DK179376B1

DK179376B1 - Compact cleaning device

Info

Publication number: DK179376B1
Application number: DKPA201600689A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Sten Munch Jensen; Rune Østergaard Sayk; Flemming Asp
Original assignee: Nilfisk Food As
Priority date: 2016-11-08
Filing date: 2016-11-08
Publication date: 2018-05-28
Also published as: DK201600689A1; EP3342490A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning system and a cleaning device, wherein at least an injector valve and an injector are located within and integrated into a mixing unit. Thereby it is possible to obtain a very compact cleaning device. This is further achieved by an injector having a lateral liquid inlet, whereby is becomes possible to remove and replace the injector very easily. This is supported by a dimensioning of the portions of the injector and of a mating injector receiving port of the mixing unit. The invention also concerns a functionality for rinsing the injector from residue cleaning agents, a functionality for minimizing hammering, and an improved foaming by providing a swirling air stream surrounding an injector outlet.

Description

<¹θ> DANMARK (10)

<¹²> PATENTSKRIFT

Patent- og

Varemærkestyrelsen (51) lnt.CI.: B 01F 5/04(2006.01) B 05 B 7/00(2006.01) B 08 B 3/00(2006.01) (21) Ansøgningsnummer: PA 2016 00689 (22) Indleveringsdato: 2016-11-08 (24) Løbedag: 2016-11-08 (41) Aim. tilgængelig: 2018-05-09 (45) Patentets meddelelse bkg. den: 2018-05-28 (73) Patenthaver: Nilfisk Food A/S , Kornmarksvej 1,2605 Brøndby, Danmark (72) Opfinder: Sten Munch Jensen, Enebærvej 1,9560 Hadsund, Danmark

Rune Østergaard Sayk, Nordre Skansevej 7, 9400 Nørresundby, Danmark Flemming Asp, Lars Dyrskøtsvej 21,9400 Nørresundby, Danmark (74) Fuldmægtig: Budde Schou A/S, Hausergade 3,1128 København K, Danmark (54) Benævnelse: COMPACT CLEANING DEVICE (56) Fremdragne publikationer:

US 2004/040102 A1 US 2006/0234616 A1 DE 2445689 A1 WO 2014/091275 A1 (57) Sammendrag:

Fortsættes ...

COMPACT CLEANING DEVICE

The present Invention relates to a cleaning system and a cleaning device, wherein at least an Injector valve and an Injector are located within and integrated into a mixing unit. Thereby it is possible to obta-n a very compact cleaning device. This is further achieved by an injector having a lateral liquid inlet, whereby is becomes possible to remove and replace the injector very easily. This is supported by a dimensioning of the portions of the injector and of a mating injector receiving port of the mixing unit. The invention also concerns a functionality lor rinsing the injector from residue cleaning agents, a functionality for minimizing hammering, and an improved foaming by providing a swirling air stream surrounding an injector outlet..

Background of the invenhonfSackground Art

In the food processing Industry, in particular In heavily soiled areas, such as slaughter15 houses or In the meat and fish processing industries, tenacious soiling through grease, protein and starch residues requires the application of a series of different treatments procedures, including disinfection, In order to achieve a level of cleaning that compiles with official standards. Traditionally, tire cleaning procedure would involve an initial flushing with wafer, wherein all larger debris are removed and the surfaces are made wet. Then it is customary to apply a carpet” of foam comprising a cleaning argent over these surfaces, particularly in order to clean these surfaces from grease. Finally, fire areas may be disinfected with yet another chemical agent, such as chlorine.

This kind of industry cleaning thus requires a change between different procedures and equipment. US 5,855,217 discloses a device for cleaning surfaces in the food industry. The device comprises a housing body having a first inlet for feeding pressurized water. A propulsion let is positioned after the Inlet In a direction of flow. A collection jet is positioned after the propulsion jet, which is flow-connected with a second inlet for feeding a chlorine-free alkaline foam cleaning agent, and a third ir^let for feeding a hydrogen per3© oxide solution. An elongated jet iaody -of the collection jet extends IpW a it Alienee chamber. The turbulence chamber has a chamber inlet for feeding compressed air Into tiro turbulence chamber, In order to form a hydrogen peroxide foam. The foam is formed from a solution formed upon dosing an effective amount of the hydrogen per- oxide solution into the chlonne-ffoe alkaline foam cleaner at a maximum of 80 seconds prior to contact of the hydrogen peroxide foam with a surface to be cleaned. The turbulence chamber further has a chamber outlet, through which the hydrogen peroxide foam leaves the chamber to contact the surface. The chamber inlet and the chamber outlet are fitted in a direction of Now ahead of an outlet orifice of the jet body.

WO 2Q15/087Ö88 A'l discloses a mixing device with an -njector for a cleaning device 5 and clean-ng system.

US 2004/040102 Al discloses a foam cleaning liquid dispensing system includes a cleaner cartridge, a flow control device, and an aerator. The cleaner cartridge includes a collapsible bag containing a supply of cleaning agent. The flow control device is con10 figured to receive a flow of the cleaning agent from the cartridge and a flow of a primary cleaning liquid component The flew control device combines the flows of cleaning agent end primary cleaning liquid component and produces an output flow of cleaning liquid at an output. The aerator includes a nozzle having an Inlet fluidic-ally coupled to the output of the flow control device, an outlet, a body having a bore extending between the inlet and the cutlet, and a radial port. The nozzle Is configured to receive the output flow of cleaning liquid at the inlet, inject air into the output flow of cleaning liquid through the radial port, and produce an output flow of foamed cleaning liquid through the outlet.

in order to provide the possibility of performing ail the necessary cleaning steps, the devices disclosed in the above-mentioned documents are typically combined Into cleaning devices and info cleaning systems, the cleaning devices comprising one or more Injectors, equipment for flushing/rinsing the injectors, valves for supplying air, wafer and chemical compounds for each of the injectors, valves for supplying clean water to the surfaces of the food processing facility. etc

These, cleaning devices are typically very large and complex structures. In such cleaning devices, the injectors for mixing the chemical compounds with wafer and a-r are typically formed inside a housing, which is in practice a pipe. Thus, the prior art systems are made up by an intricate web of tube. An example of a prior art system is shown in

Fig. 1. A disadvantage of the prior art cleaning devices is that they Tni<e up very mudspace. Another disadvantage is that it is very difficult to access the injectors for maintenance, cleaning or replacement.

'The cleaning devices may form part of cleaning systems, where the cleaning device is connected io sources of water under pressure, pressurized air, sources of cleaning chemicals. On the output side, the cleaning device may be connected via suitable piping to points of delivery, e.g. cleaning nozzles, single or arranged on booms. These may be fixed installments in one or more rooms, in or on packing/fiiling rnschines, etc., or they may be connected via flexible hoses.

S öfecfosurs of the Invention

On this background, It Is an object of the present invention to provide an improved cleaning system and cleaning device, which is simpler in construction, and more compact, flexible and robust than the prior ad cleaning devices and cleaning systems It is a further object of the invention to provide a cleaning system and cleaning device where components may be interchanged more easily than in ihe prior art devices. Yet Further it is an object of the present invention to obtain a cleaning system and a cleaning device that minimizes the need for welding components of the cleaning system or the cleaning device together.

In a first aspect, this object is achieved by providing a cleaning device comprising: a mixing unit including a mixing uni? housing;

- at least one injector for forming foam from liquid, one or -more cleaning agents, and pressurized gas;

at least one cleaning age??; valve for supplying cleaning agents, and connectable to a source of a cleaning agent,

- an injector valve connectable to a source of pressurized liquid; a gas supply valve connectable to a source of pressurized gas;

wherein the at least one injector and the injector valve are integrated within the mix25 ino unit housing;

'wherein cleaning agent channels fluidly connecting the at least one injector and sources of cleaning agent are formed within the mixing unit housing, wherein a liquid supply channel fluidly connecting the injector valve with the injector is formed within the mixing unit housing: and æ wbqreinia gas supply chan net fluidly connecting the gas supply vaiveand the at least one injector Is formed In the mixing unit housing.

in an embodiment thereof, the injector has an injector wafer inlet formed In a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the Injector. This ensures that the Injector may be accessible through a wail of the mixing device rather than as in the prior art devices where the outer components such as piping needed to be separated from each other betone access to the inlector could be obtained in a further embodiment. the injector has an elongate injector body with a first end and an outlet end opposite to the first end:

wherein the outlet end has smaller maximum dimension, than a maximum dimension of the injector body at the first end:

wherein the Injector body only has a decreasing maximum dimension from the first end to outlet end, ö wherein the injector body comprises means for releaseably connecting the Injector to a portion of the housing of the mixing unit.

In further embodiment the mixing unit housing Is formed as a solid block of material, wherein the at least one injector Is arranged in an injector receiving port formed § as a bore in said block;

wherein the injector valve, is arranged in an injector receiving pod formed as a bore In said block, and wherern the cleaning agent connection channels, the water supply channel and the gas supply charmet are formed as bores m the block. Thereby, a very simple, sturdy cleaning device comprising only very few pads to be assembled may be obtained.

In a further embodiment, an actuator for the Injector valve is connected directly to an outer surface of the block, and communicating with the Injector valve via a bore In the block.

In a further embodiment the cleaning device may further comprises a spraying liquid valve formed in a fluid connection between a liquid inlet of the mixing unit and the liquid outlet of the mixing unit, the fluid connection being formed within the housing, and the spraying liquid valve being arranged in a spraying liquid valve receiving port in mixing unit. Thereby, a very compact device with only a minimal number of parts may be obtained, and which allows to switch between at least three functions of a cleaning process, spraying with pure water, spraying with a mixture of water and a cleaning agent, arid spraying with a foam formed from writer, a cleaning agent, and pressurized air.

6:

In a further aspect of the invention the objects may be achieved by cleaning device according to any one of the previously mentioned embodiments, and further comprising a control system, the control system configured for controlling each of the actuators for the art least one cleaning agent valve, an actuator for the injector valve, an actuator of the gas supply valves, and a variable pump.

Thereby ell the functions of large prior art devices may be compacted snic a very small simple device.

In a further aspect of the invention, a cleaning device may he obtained, in which an Improved foaming functionality may be allowed. This is provided by helical grooves formed in the outer surface of a portion of the injector body in order to provide a swirling asr flow surrounding an outlet for a mixture of water end one or more cleaning agents exiting an injector outlet.

In a further aspect of the invention. It is an object to provide a device which allows for rinsing an Inlet ef a cleaning agent connection channel info an Injector receiving port of a mixing unit, wherein a control system connected to an actuator of the cleaning agent valve is configured to shut of the cleaning agent valve, and wherein a control system connected to an actuator of the injector valve is configured to pulse the water flow through the injector. Thts objected may also be embodied by method of operating a cleaning device, wherein the method comprises the steps ol closing a cleaning agent valve, and controlling an actuator of the injector valve to pulse he water flow through the Injector.

A further aspect of the Inven tion concerns the reduction of hammering. .According to this aspect a cleaning system may comprising a cleaning device as described above ano wherein the cleaning system further comprises a external cleaning system and a control system.

wherein the external cleaning system comprises one or more cleaning outlets, each ccntfolfed by ah outlet control valve, and each bdiletcontfof valve being controllae Pie by an outlet control valve actuator, wherein the source of pressurized liquid Includes a variable pump, and where the co n tro i system is configured for reducing the liquid pressure provided at the one or more cleaning outlets, by regulating the variable pump a brief time interval before shutting of the outlet control valve, when a command for closing the cutlet control valve: is received.

Further objects, features, advantages and properties of the cleaning system and cleaning device e according to the invention will become apparent from the detailed description.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following detailed portion of the present description, the invention will be explained In more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

Fig 1 shows a pnor art cleaning device;

Fig, 2, Io a sectional view, shows a diagrammatic depiction of a mixing unit for s cleaning device according to the present invention, and with an injector mounted m: the mixing unit:

Fig. 3 shows the mixing unit of Fig. 2. with an injector dismounted from the mixing

Fig. 4A. In s perspective view, shows an embodiment of a mixing unit according to the invention;

Fig. 4B, in a perspective view, shews the mixing unit of Flu. 4A from a different angle,

Fig. 5, in diagrammatic form, shows a cleaning system according to one aspect of the invention including s cleaning device according to another aspect of the invention. and an extended cleaning system;

Fig. 6, in a sectional view, shows details of a mixing unit according to the Invention,

Fig. ZA, in a sectional view, shows a close up of an injector of a cleaning device according to the invention mounted in a mixing unit of the cleaning device;

Figs. 7B and 7C shows the Injector and the mixing unit of Fig. ZA, where the injector has been loosened and partly extracted from a port of the mixing unit;

Fig. 7B shows the injector and the mixing unit of Ftg 7A, where the injector has been fully extracted from a port of the mixing unit:

Fig. 7E, In a perspective v-ew, shows an injector and a portion of a mixing unit for a cleaning device according to the invention, before mounting the Injector in a port of the mixing: unit:

Fig. 7F shows the injector and the portion of a mixing unit of Fig. 7E, where the injector has been mounted in the mixing unit;

Fig 8. In a partly sections!, perspective view, shows parts of a cleaning device according to an embodiment or the invention, where the rinsing system for rinsing an injector is provided;

Fig. 9, in a sectional view, Illustrates an alternative method and system for rinsing an injector of a cleaning device according to sn aspect or the invention;

Fig, 10, in diagrammatic form, illustrates a system and method, for reducing hammenng in a tubing of an extended cleaning system, forming part of a cleaning system according to an aspect of the invention;

Fig. 11, in a partly sectional perspective view, shows an Injector according to an aspect of the invention, and a pah. of a mixing und. for a cleaning device according to the invention:

Flo. 12, in a front view, snows the injector of Fig, 11 and a portion of the mixing unit;

Fig. 13, In a side sectional view shows a portion of the injector and the mixing unit of Fug, 11; and

Fig. 14 shows a section through the injector of Fig. 11

2.Ö Defalfed description of the Invendors

In the following detailed description of the cleaning system end the cleaning unit according to the Invention will be described by preferred embodiments. The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. In which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown The invention may

2b however be embodied sn different forms and should not be construed es limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rattier, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements may therefore not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure.

The present invention concerns a new cleaning system 1 and a cleaning device 2 within the field of automated hygienic systems for cleaning of process-systems/apparatuses in the food processing Industry. The invention further concerns an integrated mixing unit or module 10 for handling liquid (preferably water), gas (preferably air), and different chemical cleaning compounds, hereinafter ceiled cleaning agents. The mixing unit 10 comprises o suction vacuum chamber, preferably in the form of a so-called injector 100 for mixing water, air and one or more cleaning agents.

in a further aspect of the invention, the mixing unit 3 of the cleaning device 2 may further include a function for integrated flushing or rinsing of the mixing chamher(s), i.e. the imecfor(s).

The mixing unit 10 varies from the mixing units of existing cleaning devices, in that ail functions may be integrated in one and the same compact module/untt T his contrasts the cleaning systems available in the market for the food processing industry today. These prior art cleaning devices are typically constructed from different and independent standard components, which via tubes, weldings, fittings and valves (sec; e.g. Fig. 1) are connected into a cleaning manifold.

Fig. 1 shows a prior art cleaning device for room surfaces cleaning in the food processing industry. The cleaning device strewn Is representative of the prior art cleaning devices for surface cleaning in the food processing industry Other types of apparatuses are used in connection with CiP cleaning.

In Fig. 1, the encircled device indicated by the reference AA is a cleaning agent valve with tubing The cleaning agent valve AA Includes an injector, which is encircled by the smaller circle inside circle AA, and with the reference “aa. The injector aa is mounted Inside the shown tubing by matching threading Inside the tube and on the injector An example of such an Injector can be seen In WO 2Ö15/Ö67S89. The injector housing, i.e the tubing Is welded together, making it difficult to access the injector for maintenance or repair.

In Fig. i, the encircled devices indicated by the references BF and CG are further cleaning agent valves with tubing, similar to AA described above. Further, the encircled device indicated by the reference DD is a valve for supplying spraying wafer directly to a surface to be cleaned, without being mixed with a cleaning agent, i.e. the valve circumvents the cleaning agent valves AA, 83, CC. Further, In Fig. 1. the arrow marked with the reference W1 indicates the incoming water from a pump, delivering water under pressure. Yet further, the arrow meshed with the reference ÖU indicates the outlet for water, wa35 ter/cleaning agent mix, or water/cleaning agent/air-srslx The encircled device indicated by the reference BE Is a valve for supplying as?’ to waterfcseaning agent mix in order to provide a foam. The structure encircled and named FF is a valve and tubing for supplying water for rinsing the injectors. as, -n the cleaning agent valves AA, BET CC, In connection with an aspect of the present invention, such an additional valve may he completely spared, due to the new setup.

As is apparent from Fig. 1, the prior art system is a large and complex construction.

The cleaning device and the cleaning system according to the present invention integrates some or all the functionalities of the prior art devices in one compact, module for automated surface cleaning. In order reduce the space requirements, the production time, and to improve the overall hygiene In foe cleaning device 2 and system 1, based on a hygienic design without weldings and with a minimum of connections.

Fig. 5 shows a first exemplary embodiment of cleaning device 2 and a cleaning .system

1, which Is particular suitable for performing cleaning In the food processing industry. In particular surface cleaning (as opposed to e.g. Cip),

The cleaning system 1 comprises a cleaning device 2, and an external cleaning system 300, and a control system 200. The external cleaning system 300 may comprise a tubing

310, 311. 312, 313, in order to deliver water, foam and cleaning agents/water rmx from the cleaning device 2 to the locations to be cleaned, e.g. surfaces of rooms and/or machinery of a food processing facility.

The illustrated cleaning device 2 comprises a source of liquid 49. The source of liquid

49 may include a liquid pump 41. The liquid is preferably water. The liquid pump 41 has a pump inlet 41' to he connected to a liquid (water) supply (not shown), such as regular municipal tap water, and an outlet 41” fortne provision of pressurized water.

The cleaning device 2 also comprises a source 51 of pressurized gas. preferably corn30 prising a compressor 51, having an air Inlet (not shewn), and a gas outlet ST for the provision of pressurized gas, such as air. tn other embodiments (nest shown) other pressurized gasses may be used, e.g. O.?.

The cleaning device 2 also comprises one or more sources 33, 34 of cleaning agents.

In Fig. 5 two such sources are shown. However, in other embodiments there may be another number of cleaning agent sources, such as one or three or more.

it is understood that, in other embodiments (as explained in the general description above), the cleaning device 2 could be embodied without a compressor 51 or a water pump 41 or sources 33, 34 of cleaning agents, or without either. Alternatively, either the compressor 51 or the water pump 41 or the sources 33. 34 of cleaning agents could form part of the device 2, but be placed at a different location.

Furthermore, as indicated in Fig. 5, the cleaning device 2 comprises a mixing unit 9. The mixing unit 9 allows mixing of liquid, e.g water, with a cleaning agent arid a gasp e.g, air, to provide a foam for cleaning purposes. The mixing unit 9, according io the invention may also allow spraying with water only, or spraying with a mixture of cleaning agent and water (I.e without gasfair).

The mixing unit 9 has a liquid inlet 43, which is fluidly connectable to the outlet 4Τ' of the water pump 41 via suitable l-quld supply tubing 42. The mixing unit. 9 further comprises a fluid outlet 44. The wafer flew through the mixing unit 9 may be controlled by an injector valve 4ö, which is a flow control valve. I.e. a valve for controlling the magnitude or volume of wafer flowing there through per unit of time. The valve may be a ball valve, or a seat valve, or any other suitable valve. The injector valve 40 Is located in the mixing unit 9 In a liquid supply channel 64', 64 forming a fluid connection between the liquid Inlet 43 and an injector 100 of the mixing unit 9. Although this may net be necessary, a second flow control valve, a spraying liquid valve 80 is shown Inside the mixing unit 9 in Frig. 5. The valve may be of the same type as the Injector valve 40, The spraying liquid valve 80 is arranged in a fluid connection 81, 82 between the liquid Inlet 43 and tbs liquid outlet 44 of the mixing unit 9. This spraying liquid valve 80 may be used for providing clean wafer for spraying in the external cleaning system 300.

Further, the mixing unit 9 has a gas inlet 53, which Is fluidly connected the gas outlet 5T of the source of pressurized gas/comeressor SI via suitable gas piping 52. The flow of gas (air) to the mixing unit may be controlled by a gas supply valve 50, which In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 is provided in the fluid connection piping 52 between the source of pressurized gas/oompressor 51 end the gas inlet 53 of the mixing urut 9. However, in other embodiments (not shown) the gas supply valve 50 may be arranged Inside the mixing unit 9.

Vel further. the mixing unit S nas s number of cleaning agent inlets 37, 38, 39. which are fluidly connected with the cleaning agent sources 33, 34, vra cleaning agent input lines 35. 36, which as formed by suitable tubes or pipes. The flow of cleaning agents to the mixing device 9 may be controlled by cleaning agent valves 30, 31 arranged In the re5 spective cleaning agent input lines 33, 36. in alternative embodiments (net shown) cleaning agent valves may instead be located inside the mixing unit 9.

The cleaning device 2 may further be connected to an electrical power supply (not shown) via o suitable cable (not shown) In order to supply electrical power to the wafer pump 41 and the compressor 51, and/or any further valves, actuators as described below. arid the control system 200 for the cleaning device 2 and cleaning system 1.

The wafer pump 41. the compressor 50, the mixing unit 9. and further components of the cleaning device 2 may placed inside a housing, not shown. However, they may also bo distributed in different locations and connected via suitable tubing

The illustrated mixing unit 9 may be a wall or floor mountable device, but it could in alternative embodiments be placed on a wheeled chassis, whereby a mobile cleaning device 2 could be provided.

The pressurized water provided by the water pump 41, i.e. at the purnp outlet 41, may have has a pressure of between 3 bar and 60 bar. preferably between 10 bar and 60 bar, even more preferably between 20 bar and 60 bar. Hereby is achieved that sufficient pressure is provided by the water pump 41 in order to suck (see explanation of injector

2.5 function below) a first cleaning agent anchor a second ciesn-ng agent, even when an air pressure provided by the compressor 51 (for foaming) is supplied to an injector 100 of the mixing unit 9, This will be explained below. The air pressure provided by the compressor 51 is preferably around 5-10 bar.

Water vapor con carry confsnicus/infectious gems, which can pose a real health hazard to the operators performing cleaning work in for example the food industry. However, by keeping the water pressure below 60 bar or below 40 bar, it rs assured that Use health risk associated with water vapor earned infections is minimized, while at the same time providing sufficient pressure in order to suck up the first or second cleaning agent for cleaning or disinfection purposes. Prefer ably, the water provided by the wafer supply to the inlet 41' of the water pump 41 has a pressure of less than 10 bar. preferably less than, 8 bar.

Further, ano as shown in Fig. 5, the cleaning system 1 and the cleaning device 2 corn5 prises a control system 280, for controlling the operation of the cleaning device 2 and In some embodiments the external cleaning system 300, which may form pad of the cleaning system 1 of the invention.

The control system 200 controls at least th© cleaning device 2 The control system 200 comprises a control unit 201. The control unit 201 may be any suitable electronic processing unit available. The control unit 201 may be connected to various sensors end actuators via suitable cables or wirelessiy.

Thus, the control unit 201 may control the operation ortho pump 41, which forms part of the source of iiquld/water for the cleaning device 2. The pump 41 may preferably be a variable pump driven by a motor 210, connected to end controlled by the control unit 201, via a control connection 211 As mentioned above the control connection may be a cable or a wireless connection.

The control unit 201 also may control the operation of the injector valve 40. The injector vaive 40 may be controlled by an actuator 240. connected to and controlled by the control unit 201. via a control connection 241. As mentioned above the control connection 241 may be a cable or a wireless connection. In Flo. 5, the actuator 241 -s represented by the symbol of a magnetic actuator, and is illustrated within the mixing unit 9. However.

it must be emphasized thai the actuator 240 may in other embodiments, see e.g. Figs. 4A, 4B, physically be located outside of and adjacent to the mixing unit S housing 10, and connected to the injector valve 40 vis e.g. a shaft extending through a wall of the housing 10. Further. It must be emphasized that the aciuatci 240 may he of a different type than a magnetic actuator. For the injector valve the actuator may e.g. be a pneu30 mafic actuator (which may be supplied by the compressor 51 (not shown) or by an addifiohal spuroe :0f pressurized gas or Md (net shewn)X. which:in Itself may ha controlled: by an electrical actuator such as a magnetic actuator.

Further, the control unit 201 also may control the operation oft.be spraying liquid valve

80. The spraying liquid valve 80 may be controlled by an actuator 280, connected to and controlled by li ve control unit 201, via a control connection 281. As mentioned above the control connection 281 may be a cable or a wireless connection, in Flo 5, the actuator 280 is represented by the synrboi of a magnetic actuator, and is illustrated within the mixing unit 9. However, it mast be emphasized that the actuator 280 may in other embodiments, see e.g. Figs. 4A, 4S_; physically be located outside of and adjacent to the mixing unit Ö housing 10, and connected to the spraying liquid valve 80 via e.g. a shaft extending through a wall of the housing 10. Further, it must be emphasized that the actuator 280 may be of a different type than a magnetic actuator. For the spraying liquid valve 80, the actuator may e.g. be a pneumatic actuator (which may os supplied by the compressor 51 (not shown) or by an additional source of pressurized gas or fiord (not shown)), which in Itself may be controlled by an electrical actuator such as a magnetic actuator.

Yet further, the control unit .201 may control the operation of the gas supply valve 50. The gas supply valve 50 may be controlled by an actuator 250. connected to and con15 tmiled by the control unit 201. via a control connection 251, As mentioned above the control connection 251 may be a cable or a wireless connection. In Fig, 5, the actuator 250 is represented by the symbol of a magnetic actuator, and Is illustrated outside the housing 10 of the mixing unit 9, along with the gas supply valve 50. However, It must be emphasized that the actuator 250 and the gas supply valve may in other embodiments (not shown), physically be located inside the mixing unit 9 housing 10. Alternatively, in a further embodiment, (not shown), the gas supply valve 50 may be located Inside the bousing 10 of the mixing unit 9. and the actuator 250 may ba located externally of and adjacent to housing 10 of the mixing unit 9, and connected to the gas supply valve 50 via e.g. a shaft extehdingrth rough a wall of the (housing 10. Further,. It must be emphs25 sized that the actuator 250 may be of a different type than a magnetic actuator.

Yet further, the control unit 201 may control the operation of the each of the cleaning agent valves 30, 31. The cleaning agent valves 80, 81 may be controlled by actuators 280, 282. connected f.o and controlled by the control unit 201, via control connections

281, 233, respectively As mentioned above the control connections 231, 233 may be cables or wireless connections. In Fig. 5, the actuators 230. 282 are represented by the symbol of a magnetic actuator, and are Illustrated as located outside the housing 10 of the mixing unit. 9, along with the cleaning agent valves 30, 31, However it roust be emphasized that the actuators 280, 232 and The cleaning agent valves 30, 81 may in other embodiments (not shown), physically be located inside the mixing unit 9 housing 10. Alternatively, in a further embodiment (not shown), on or more of the cleaning agent valves 30, 31 may be located inside the housing 10 ci the mixing unit 9, and one or more ci the actuators 230. 232 may be located externally of and adjacent to housing 10 of the mixing unit 9. and be connected to the cleaning agent valve 30, 31 via e g. a shaft ex tending through a wall of the housing 10. Further, it must be emphasized that die actuators 230, 232 may be of a different type than a magnetic actuator.

Fig. 5 further shows that the cleaning device 2 according to the invention may be connected to an extended cleaning system 300. A suitable piping 310 of the extended cleaning system 300 may foe connected to the liquid outlet 44 of the mixing unit 9. The piping 310 may extend to a plurality of locations where cleaning is expected io be necessary, e.g. different rooms or machines, such as food packing machines, etc. The piping may thus have several branches 311,312,313 supplying water, mixture of water and a clean ing agent or foam to cleaning cutlets 331, 332, 333. In Fig. 5 three branches 311, 312. 313 are shown. It will however be appreciated that alternatively the tubing 310 may branch into only two, or several more branches, or net branch of at. all.

Further, each cleaning outlet 331. 332, 333 may comprise delivery nozzles 340, Each cleaning outlet 331, 332, 333 may comprise a number of delivery nozzles 340 in Fig. 5 it. has been shown that cleaning outlet 331 has five delivery nozzles 340, cleaning outlet 334 has three delivery nozzles 340, and cleemno outlet 333 has one delivery nozzles. It Is however evident, that the number of delivery nozzles 340 may be adapted to the purpose.

The supply of water, water/cleaning agent mixture or foam to the cleaning outlet may be controlled by outlet control valves 321,322, 323. The outlet control valves 321, 322, 323 may in turn foe controlled by the control system 200. Thus, the control unit 201 may control the operation of the each of the outlet control valves 321, 322. 323 The outlet control valves 321, 322, 323 may be controlled by actuators '261, 262, 263 connected to and controlled by the control unit 201, vis control connections 27Q, 271, 272, 273. As mentioned above the control connections 270, 271, 272. 273 may be cables or wireless connections. in Fig. 5, the actuators 261.262, 263 are represented by the symbol of a magnetic actuator. It must be emphasized that the actuators 261, 262, 263 may be of a different type than a magnetic actuator.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a mixing unit 9, which forms pad of a cleaning device 2 according to one aspect of the invention. The mixing unit 9 comprises a housing 10

Inside the housing 10, the mixing unit 9 has a mixing chamber located inside an Injector 100. The injector 100 is arranged inside the housing 10.

The mixing unit utilizes the injector pr -nciple for mixing a water and one or more cleaning S agent. The injector principle utilizes that when water is rinder pressure is led through a channel with a decreasing and increasing cross-sectional ares (in the direction of the

How of the water) and a channel is formed to intersect the water flow chamber then a vacuum is formed in the intersecting channel. This vacuum sucks a cleaning agent Into the chamber where the water flows. There, the cleaning agent starts to mix with the water. Thus, the cleaning agent may be transported Into the flowing water without the use of pumps. This principle is well known and will net be discussed further. Also, known In the art, is to subsequently add gas/air under pressure to the wafer/cleanlng agent mixture in order to provide a foam. Various principles for adding air/gas for foaming are known in the art, and provides foam of varying qualities and quantities. One principle is to fot the gas/air impinge on the stream of water/cleaning agent mixture. Another, principle is Inject air/gas in parallel with the flow of water/cieaning agent mixture. Both of the principles may be used in the present context. However, further below a specific embodiment of the totter principle Is described.

Fig. 2 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a mixing unit 9 for supplying fosrn and/or wafer/cleaning agent mixture and/or pure 'wafer for cleaning. The illustrated mixing unit S comprises s housing 10 having a Nquid/water inlet 43 for receiving pressurized Ilquid/water. The water is supplied to the water inlet 43 via a suitable pipe, liquid supply tubing 42, as described above. The liquid supply tubing 42 may be connected to the mixing unit via a connector 43'. which may secured to trie mixing unit 9, e.g. by cooperating threading (not shown) on the mixing unit 9 and connecter 43', or by other fastening means. Further, the connection rosy be water tight, by application of a suitable gasket 43 such as an G-ring.

The housing 10 also Isas a gas Inlet 53 for receiving pressurized gas. preferably ah' from compressor 51 as described above. The gas inlet 53 may comprise a connector 53’, allowing easy connection to the hose, tube, or pipe forming the gas piping 52 described in connection with Fig. 5 above. The connector 53’ may be connected to the mixing device 9, e.g. by cooperating threading (riot shown) on the mixing unit 9 and connector

53', or by other fastening means. Further, the connection may be water tight by application of a suitable gasket {not shown), such as an O-ring.

The housing lu also comprises a fluid outlet 44 for said foam and/or water/cieaning agent mixture and/or pure water. Tire fluid cutlet 44 may comprise a connector 44', allowing easy connection to the hose, tube, or p-pe forming the tubing of external cleaning system 310 described m connection with Fig. 5 above. The connector 44' may be connected to the mixing device 9, e.g. by cooperating threading (net shown) on the mixing unit 9 and connector 44', or by other fastening means. Further, the connection may be water tight by application of a suitable gasket 44” such as an O-hng.

The housing 10 also comprises at least one cleaning agent inlet 87. The cleaning agent Inlet 37 may comprise a connector 37’, allowing easy connection to the hose, tube, or pips: forming the cleaning agent input line described in connection with Fig. 5 above. The ccnnectorS/' may be connected to tine mixing device 9, eg. by cooperating threading {not shewn) on the mixing unit 9 and connector 37^: or by other fastening means.

Further, the connection may be water tight, by application of suitable gasket (not shown) such as an O-ring. In some embodiments, the cleaning agent connector 3?' (or connectors) may be one-way valves in order to prevent a back flow of cleaning agent.

The gas/alr is supplied to the housing 10 via a suitable pipe 52, which is preferable connected with a compressor 51, and the first cleaning agent is supplied to the housing 10 via a suitable pipe 35, which is in fluid communication with a reservoir 33. The water pipe 42 is fluidly connectable to a water pump 41 tor supplying pressurized water to the housing 10 of the mixing unit 9.

The m.x-ng unit 9 further comprises an Iniocfor 100 positioned inside: the housing '10. The injector is received -n an injector receiving port 70 in the housing 10, as may be appreciated by comparing e.g Figs 2 and 3. Fig. 3 shows the injector 109 removed from the injector receiving port 70, and Fig. 2 shows the Injector 100 In place in the: injector receiving port 70. The Injector 100 is In fluid communication with the fluid outlet 44 via s turbulence chamber 14 formed inside the housing 19 between the injector receiving port 70 and the flute cutlet 44. Preferably, and as shewn In e.g. Fig. 3, the injector receiving pert 70 opens into the turbulence chamber 14 Also, preferably, and as shown in e.g. Fig. 3, the turbulence chamber 14 opens into the fluid outlet 44 of the mixing unit. 9. in the turbulence chamber 14 the water/cieaning agent mix is mixed with air in order io provide foam.

α

As shown in Figs 4A and 8, the mixing unit further comprises an injector valve 40 formed within the housing 10. The flow of liquid (water) through the mixing unit 9 may be controlled by the Injector valve 40, which Is a flow control valve, i.e a valve for controlling the magnitude or volume of water flowing there through per unit of time. The valve may be a ball valve, a seat valve, or any other suitable valve. The Injector valve 40 Is In fluid connection with the liquid inlet 43 vis a channel 64’. The injector valve 40 Is further In fluid connection with the Injector 100 via a liquid supply channel 64. that opens info the above-mentioned injector receiving port 70. Thus, the injector valve 40 is located in the mixing unit 0 in a liquid supply channel 64-, 64’ forming a fluid connection between the liquid inlet 43 and an injector 100 offne mixing unit 9.

As shown in e.g. Flos. 2, 3 and 5, a second flow control valve, a spraying liquid valve 80 may preferably be arranged Inside the housing 10 of the mixing unit 9. The valve may he of the same type as the injector valve 40 The spraying liquid valve 80 Is in fluid communication with the liquid inlet 43 via a channel 81 formed in the housing 10. Further, the spraying liquid valve 80 Is in fluid communication with the turbulence chamber 14, arid thereby the fluid outlet 44. Thus, the spraying liquid valve 80 is arranged In a fluid connection 81, 82 between the liquid inlet 43 and the liquid outlet 44 of the mixing unit S. This spraying liquid valve 80 may be used for providing clean water for spraying in hie external cleaning system 300.

As shown In Figs 2 and 3, the liquid Inlet 43 Is preferably in fluid communication with a distribution chamber 13. The distribution chamber opens into the liquid Inlet 43. The channel 64' io the injector valve 40 and the channel 81 to the spraying liquid valve 80 thus extend from the distribution camber 14.

The injector valve 40 is preferably arranged in an injector valve port 74. The injector valve port 74 is arranged within the housing 10, and adapted for receiving the Injector valve 40. Thus, the above mentioned channel 84’ opens into the Injector port 74 at one (downstream) end and Into the distribution chamber 13 at the ether (upstream) end

Trie spraying liquid valve 80 Is preferably arranged In a spraying liquid valve port 78. The sprsying liquid valve port 78 is arranged within the housing 10, and adapted for receiving the spraying liquid valve port 78 Thus, the above mentioned channel 81 opens into the spraying liquid valve port 78 at one (downstream) end, and info the distribution chamber 13 at the other (upstream) end.

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As described above, in not shown embodiments, an actuator 240 for operating the injector valve may further be arranged inside the housing, and preferably adjacent to the injector valve port 74. However. In the illustrated embodiments, see Figs 4A and B_: the actuator 240 is arranged external to the mixing unit 9 housing 10, but adjacent to a sidewall thereof. A shaft (not shown) extends from the actuator 240 to the injector valve port 74 via a channel or passage (not shown) from the sidewall, where the actuator 240 is located, to the injector valve port 74.

As also described above. In not shown embodiments, an actuator 280 for operating the spraying liquid valve 80 may further be arranged inside the housing, and preferably adjacent to the spraying liquid valve port 78. However. In the illustrated ernbrxtiments, see Figs 4A and 8. the actuator 280 is arranged external to the mixing unit 9 hcussng it), but adjacent to a sidewall thereof. A shaft (riot shewn) extends morn the actuator 280 to the spraying liquid valve port 78 via a channel or passage (not. shown) from, the s-dewall.

where the actuator 280 is located, to the spraying liquid valve port 78.

As shown in Figs 2 and 3, In some smbodimenfs, a further channel 15 may extend from the distribution chamber 13 an outlet 18 formed In a sidewall of the housing 10. As shown in Figs. 4A and B, tl’fe outlet 18 may be formed through a connector 16'. The connector 16’ may allow easy mounting of a hose for manual cleaning in the vicinity of the m · xl ng unit 3,

In further embodiments (not shown) the mixing unit may comprise more than orte; injector

100. such as two or three or more formed inside toe bousing. In this case each Injector may be arranged In Injector receiving port as described above and fluidly connected to a fluid outlet and to the liquid Inlet as described above. In the case where the mixing unit 9 comprises more than one injector 100, the mixing unit may have one injector valve 40 per injector, each arranged in an injector valve port 74 as described above. However, It may also be possible that a plurality of injectors may be connected to a single injector valve 40 arranged in a single Injector valve port 74. as described above. In this case a selector mechanism may be integrated info the housing 10 of the mixing unit 9, the selector mechanism being arranged te switch between liquid supply channel 84 in the mixing unit leading to each of the injectors 100. Such a selector mechanism may further be connected to the control system 200 via an actuator, which may ba integrated Inside the housing 10. or be located externally thereto.

19'

However. an advantage of the mixing unit 9, the cleaning device 2 and the cleaning system 1 according to the invention is that one and only one injector is- necessary,

Preferably, the at least one injector 100 and the injector valve 40 are Integrated within the mixing unit housing 10. Preferably, the cleaning agent connection channels 61, 62, for fluidly connecting the at least one Injector 100 and the sources of cleaning agent 33, 34 are formed within the mixing unit housing 10. Preferably, the liquid supply channel for fluidly connecting the injector valve 40 with the Injector 100 Is formed within the

1Ü mixing unit housing 10. Preferably, the gas supply channel 85, for fluidly connecting the gas supply valve 50 ana the at least one Injector 100 Is formed inside the mixing unit housing 10.

As also mentioned above, the injector 100 (or each injector 100) may be connected to a plurality of sources 33,34 of cleaning agents in Pigs. 2 and 3, for the sake of simplicity, only one cleaning agent connection channel 61 Is shown, the leaning agent connection channel 61 extending from e cleaning agent inlet 37 of the mixing unit 8 to the Injector 100. In the diagram of Fig. 5, two sources 33, 34 _of cleaning agent are Illustrated. As may be appreciated from Fig. 6 a cleaning agent connection channel 61, 62, 63 may extend from each cleaning agent Inlet 37, 38, 39, at an outer surface of the mixing unit 9 housing 10, to the Injector 100. Thus, the embodiment shown in Fig 6, stipulates three cleaning agent connection channels 61, 52, 63. TVs note however, that there may be more cleaning agent connection channels. As shown, a cleaning agent connection channel 61 may either extend directly from the cleaning agent outlet. 37 to trie injector 100 (actually the injector receiving pod '70) or two (or more) inlets 38, 30 may merge via cleaning agent connection channels 82, 63. into a common cleaning agent connection channel 60 formed Inside the housing 10 of the mixing unit 9 in Fig. 6, the cleaning agent channels 81, 62. 63 in the mixing unit 9 are shown to extend from openings in different sidewalls of the mixing device. However, they may also all be formed In the same sidewall. The cleaning agent channels 61, 62. 63 may be distributed in a three dimensional pattern around the injector receiving port 70.

Fig. 2 shows the injector 100 inserted In the mixing unit 9 housing 10. Fig 3 shows the Inlector when separated from the housing. Details of the injector 100 can be appreciated from Fig. 3. However, Fig. 14 show more details of the injector 100

Fig. 14 shows a section through an Injector 100 according to an aspect of the invention. The injector 100 has an injector body 101. The injector body 101 is elongate, generally cylindrical in structure. Thus, injector 100 has a longitudinal axis; A. The elongate injector body 101 has first end 102 and a second end 103 apposite to the first end 102

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An elongate Injector chamber I KJ is formed centrally within in the injector body 101. The injector chamber 110 comprises two sections, a first section 111 and a second section 112 opening info an Injector outlet 113. The injector outlet 113 is formed in an end wall 114 of the injector body 101, at the second end 103 (the cutlet end of the injector 100).

At the end opposite to the Injector outlet 113, the first section 111 of the injector chamber 110 has an injector inlet US. The injector inlet 115 also is in fluid connection with one or more cleaning agent bores 118, 117. In Fig. 14. two cleaning agent bores 116, 117 are shown in the Injector body 101 extending in a direction perpendicularly to the longitudinal axes A of the injector 100. It will be appreciated, ihsf in other, not shown embod15 Irnents, the injector 100 may comprise one or three, or four or more cleaning agent bores 118, 117. It may also be noted, that the cleaning agent bores 116, 117 does not necessarily need to be formed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A of the injector 100, but may more generally be formed at an angle with the longitudinal axis A, however such that the cleaning agent bores 116,117 will Intersect with the injector chamber 110 at the injector inlet 115. Each of the cleaning agent bores 116, 117 has an inlet I16', 11respectively, at an outer surface 118 of the injector body 101.

It may further be appreciated, that the Inlet 1167 117^: of the cleaning agent bores 116, 117 are formed at a place where the outer surface 118 of the injector body 101 has a circumferential groove, cleaning agent groove 119. The cleaning agent groove 119 forms an annular cleaning agent channel 120 (see Fig. 2) around the injector 100 together with the inner surface of the injector receiving port 70 of the mixing unit 9 housing 10, when the injector 180 is inserted in the injector receiving port 70 as shown In Fig. 2 The annular cleaning agent channel 120 serves to distribute tbs cleaning agent. Further, it is dear that fire cleaning aged connection channel 61 of the mixing unit housing 10 opens Info the annular cleaning agent channel 120 in an inlet 121 thereto (Figs 2 and 3) in order to secure that cleaning agent only goes into the annular cleaning agent channel

120 not Into the remainder of the injector receiving port 70 suitable gaskets, such as O rings -may be arranged In annular grooves, gasket grooves 122, 123. which ate formed

DK 179376 Β1

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Ζ. I in the outer surface 118 of the injector body 101. and on either side of the cleaning agent groove 119. In alternative embodiments (not shown), gaskets may instead be provided in grooves formed in the surface offne injector receiving port 70.

Further, the injector comprises a π injector water inlet 124 The injector water Inlet 124 is formed as a bore from the outer surface 118 of the injector body 101 and into the injector body 101 In a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis A of the Injector 100. The Iniector water inlet 124 communicates with s water inlet connection channel 125 formed in the longitudinal O-recflon offne Injector 100 (parallel to longitudinal axis A) that opens into the injector chamber 110 at the Injector mfet 115.

It may further be appreciated, that the injector water intet 124 is formed at a place where the outer surface 118 of tfrø injector body 101 has a circumferential groove, water inlet groove 126. The wafer Inlet groove 126 forms an annular water inlet channel 127 (see Flo 2) around the injector 108 together with a portion of the Inner surface of the injector receiving port 70 of the mixing unit 9 housing 10, when the injector 100 Is inserted in the injector receiving port 70 as shown in Fig. 2. The annular wafer Inlet channel 12.7 serves to distribute the ’water Further if. Is clear that the liquid supply channel 64 In the mixing unit housing TO opens info the annular water Inlet channel 127 in an inlet 128 thereto (Figs 2 and .3).

In orderte secure that water only goes Into the annular water inlet channel 127, and not into the remainder of the injector receiving port 70 suitable gaskets, such as O-rings may be arranged in annular grooves, gasket grooves 122, 128, which are formed in the outer surface 118 of the Injector body 101, and on either side offne water inlet groove 126. in alternative embodiments (not shown), gaskets may instead be provided in grooves formed In the surface of the iniector receiving port 70.

Thereby, pressurized liquid, preferably m the form of water, may be transported from the pump 141 via the liquid supply channel 64 In the mixing unit housing 10 into the annular wafer inlet chanrtei 127 and further info the Iniector wafer Inlet 124. and the wafer inlet connection channel 125 passing the injector inlot 115, and further info the Injector chamber 110 and out the Injector outlet 113. When the pressurized water passes the Injector Inlet 115. a vacuum Is created In the cleaning agent bores 116, 117 and further the in annular cleaning agent channel 120. Thereby, cleaning agent will be sucked fron’ the cleaning agent source 33, 34 into the annular cleaning agent channel 120 via the cleaning agent connection channel 51 of the mixing unit housing 10. In the injection chamber 110, water and cleaning agent is thereby mixed

The injector outlet 113 is fluidly connected to the fluid outlet 44 of the housing 10 via a turbulence chamber 14 formed within the housing 1Ö. As Illustrated in e.g. Fig. 14, the Injector inlet 115 has a narrower cross section than the cross section of the injector outlet 113.

As wdl be further appreciated from Fig. 3 and Fig. 14, the outer surface 118 of the injector body 101 has a further circumfereritiai groove, gas groove 130. The gas groove 130 forms an annular gas inlet channel 131 (see Fig. 2} around the Injector 100 together with a portion of the inner surface of the Injector receiving port 70 of the housing 10 of the mixing unit 9, 'when fee injector 100 Is inserted in tire injector receiving port 70 as shown in Fig. 2, The annular gas Inlet channel 131 serves to distribute the gas (air). Further It is clear that gas supply channel 65 in mixing unit housing 10 opens into the annular gas inlet channel 131 in an inlet 132 thereto (Figs 2 arid 3). When the injector 100 is in place In the Injector receiving pert 70 In the mixing unit 9, the annular gas inlet channel 131 is in fluid communication with the turbulence chamber 14, via one or more helical grooves

2.0 133 formed in the outer surface 118 of a portion 134 of the Injector body 101, and via a gap 135 between a cylindrical end portion 136 at the second (outlet) end 103 of the injector body and the Inner surface of the injector receiving port 70. The one or mere helical grooves 133 formed In the outer surface 118 forms a helical channel 137 between the helical groove 133 and the Inner surface of the Injector receiving port 70, when the injector Is in place in the injector receiving port 70 as shown In Fig, 2.

Thereby, the helical grooves 133 and the gap 135 forms a swirling stream of air around the stream of water and cleaning agent mixture exiting from the Injector outlet 113. Experiments has shown that this provides an improved foaming effect.

We note that the helical grooves 123 ere only used In certain aspects of the invention. In other aspects of the invention an acceptable foaming effect may be obtained using ether types of air injection as mentioned above.

We also note, that In principle, the helical grooves .may alternatively be formed In the surface of the injector receiving port 70 (not shown·.

When, as described above, the injector 100 has cm injector weder inlet 124 formed in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis A of the injector 110 it allows the Insertion and retraction of the injector 100 from the housing 10 of the mixing unit 9. through a wall 22 thereof. This means that Instead of the cleaning device comprising numerous injectors, with various capacities for providing foam and/or water/cieansng agent mixture, the Injector may instead easily be exchanged with another injector 100 with a different capacity..

The interchangeability of the injectors 100 is further supported by the above described cleaning device 2 where the Injector 100 has an elongate injector body 191 with a first end 102 and an outlet end 103 opposite to the first end 102:

the outlet end 103 has smaller maximum dimension d2. than a maximum dimension d i of the Injector body at the first end 102;

wherein the injector body 101 only has a decreasing maximum dimension from the first end 102 to the outlet end 103, wherein the injector body '101 comprises means for releaseably connecting the injector to a portion 70 of the housing 10 of the mixing unit 9.

The maximum dimension di oed d2 of the Injector body IQ 1 at the first end 102 arid at the outlet end 193 is the largest cress sectional extent (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A) of the injector body at those locations. Preferably, the injector body 101 Is cylindrical. or formed from generally cylindrical portions 134.136. 143, 144,145 in that case the maximum dimensions corresponds to diameters, in the shown embodiments the maximum dimension di at the first end 102 is the dimension (diameter) of the portion 145 of the injector body, fo the shown embodiments the maximum dimension ex at the outlet end 103 is the dimension (diameter) of the portion 134 of the injector body 101, wherein the heiicei grooves 133 are formed.

Sy the injector body 101 only having a decreasing maximum dimension from the first end 1Ö2 to the outlet end 103, is meant that none of the portions 144, 143, in between the two maximum dimension d1 and d2 exceeds that of a previous portion as seen from the first end 102 to the outlet end 193. in this context, the above-mentioned grooves 119. 126.130 and the gasket grooves 122. 123, 129 ere not counted with. Further, the gaskets (O-rings) 138,13S. 140 ars not counted either as these are at least partly compressible.

8y the injector body 101 composing means tor releaseahiy connecting the injector 100 5 to a portion 70 of the housing 10 of the mixing unit S is meant e g. that one or more of the cylindrical portions 143, 144, or 145 may be provided with means such as a threading (141, not shown in Fig, 14-), which is configured to cooperate with connection means, such as corresponding threading (142 not shown io f-g. 14) In a section of the injector receiving port 70 In the mixing unit 9. Apart from threading, other connection means known In the art may be used e.g. latches, bayonet fixtures, etc.

We note that, corresponding to the max-mum dimensions of the cylindrical portions 135, 143, 144, or 145, the Injector receiving port 70 comprises sections 70-1, 70-2, 70-3 and 70-4 of Increasing maximum dimensions from the end at the turbulence chamber 14 to the opposite end.

As mentioned above the mixing unit housing 10 is preferably formed as a solid block 11 of material, and the at least one injector 100 is arranged in an Injector receiving port 70 which Is formed as a bore In the block 11. Further, the Injector valve 40, is arranged In an injector receiving port 74 formed as a bore In the block 11). Yet. further, the cleening agent connection channels 61,62. 63, the wafer supply channel 64 and the gas supply channel 65 are preferably formed as bores in the block 11.

Thus, preferably, the housing 10 is formed from a solid block 11 of a uniform material as an Integrated unit. The illustrated mixing unit 9 may preferably be manufactured from a metal alloy, e g. stainless steel. Hereby, a robust mixing unit 9, which can withstand pressures up to 60 bar without malfunction or any noticeable leakage may be obtained. Also, it is obtained that weldings may be omitted or reduced in relation to the fluid con nections of the cleaning device 2.

The block 11 may as shown -n Figs 4A and S be an elongate box. shaped structure, having two end surfaces 20, 21 and four side surfaces 22, 23, 24, 25 However, in not shown embodiments, the block 11 may have other shapes e g. cyllnarleal.

The injector 100 may be arranged In a bare of stepwise decreasing maximum dimension (injector receiving pert 70) in the block 11, this bore being provided In one -side surface (a bottom surface) 22 of the block 11. The fluid outlet 44 of the mixing un-t 9 may be provided through an opposite side surface 23 (top surface). The turbulence chamber 14 is preferably provided as a bore through this side surface 23.

The cleaning agent connection channel 61_; 62, 63, and the gas supply channel 65 may preferably be formed as bores through on or both of further sidewalls 24, 25, as are the bores for shafts for connecting the actuators 240, 280 to the injector valve 40 and the spraying liquid valve 80, respectively.

The injector valve 40 and the spraying liquid waive 80 are, as described above, arranged in an Injector valve port 74 and a spraying liquid valve port 78. respectively. These ports 74, 78 may, in not shown embodiments, be formed as bores through one of the free sidewalls 22, 23, 24, 25.

However, in a preferred embodiment, and as strewn in rigs. 2 and 3, the block 11 pray preferably comprise a main block portion 1T and a lid block portion 11. The Sid block portion 11 may be provided in extension of an end wall 20' of the main block portion IT. Tine lid block portion IT’ is preferably formed in the same material as the main block portion IT. The distribution chamber 13, the liquid inlet 43, and the channels 81 and 64' are preferably provide as bores in the lid block portion IT'. The injector valve port 74 and a spraying liquid valve port 78 are then formed as bores in through the main block portion IT, and the lid block portion 11 Is then used to secure the Injector valve 40 and hie .spraying liquid valve 80 in the injector valve port 74 and a spraying liquid valve port 78. The lid block portion 1T' may be connected fo the main portion 1T by use of suitable fasteners, such as bolts (net shown).

Returning now to Fig. 14, the Injector 100 may preferably comprise a tool receiving lock 146 arranged at the portion 145 of the injector 100 at the first end thereof. The tool receiving lock 146 Is preferably formed as a depression In fine end wall 104 of the injector 100. opposite the Injector outlet. 113. Preferably, this tool receiving lock 146 has a polygonal cross sectional shape tin a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A). e.g a hexagonal shape. The tool receiving Sock 148 may thereby allow rotation of the injector by a tool (not shown) having a correspondingly shaped cross-sectional shape. Thereby, the injector may be secured in the injector receiving port 70 ···· or released therefrom.

Figs. 7A-F shows tiie Injector 100 in varices positions relative to the injector receiving port 70 in mixing unit 9. in Fig. ?A. the injector 100 is inserted totally into the injector receiving peri 70 of toe mixing unrt 8, and Is ready for use. In Fig. 76 the injector 100 has beer! released trom the mating connection means, and has been slightly displaced relative to the housing 10. in Figs 7C, the injector 100 has been further displaced away from Is connected location, in Fig. 7D, the Injector is seen completely removed from the injector receiving pert 70. in this figure, the conespending shapes {dimension of sections of the injector 100 and the Injector receiving port 70) can be seen very clearly

In Figs 7E and 7F, the inlector 100 and the housing 10 Is again seen tn a disassembled (Fig. 7E) and an assembled state (Fig. 7F). In the two figures, the above-mentioned hexagonal shape of a tool receiving lock 146 is clearly visible.

Fig. 8, in a partly sectional, perspective view, shows an embodiment of the housing 10 of tlie mlx;ng unit 9 according to a further aspect of the invention, where the cleaning device 2 further comprises means for rinsing the Inlet 121 of a cleaning agent connection channel 61. -62, 63 of the mixing unit 9 housing 10, where the cleaning agent connection channel 61, 82, 68 opens into the Injector receiving port 79, or more particularly, where the cleaning agent connection channel 61, 62, 63 opens into the annular cleaning agent channel 120 formed between the injector receiving port 70 and cleaning agent groove 119, when the injector Is inserted In the Injector receiving port 70, as described above.

In connection with sucking cleaning agents Info the injector 100, residues of the cleaning agent, that are deposited in and around the injector 100 during use, may dry up and .25 crystalize, if the Injector' is not used for a while. This may cause the injector to clog up and will not function correctly, until it has been dismounted and rinsed. Thus, there is a need for an integrated rinsing system as indicated.

Fig. 8 shews that the housing TO of the mixing unit 9 may be substantially as described above. Fig. 8 also shows an injector 100, which is partly released horn the injector receiving poo 70. Also shown in the figure are three cleaning agent connectors 37‘. 88', 39^s corresponding to those described above and arranged In inlets 37,38, 39 of cleaning agent connection channels 61, 62, 63, respectively, in Fig. 8, the cleaning agent connection channels SI, 62,63 converge into a common cleaning agent connection channel

60 as is described above in connection with Fig. 6. However, the rinsing system may also be applied to embodiments, where the cleaning agent connection channels 51, 82.

Λ. t are individual channels. Fig. 8 further discloses a rinsing channel 86 for providing rinsing water to the area around the connection 121. The wafer is provided via a source of water 49, which Is preferably the same pump 41 as described above, The pump 41 Has a fluid connection to a rinsing valve (not shown in Fig. S). which may be provided inside the housing 10, or externally. This rinsing valve is operated by an actuator 290, which may be connected to the control unit 201 of the control system either by suitable cable or wirelessly (not shown in Fig. 5). Thereby, areas exposed to cleaning agents can be rinsed by water entering through the rinsing channel 66 and out through the injector 100,

Flo, 9 illustrates a more preferred embodiment of a rinsing function for a cleaning device according to this aspect of the invention. Fig. 9 shows a section through a mixing device 9 with an injector 100. basically as described above in connection to Figs. 2~7F and Fig.

14. A cleaning agent connector 37’ is arranged In a cleaning agent inlet 37 of the mixing unit 9. The cleaning agent connector 37' Is preferably connected to a cleaning agent valve 30 as described in connection with Fig. 5 above, and via a suitable tubing, such as a rubber or plastic tubing. Thus, the rinsing function according to this embodiment does not. require any further channels (bores, tubing) or valves and actuators. Instead, the rinsing function is provided by the cleaning device 2 having the function build into a control system 200 as described above, wherein theteontroi system 2Ö8 is connected to the actuators 230, 232 of the cleaning agent valve 30, 31, arid wherein the control unit 201 Is connected to the actuator 240 of the injector valve 40, and where the cr.mt.rol system 200 Is configured to shut of the cleaning agent valve 30, 31, while - at the same time - controlling the actuator 240 of the injector valve 40 to pulse the water flow through the Injector 100, I.e to turn on and off the water flow through the injector 100. This provides a flow bach and forth in the cleaning agent connection channels 81,62, 83.

When the injector 100 Is considered to need to be rinsed, the one or more cleaning agent valves 30, 31 are closed. Consequently, the cleaning agent(s) Is prevented from Rowing to the injector 190, while water Is still allowed to flow through The Injector 109 (In pulses). Thereby, a pulsing suction is provided in the clean-no agent connection channels 81, 62, 83 inside the m-xing unit 9, but possibly also In the tubing 35, 38, and a part of the cleaning agent residues In the cleaning agent connect-on channels 61. 62, 63 and/or in the tubing 35, 38, will be sucked Into and through the injector 100, and into the tubing 310 of external cleaning system 300. This may occur because of a flexibility of the tubing 35, 38. which, when a suction ;s prov-ded, may become marginally thinner.

2.8

The volume of the tubing 35, 35 thus becomes smaller When the water flow through the injector 100 is cut of, the vacuum will disappear and the tubing return to it’s normal volume. Thereby, cleaning agent residues, in and around the injector 100 will be withdrawn to the tubing 35, 36. By repeating this process (I.e. pulsing) a number of times, the channels and the chamber 120 (i e, the annular cleaning agent channel between the injector receiving port 70 and cleaning agent groove 118) around the Injector 100 will be emptied completely from cleaning agent residues, and only water will remain..

In a further aspect, the previously described rinsing function may be implemented In a 10 method for operating a cleaning device 2 as described above, and where the method comprises the steps of dosing a cleaning agent valve 30, 31, while controlling the actuator 240 of the Injector valve 40 to pulse the water flow through the Injector 1 GO.

Turning now to Fig. 10, a generalization of the clean-ng system 1 of Fig. 5 Is shown. The 15 figure Illustrates a function for preventing so-called water hammering.

if is a challenge, when shutting down a high velocity, high pressure liquid flowthrough a valve, to avoid pressure shocks backwards In the system. The phenomenon is also called wafer hammering, or simply hammering. In the case of cleaning systems 1 ss described above, pressure shocks, or hammering, will have an impact on the life expectancy of pump 41, sensors, gaskets and other components In the effected location.

According to a further aspect of the invention, hammering may be reduced by shutting down valves such as the injector valve 40 slowly. But, since users of a cleaning system

1, may freely exchange valves as they see fit, a manufacturer of a cleaning system 1 may not control the closing rate of all valves. Consequently, the water hammering rmcy be significant In practical systems. The injector valves 40 and outlet valves 321, 322, 323, described in connection with the cleaning system 1 above, may be adapted to minimize water hammering when leaving the factory. But, if the valves are replaced at. the customer side, water hammering may again become a problem. Therefore, there is a need to build-in a function that may reduce wafer-hammering in cleaning systems 1. such as described above. The problem may be solved by a suitable control implemented in the control system 200 of the cleaning system 1 described above. In this control system 200, knowledge of the times at which the individual valves are to be opened and closed Is built-In. As a consequence, it will be possible to regulate the pressure a short interval of rime before a scheduled or intended dosing of a particular valve.

The control involves regulating the pressure provided by pump 41, alternatively stopping the pump 41 ail-together, 3 number of seconds, such as 1 -10 seconds, preferably such as I-5 seconds, before a valve is to be closed. By this regulation it will be possible to

S reduce the velocity of the water flow in a branch 310, 311, 312, 313 of a fluid distribution system, such as the system 300, shown In Fig. 10, or the extended cleaning system 300 of Figs. 5. Thereby, the water hammering is minimized, end a prolonged life of the components of the cleaning system may be obtained.

Turning now to Figs. 11-14. the figures illustrate in further detail, the principle of a swirling gas fair; flow, describe above Fig. 11 Is a partly sectional, perspective view through a housing 10 of a mixing unit and an injector. In Fig. 11, the housing 10 Is sectioned at the Injector receiving port 70, and the injector 100 is shown υη-sectioned and in perspective. In Fig 11 the swirling air is represented by the arrows 400. 401, 402, 403. Gas

IS (air) is injected via the gas supply channel Go In the mixing unit Sr as indicated by the arrow^- 404. and entered into the annular gas inlet channel 131 formed between the inner surface of injector receiving port 70 and the gas groove 130 in outer surface 118 of injector body 101, as explained above In connection with Fig 14. Gleaning agent Is sucked Into the injector 100 via the first cleaning agent connection channel 01 as indi20 sated by arrow 405. Further, water Is Injected into the injector 100 via liquid supply channel 64. as indicated by the arrow 406 in Fig.l 1. The wafer and cleaning agent will mix In the injector chamber 110 and exit mixed through the injector outlet 113 os indicated by the arrow 407 in Fig. 1Ö,

Also, In Flo. 11 a threading 141 on the portion 145 of the injector 100 is clearly illustrated, the threading 141 cooperating with a corresponding threading 142 on the inside surface of the Injector receiving port 70 of the housing 10.

Now turning to Fig 13, this figure shows details of the portion 134. in which the helical grooves 133 are located. From the figure, it may appreciated that 3 helical chsnnei 137 is formed between the helical groove 133 and flse inner surface of the injector receiving port 70. At least one such channel 137 is formed, but preferably a plurality of channels 137 are formed. In the shown embodiment, rand as most clearly visible in Fig. 12. four channels 137 are formed. Also, clearly visible in Fig. 13 is the inlet 132 from trie gras supply channel 65 of the mixing unit Ö. Also, Fig. 13 cleady visualizes that the outlet 113 in the end wail 114 of the injector body 101 at outiet/second end 103 of Injector body

101 is; -formed on a platform provided by the cylindrical portion 136, which extends further in the direction of the second end 103, than the portion 134 with the helical groove 133. Thereby, when the Injector 100 is arranged in the injector receiving port 70, a small gap 135 is provided between injector receiving port 70 and the outer surface 115 of the injector body 101 of the cylindrical portion 130. This gap 135 allows to format the swirling air flow around the injector outlet 113, before the air flew enters the turbulence chamber 14

In the embodiments shown throughout the figures, the portlc-n 136 of the body 101 of the Injector 100 Is shown and described as a cylindrical object. However, in further embodiments (not shown), a sidewall 105 may show an outward taper in the direction from th« first end 102 towards trie second end 103 of the portion 136 ol the body 101 of the injector 100. Thus, in side view, fi te portion 13S would appear to have a corneal section. This may aid in dimensioning the airflow. The diameter ri4 of the portion 13S at the end wail 114 may thereby be increased to minimize the gap 135. This may ismit/controi the air-flow through the gap 135, while still allowing the swirl to create and develop in the space of fne gap 135.

Now referring to Fig 12, the figure shews a front view of an Injector 100 Inserted in the Injector receiving port 70 of a mixing unit. S. The turbulence chamber 14 is tire outmost facing surface. The inner circle of the figure shows the Injector Inlet 115 The next circle outward indicates the injector cutlet 113. The area between this circle end the next is the top surface 114 of the cylindrical portion 136, which forms the aforementioned extension ahead of the portion 134 whore the heiicai grooves 133 are formed. The area between this circle and foe next depict the gap ‘135. The heiicai grooves 133 and thereby tire helical channels 137 are shown with their exit into the gaplob.

Preferably, the Injector 100 is positioned within the mixing unit 9 for providing a gap 135 around ttie injector outlet 132. This gap 135 is fluidly connected to the gas inlet 53 of the housing 10 for allowing -gas (air) to pass between the Injector outlet 132 and a portion of the injector receiving port 70 of the housing 10 and mix with foe first cleaning agent arid water mixture at trie turbulence chamber 14 and/or the fluid outlet 44 of the housing 10 to form foam.

When an injector is replaced with another Injector, the ratio between the cress sectional area of the injector outlet and the cross sectional area of the helical channels 137 must remain constant, in order to obtain the same quality of foam, at different quantities.

Although the teaching of this application has been described -n detail for purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose, and variations can be made therein by those skilled in the ah without departing from the scope of the teaching of this application

The term comprising“’ as used In the claims Poes not exclude other elements or steps. The term a” or an as used in the claims does not exclude a plurality. The single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several means recited In the claims.

List oi reference numbers

A longitudinal axis of Injector cleaning system cleaning device mixing unit housing of mixing unit block ’ m ain part of block

Hid pad of bioek distribution chamber of mixing unit turbulence chamber of mixing unit channel from distribution chamber outlet of channel from distribution chamber

16’ connector at outlet of channel from distribution chamber end surface (outer surface) of housing of mixing unit end surface (outer surface) of housing of mixing unit side surface-bottom surface {outer surface) of housing of mixing unit side surface/top surface (outer surface) of housing of mixing unit side surface (outer surface) of housing oi mixing unit side surface (outer surface) of housing of mixing unit cleaning agent valve - valve for regulating flow of cleaning agent from a I source of a cleaning agent cleaning agent valve valve for regulating flow of cleaning scent from a 2^nd source of a cleaning agent valve for regulating flow of cleaning agent from a 3^rd source of a cleaning agent

I^s’¹ source of a cleaning agent, reservoir

2^fZJ source of a cleaning agent, reservoir cleaning agent input line cleaning agent input line cleaning agent inlet of mixing unit

37’ cleaning agent, connector cleaning agent inlet of mixing unit

38' cleaning agent connector cleaning agent iniet of mixing unit

39’ cleaning agent connector

	40	injector valve
	41	source of liquid, pump
	4Γ	pump inlet
	41”	pump) cutter
5	42	liquid supply tubing
	43	liquid iniei of mixing unit
	43’	connector, liquid connector
	43”	gasket
	44	fluid outlet of mixing unit
10	44'	connector, gas connector
	44”	gasket
	49	source of liquid
	50	gas supply valve
	51	source of pressurized gas, compressor
15	52	gas piping
	51'	gas cutlet of source of pressurized gas/compressor
	53	gas inlet of mixing unit
	S3’	connector, gas connecter.
	61	first cleaning agent connection channel in mixing unit
20	62	second cleaning agent connection channel in mixing unit
	63	third cleaning agent connection channel in mixing unit
	64	liquid supply channel In mixing unit
	65	gas supply channel in mixing unit
	66	rinsing channel
25	70	injector receiving port in mixing unit
	74	Injector valve receiving port In mixing unit
	78	spraying liquid valve receiving port in mixing unit
	80	spraying liquid valve
30	81	fluid connection between the liquid inlet 43 and the spraying liquid valve 80 in mixing unit
	82	fluid connection between the spraying liquid valve 80 and the liquid outlet 44 in mixing unit
35	100	injector
	101	injector body

First end of injector body second end of injector body/outiet end of injector body end well of injector opposite injector outlet injector chamber first section of Injector chamber second section of injector chamber injector outlet an eno wall offne Injector body al outlet end injector inlet cleaning agent bore in injector cleaning agent bore in injector outer surface of the injector body cleaning agent groove In Injector body annular cleaning agent channel between the injector receiving port end cleaning agent groove inlet of cleaning agent connection channel 61 of the mixing unit housing into annular cleaning agent channel gasket groove in Injector gasket groove in Injector injector water inlei water inlet connection channel water inlet groove in outer surface of injector body annular water inlet channel formed between injector receiving port and water inlet groove inlet of liquid supply channel into annular 'water inlet channel gasket groove gas groove in outer surface of injector body annular gas inlet channel formed between the surface of injector receiving pod and gas groove in outer surface of injector body inlet of gas supply channel In housing into the annular gas Inlet channel helical grooves formed in the outer surface of a portion 134 of the injector body portion of the injector body with helical grooves;

gap between a cylindrical end portion at the second (outlet) end of the Injector body and the Inner surface of the injector receiving port cylindrical end portion at the second (outlet) end of the injector body

137 helical channel formed between the helical groove and the Inner surface of the injector receiving port

138 -gasket, O-dng

139 gasket, O-ring

140 gasket. G-ring di maximum dimension (diameter) or the injector body at the first end Ρ2 maximum dimension (diameter of the Injector body at the outlet end do dimension (diameter) of the portion 134 of the Injector body d4 dimension (diameter) of the Injector outlet 113

141 threading on injector body for connection to the Injector receiving port in mixing wit

142 threading in the housing of the mixing unit

143 portion of injector body

144 portion of injector body

I5 145 portion of Injector body at firs- end

145 fool receiving lock

200 control system

201 control unit

210 pump motor

230 actuator for cleaning agent valve

231 control connection between control unit 200 and actuator 230

232 actuator for cleaning agent valve

233 control connection between control unit 200 and actuator 232

240 actustorfor injector valve 40

241 control connection between control unit 200 and actuator for injector valve 25Ö actuator for gas supply valve 60

251 control connection between control unit 200 and actuator for gas supply valve 261 actuator for outlet control valve

262 actuator for outlet control valve

263 actuator for outlet control valve

270 control connection for actuator for outlet control valve

271 control connection for actuator for outlet control valve

272 control connection for actuator for outlet control valve

273 control connection for actuator for outlet control valve

260 actuator for the spraying liquid valve SO

281 oord.rol connection between control unit 200 and actuator for spraying liquid valve 290 actuator for rinsing valve

300 external cleaning system 5 310 tubing of external cleaning system

311 tubing of external cleaning system, branch

312 tubing of external cleaning system, branch

313 tubing of external cleaning system, branch 321 outlet control valve?

322 outlet control valve

323 outlet control valve

331 cleaning cutlet of external cleaning system

332 cleaning cutlet of externa! cleaning system

333 cleaning outlet of external cleaning system

340 delivery nozzles ai. cleaning outlet

400 arrow, indicating airflow passing away from the Injector

401 arrow, indicating airflow passing away from the injector

402 arrow. Indicating airflow passing away from the Injector

403 arrow, Indicating airflow passing away from the injector

404 arrow, indicating the airflow into the Injector

405 arrow, indicating the flow of cleaning agent into the injector 408 arrow, indicating the flow of liquid/water in to the injector

407 arrow, Indicating the flow of water and cleaning agent mixture from the outlet 113 25 of the tnjeeter.

Claims

claims

A purifier (2) comprising:

a mixing unit (9) comprising a mixing unit housing (10);

- at least one injector (100) for forming foam from liquid, one or more detergents, and gas suppressors;

- at least one detergent valve (30, 31) for supplying detergents which can be connected to a detergent source (33, 34);

an injector valve (40) which can be connected to a source of fluid under pressure (49);

a gas supply valve (50) which can be connected to a source of pressurized gas (51);

characterized in that the at least one injector (100) and the injector valve (40) are integrated into the mixing unit housing (10);

detergent ducts (61, 62, 63) forming a fluid connection between the at least one injector (100) and the detergent source (33, 34) are formed within the mixing unit housing (10) that a fluid supply duct (64) forms a fluid connection between the injector valve (40) and the injector (100) is formed within the mixing unit housing (10); and that a gas supply channel (65) forming a fluid connection between the gas supply valve (50) and the at least one injector (100) is formed within the mixing unit housing (10).

2. I I Claims Nos:

because they relate to parts of the patent application that do not comply with the prescribed requirements to such an extent that no meaningful search can be performed, specifically:

A cleaning apparatus (2) according to claim 1, wherein the injector (100) has an injector water inlet (124) formed in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis (A) of the injector.

A cleaning apparatus (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the injector (100) has an elongated injector body (101) having a first end (102) and an outlet end (103) formed opposite the first end (102);

wherein the outlet end (103) has a smaller maximum dimension than a maximum dimension of the injector body at the first end (102);

the injector body (101) having only a decreasing maximum dimension from the first end to the outlet end (103), and the injector body (101) comprising means for releasably connecting the injector to a portion (70) of the housing (9) of the mixing unit (10) ).

A cleaning apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the mixing unit housing (10) is formed as a solid block (11) of a material, wherein the at least one injector (100) is arranged in a injector receiving port (70) formed as a bore in said block (11);

wherein the injector valve (40) is arranged in an injector valve receiving port (74) formed as a bore in said block (11), and wherein the detergent connection channels (61, 62, 63), the water supply channel (64) and the gas supply channel (65) are formed as bores. the blocks (11).

A cleaning apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein an actuator valve (240) for the injector valve (40) is connected directly to an outer surface (25) of the block (11), and communicates with the injector valve ( 40) via a bore in the block (11).

A cleaning apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1-5, further comprising a liquid spray valve (80) formed in a fluid connection (81, 82) between a liquid inlet (43) for the mixing unit (9) and a liquid outlet (44) from the mixing unit (9), wherein the fluid connection is formed inside the housing and wherein the liquid spray valve (80) is arranged in a liquid spray valve port (78) in the mixing unit.

A cleaning apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising a control system (200), wherein the control system (200) is adapted to control

- each of actuators (230, 232) for controlling the at least one cleaning valve (30, 31),

an actuator (240) for controlling the injector valve (40),

an actuator (250) for controlling the gas supply valve (50), and

an adjustable pump (41).

A purifier (2) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein helical depressions are formed in an outer surface of a portion of the injector body to provide a whirling air flow around an outlet for a mixture of water and a or more cleaning agents sprayed from an injector outlet (113).

A purifier (2) according to any one of claims 1-8, further comprising means for cleaning an inlet (121) of a detergent connection channel (61.62, 63) into an injector receiving port (70) in the mixing device. the unit (9) wherein a control system (200) connected to an actuator (230, 232) for controlling the cleaning valve (30, 31) is configured to shut off the cleaning valve and wherein the control system (200) is connected to an actuator valve (240) for controlling injector valve (40) and configured to simultaneously pulse the water flow through the injector (100).

A method for controlling a purifier (2) according to any one of claims 18, wherein the method comprises the steps of closing the detergent valve (30, 31) and controlling an actuator (240) for controlling the injector valve (40). such that a water flow through the injector (100) is simultaneously pulsed.

A cleaning system (1) comprising a cleaning apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the cleaning system (1) further comprises an external cleaning system (300) and a control system (200), wherein the external cleaning system ( 300) comprises one or more purge outlets (331, 332, 333), each controlled by an outlet control valve (321,322, 323) and each outlet 15 of the control valve (321,322, 323) controlled by an outlet control valve (261,262, 263), the source of pressurized fluid (41) comprises an adjustable pump (41), and wherein the control system is adapted to reduce the fluid pressure to one or more of the purge (331, 332, 333) by controlling the adjustable pump (41). a short time interval before shutting off a take-off control valve (321,322, 323) when a combo mando for closing the take-off control valve (321,322, 323) is received.

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SEARCH REPORT - PATENT Application No. PA 2016 00689 1. 1 1 Certain claims were found unsearchable (See Box No. I). 2. 1 1 Unity of invention is lacking prior to search (See Box No. II). A. CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER B01F 5/04 (2006.01); B 05 B 7/00 (2006.01); B 08 B 3/00 (2006.01) According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC B. FIELDS SEARCHED PCT minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols) CPC, IPC: B05B, B08B, B01F Documentation searched other than PCT minimum documentation DK, NO, SE, FI: IPC classes as above. Electronic database consulted during the search (name of database and, where practicable, search terms used) EPODOC, WPI C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT Category * Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim no. A US 2004/040102 A1 (FIELD, BRUCE F. et al.) 2004.03.04. See especially - paragraph [0035] together with figure 3. A US 2006/0234616 A1 (HOLZWARTH WOLFGANG et al.) 2006.10.19. See whole document A DE 2445689 AI (FINK CHEMISTRY) 1976.04.01. See whole document - A WO 2014/091275 Al (NILFISK-ADVANCE A / S) 2014.06.19. See whole document 1 1 Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C. * Special categories of cited documents: P Document published prior to the filing date but later than the A Document defining the general state of the art which is not priority date claimed. considered to be of particular relevance. T Document not in conflict with the application but cited to D Document cited in the application. An Earlier application or patent but published on or after the filing date. understand the principle or theory underlying the invention. X Document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be considered novel or cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is taken alone. Y Document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is combined with one or more other such documents, such L Document which may throw doubt on priority claim (s) or which is cited to establish the publication date of another citation or other special reason (as specified). O Document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or other betyder. combination being obvious to a person skilled in the art. Document member of the same patent family. Danish Patent and Trademark Office Date of completion of the search report Helgeshøj Allé 81 DK-2630 TaastruD 9 May 2017 Denmark Authorized officer Telephone No. +45 4350 8000 Facsimile No. +45 4350 8001 Bo Gram-Nielsen Telephone No. +45 4350 8206

Search Report

SEARCH REPORT - PATENT Application No. PA 2016 00689 C (Continuation). DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT Category * Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim no.

Search Report

SEARCH REPORT - PATENT Application No. PA 2016 00689 Box No. In Observations where certain claims were found unsearchable

This search report has not been established in respect of certain claims for the following reasons:! □ Claims Nos:

because they relate to subject matter not required to be searched, namely:

3. I I Claims Nos .: because of other matters.

Box No. II Observations where unity of invention is lacking prior to the search

The Danish Patent and Trademark Office found multiple inventions in this patent application, as follows:

Search Report

SEARCH REPORT - PATENT Application No. PA 2016 00689 SUPPLEMENTAL BOX Continuation of Box [.]

Search Report