below.

[0038] Regarding the nozzle or nozzles to be used in the head of the invention, it is stated in the Fig. to recognize that the nozzle of the invention has a substantially cylindrical main body 101, which is provided with a longitudinal opening 102 for the flow of pressurized water, wherein three areas are defined in this body: a lower thread 103, which enables the installation of the nozzle in the cleaning head in question, a middle area 104 with at least one facet or flattening 105, which prevents the rotation of the flow selection mechanism described below, and an upper thread 106, on which an inverted shell 107 with a corresponding complementary internal thread is mounted.

[0039] The inverted shell 107 has a central opening 108 at its upper base with a larger diameter than the longitudinal opening 102 in order not to impair the geometry of the jet, and has a pair of opposing transverse windows 109 through which a rectangular plate or flow selector plate 110 can be moved, which in Fig. is shown.

[0040] This rectangular plate includes at least one pair of openings of different diameters, a smaller opening 112 and a larger opening 111, which can be selectively arranged relative to the longitudinal opening 102.

[0041] To ensure their correct positioning, the flow selector plate 110 includes two end bends or end angles 113, which determine the displacement stops for them in both directions, with one or the other opening being opposite the longitudinal opening 102.

[0042] According to Fig.The upper base of the main body 101 has a circumferential groove 114 around the longitudinal opening 102 in which a seal is fitted that presses against the flow selector plate 110.

[0043] As already mentioned, in this way the flow selector plate 110 located in the inverted shell 107 can be fixed or locked against the main body 101 of the nozzle depending on the tightening torque of the inverted shell 107, while by partially loosening this part the flow selector plate 110 can be released to change its position by horizontal displacement and to select one or the other flow depending on the specific requirements of the case.

[0044] To prevent the inverted shell 107 from unintentionally detaching, a safety button 115 is provided that is axially displaceable on the faceted central area without being able to rotate. This button is pressed upwards by a steel band or a spring 116, which rests on the top of a nut 117 that is screwed onto the lower thread 103 of the main body.

[0045] The safety button 115 is designed as a kind of elongated plate that defines a support and pressure surface for the user's fingers and is provided on its upper side with one or more teeth 118 that engage in one or more recesses 119 that correspond to the lower edge of the inverted shell 107.

[0046] In this way, these teeth prevent the inverted shell 107 from rotating and loosening, whereby the safety button 115 must be pressed to release the tooth or teeth 118, after which the inverted shell 107 can be unscrewed, which releases the flow selector plate 110 so that it can be moved horizontally until one of its two openings is opposite the central longitudinal opening of the main body, so that after this operation the inverted shell 107 can be tightened again, thereby fixing the flow selector plate 110 and the shell as soon as no further pressure is applied to the safety button 115. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Product feed part 2 Inlet opening 3 flange 4 through openings 5 shots 6 Seal 7 screws 8 Locking disc 9. Locking disc 10 slices 11 weld points or seams 12 threaded holes 13 Check valve 101 Main body 102 Longitudinal opening 103 threads Area 104 105 Facet or flattening 106 threads 107 inverted bowl 108 Opening 109 horizontal windows 110 Flow selector plate 111 smaller opening 112 larger opening 113 End bends 114 Nut 115 safety buttons 116 spring 117 mother 118 teeth 119 cutouts

Claims

[1] Rotating head for cleaning cisterns, tanks, containers and the like, in particular for cleaning and disinfecting the inner walls of cisterns, tanks or other containers, comprising or consisting of a rotating body which can be positioned inside the cistern, tank or other container and which is driven by a drive shaft driven by an external motor and is equipped with nozzles for spraying cleaning fluid onto the inner walls of the cistern, tank or other containers, characterized by , that the head includes: - a product feed part (1) having a generally cylindrical tube shape, which can be fastened by means of screws through through-holes (4) provided in an extension of a skirt or flange (3), wherein the product feed part (1) has internal receptacles (5) dimensioned and designed to receive seals (6), which are designed in particular for operation at high pressures of up to 200 bar and high temperatures of up to 110 °C, wherein the product feed part (1) has a feed opening (2) in the form of a threaded bore for the supply of cleaning and disinfecting agents, which allows the attachment of a standard fitting, and - a closure disc consisting of a detachable structure composed of two circular discs with different diameters: a larger closure disc (9) with a larger diameter and a smaller closure disc (8) with a smaller diameter, which is obtained by separating the closure disc (9) with a larger diameter and is surrounded by a metallic element or disc (10) formed as a circular ring, which overlaps the outer edge region of the closure disc (8) with a smaller diameter and is connected to the disc with a larger diameter by weld points (11) or a weld seam, wherein the fixed connection with the larger closure disc (9) is provided by means of screws and threaded holes (12), and wherein a vent or check valve (13) is fitted on the closure disc (8),which allows air to enter from the outside when there is negative pressure inside, and - at least one nozzle comprising a substantially cylindrical main body (101) provided with a longitudinal opening (102) for the flow of liquid, wherein three regions are defined in this body: a lower thread (103), a middle region (104) with at least one facet or flattening (105) and an upper thread (106) on which an inverted shell (107) with a corresponding complementary internal thread is mounted, wherein the shell has a central opening (108) at its upper base, the diameter of which is larger than that of the longitudinal opening (102), and wherein the shell (107) has a pair of opposing transverse windows (109) through which a flow selector plate (110) can be displaced, in which at least two openings (111, 112) of different diameters are provided, wherein a safety button (115) is axially displaceable in the middle region (104) of the main body (101),which is pressed upwards by a steel band or a spring (116) which rests on the top of a nut (117) which is screwed onto the lower thread (103) of the main body, wherein a support and pressure surface for the user's fingers is defined on this safety button (115) and the safety button (115) is provided on its top with one or more teeth (118) which engage in one or more recesses (119) on the lower edge of the inverted shell (107). [2] Rotating head for cleaning cisterns, tanks, containers and the like according to claim 1, wherein the flow selector plate (110) of the nozzle has two end bends or angles (113) which form the displacement stops for the flow selector plate (110) in both directions with respect to the reverse shell (107). [3] Rotating head for cleaning cisterns, tanks, containers and the like according to claim 1, wherein the upper base of the main body (101) of the nozzle has a circumferential groove (114) around the longitudinal opening (102) in which a seal is arranged.

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