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    • 专利摘要:
    The present invention relates to a cleaning system and a cleaning device, with a functionality for reducing hammering.
    公开号:DK201600691A1
    申请号:DKP201600691
    申请日:2016-11-08
    公开日:2018-05-22
    发明作者:Søren Andersen；Flemming Asp
    申请人:Nilfisk Food As；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    <1θ> DANMARK <1°> DK 2016 00691 A1
    <12> PATENTANSØGNING
    Patent- og
    Varemærkestyrelsen (51)
    Int.CI.: A 47 L 11/00 (2006.01)
    B 08 B 3/00(2006.01) (21) Ansøgningsnummer: PA 2016 00691 (22) Indleveringsdato: 2016-11-08 (24) Løbedag: 2016-11-08 (41) Aim. tilgængelig: 2018-05-10 (71) Ansøger: Nilfisk Food A/S , Kornmarksvej 1,2605 Brøndby, Danmark (72) Opfinder: Søren Andersen, Bopladsen 35, 9230 Svenstrup J, Danmark Flemming Asp, Lars Dyrskøtsvej 21,9400 Nørresundby, Danmark (74) Fuldmægtig: Budde Schou A/S, Hausergade 3,1128 København K, Danmark (54) Benævnelse: CLEANING SYSTEM WITH PIPE PROTECTION FUNCTION (56) Fremdragne publikationer:
    US 2011047730 A1 US 2004187895 A1 US 2010018990 A1 WO 2014091275 A1 (57) Sammendrag:
    The present invention relates to a cleaning system and a cleaning device, with a functionality for reducing hammering.
    Fortsættes ...
    DK 2016 00691 A1
    DK 2016 00691 A1
    CLEANING SYSTEM WITH PIPE PROTECTION FUNCTION
    The present invention relates to a cleaning system and a cleaning device, with a functionality for minimizing hammering.
    Background of the invention/Background Art
    In the food processing industry, in particular in heavily soiled areas, such as slaughterhouses 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 complies with official standards. Traditionally, the cleaning procedure would involve an initial flushing with water, 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 agent over these surfaces, particularly in order to clean these surfaces from grease. Finally, the areas may be disinfected with yet another chemical agent, such as chlorine.
    Examples of such systems are disclosed in e.g. US 5,855,217 and WO 2015/067989 A1.
    The cleaning devices may form part of cleaning systems, where the cleaning device is connected to 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/filling machines, etc., or they may be connected via flexible hoses.
    It is a challenge, when shutting down a high velocity, high pressure liquid flow through a valve, to avoid pressure shocks backwards in the system. The phenomenon is also called water hammering, or simply hammering. In the case of cleaning systems as described above, pressure shocks, or hammering, will have an impact on the life expectancy of pump, sensors, gaskets and other components in the effected location.
    154243/CM/MT - filing date: 8 November 2016
    Disclosure 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 art cleaning devices and cleaning systems.
    DK 2016 00691 A1
    The object of the invention will be obtained by a cleaning system comprising
    - a cleaning device including a variable pump for supplying water under pressure,
    - an external cleaning system, and
    - a control system, wherein the cleaning device is configured for delivering pressurized water, a foam based on water, gas, and a cleaning agent, and/or a mixture of water and a cleaning agent, under pressure to a fluid outlet of the cleaning device, wherein the external cleaning system comprises one or more cleaning outlets connected to the fluid outlet of the cleaning device via a network of fluid connections, each cleaning outlet being controlled by an outlet control valve, and each outlet control valve being controllable by an outlet control valve actuator being regulated by the control system, wherein the operation of the variable pump is regulated by the control system, and wherein the control system is configured for or 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 outlet control valve is received.
    In one embodiment the command for closing the outlet control valve is part of control schedule operated by the control system.
    In a further embodiment the brief time interval is 1-10 seconds, such as 2-5 seconds.
    In a further embodiment the cleaning device comprises a mixing unit including an injector.
    Yet further the cleaning system may comprise a cleaning device according to another aspect. Thus the cleaning device may comprises:
    - a mixing unit including a mixing unit housing;
    - at least one injector for forming foam from liquid, one or more cleaning agents, and pressurized gas;
    - at least one cleaning agent 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;
    154243/CM/MT - filing date: 8 November 2016
    DK 2016 00691 A1 wherein the at least one injector and the injector valve are integrated within the mixing 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 wherein a gas supply channel fluidly connecting the gas supply valve and the at least one injector is formed in the mixing unit housing.
    In an embodiment thereof 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 port formed as a bore in said block, and wherein the cleaning agent connection channels, the water supply channel and the gas supply channel are formed as bores in the block.
    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 prior art cleaning device;
    Fig. 2, in a sectional view, shows a diagrammatic depiction of a mixing unit for a cleaning device according to the present invention, and with an injector mounted in the mixing unit;
    Fig. 3 shows the mixing unit of Fig. 2, with an injector dismounted from the mixing unit;
    Fig. 4A, in a perspective view, shows an embodiment of a mixing unit according to the invention;
    Fig. 4B, in a perspective view, shows the mixing unit of Fig. 4A from a different angle;
    154243/CM/MT - filing date: 8 November 2016
    DK 2016 00691 A1
    Fig. 5, in diagrammatic form, shows a cleaning system according to one aspect of the invention including a cleaning device according to another aspect of the invention, and an extended cleaning system;
    Fig. 6, in diagrammatic form, illustrates a system and method, for reducing hammering in a tubing of an extended cleaning system, forming part of a cleaning system according to an aspect ofthe invention; and
    Fig. 7 shows a section through the injector of Fig. 3.
    Detailed description of the invention
    In the following detailed description of the cleaning system 1 according to the invention will be described by preferred embodiments. A cleaning unit 2 , which may be used in the cleaning system 1, will also be described in detail. 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 however be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, 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 called cleaning agents. The mixing unit 10 comprises a 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 of the cleaning device may further include a function for integrated flushing or rinsing of the vacuum chamber(s), i.e. the injector(s).
    The mixing unit varies from the mixing units of existing cleaning devices, in that all functions may be integrated in one and the same compact module/unit. This contrasts the cleaning systems available in the market for the food processing industry today. These
    154243/CM/MT - filing date: 8 November 2016
    DK 2016 00691 A1 prior art cleaning devices are typically constructed from different and independent standard components, which via tubes, weldings, fittings and valves (see 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 shown 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 2915/067989. The injector housing, i.e. the tubing is welded together, making it difficult to access the injector for maintenance or repair.
    In Fig. 1, the encircled devices indicated by the references BB and CC 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 water directly to a surface to be cleaned, without being mixed with a cleaning agent, i.e. the valve circumvents the cleaning agent valves AA, BB, CC. Further, in Fig. 1, the arrow marked with the reference Wl indicates the incoming water from a pump, delivering water under pressure. Yet further, the arrow marked with the reference OU indicates the outlet for water, water/cleaning agent mix, or water/cleaning agent/air-mix. The encircled device indicated by the reference EE is a valve for supplying air to water/cleaning 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, aa, in the cleaning agent valves AA, BB, CC. In connection with an aspect of the present invention, such an additional valve may be 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
    154243/CM/MT - filing date: 8 November 2016
    DK 2016 00691 A1 time, and to improve the overall hygiene in the 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 mix 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 be connected to a liquid (water) supply (not shown), such as regular municipal tap water, and an outlet 41 ” for the provision of pressurized water.
    The cleaning device 2 also comprises a source 51 of pressurized gas, preferably comprising a compressor 51, having an air inlet (not shown), and a gas outlet 51’ for the provision of pressurized gas, such as air. In other embodiments (not shown) other pressurized gasses may be used, e.g. O2.
    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, and a gas, e.g.
    air, to provide a foam for cleaning purposes. The mixing unit 9, according to the invention
    154243/CM/MT - filing date: 8 November 2016
    DK 2016 00691 A1 may also allow spraying with water only, or spraying with a mixture of cleaning agent and water (i.e. without gas/air).
    The mixing unit 9 has a liquid inlet 43, which is fluidly connectable to the outlet 41” of the water pump 41 via suitable liquid supply tubing 42. The mixing unit 9 further comprises a fluid outlet 44. The water flow through the mixing unit 9 may be controlled by an 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, 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 not be necessary, a second flow control valve, a spraying liquid valve 80 is shown inside the mixing unit 9 in Fig. 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 the liquid outlet 44 of the mixing unit 9. This spraying liquid valve 80 may be used for providing clean water 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 51 ’ of the source of pressurized gas/compressor 51 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/com pressor 51 and the gas inlet 53 of the mixing unit 9. However, in other embodiments (not shown) the gas supply valve 50 may be arranged inside the mixing unit 9.
    Yet further, the mixing unit 9 has a number of cleaning agent inlets 37, 38, 39, which are fluidly connected with the cleaning agent sources 33, 34, via 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 respective cleaning agent input lines 35, 36. In alternative embodiments (not 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 a suitable cable (not shown) in order to supply electrical power to the water pump 41 and the compressor 51, and/or any further valves, actuators as described below, and the control system 200 for the cleaning device 2 and cleaning system 1.
    154243/CM/MT - filing date: 8 November 2016
    DK 2016 00691 A1
    The water 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 be 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 pump 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 function below) a first cleaning agent and/or a second cleaning 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 can carry contagious/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 is assured that the health risk associated with water vapor carried 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. Preferably, the water provided by the water supply to the inlet 41’ of the water pump 41 has a pressure of less than 10 bar, preferably less than 8 bar.
    154243/CM/MT - filing date: 8 November 2016
    Further, and as shown in Fig. 5, the cleaning system 1 and the cleaning device 2 comprises a control system 200, for controlling the operation of the cleaning device 2 and in some embodiments the external cleaning system 300, which may form part of the cleaning system 1 of the invention.
    The control system 200 controls at least the 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 and actuators via suitable cables or wirelessly.
    DK 2016 00691 A1
    Thus, the control unit 201 may control the operation of the pump 41, which forms part of the source of liquid/water for the cleaning device 2. The pump 41 may preferably be a variable pump driven by a motor 210, connected to and 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 valve 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 Fig. 5, the actuator 241 is represented by the symbol of a magnetic actuator, and is illustrated within the mixing unit 9. However, it must be emphasized that the actuator 240 may in other embodiments, see e.g. Figs. 4A, 4B, physically be located outside of and adjacent to the mixing unit 9 housing 10, and connected to the injector valve 40 via e.g. a shaft extending through a wall of the housing 10. Further, it must be emphasized that the actuator 240 may be of a different type than a magnetic actuator. For the injector valve the actuator may e.g. be a pneumatic actuator (which may be supplied by the compressor 51 (not shown) or by an additional source of pressurized gas or fluid (not shown)), which in itself may be controlled by an electrical actuator such as a magnetic actuator.
    Further, the control unit 201 also may control the operation of the spraying liquid valve 80. The spraying liquid valve 80 may be controlled by an actuator 280, connected to and controlled by the control unit 201, via a control connection 281. As mentioned above the control connection 281 may be a cable or a wireless connection. In Fig. 5, the actuator 280 is represented by the symbol of a magnetic actuator, and is illustrated within the mixing unit 9. However, it must be emphasized that the actuator 280 may in other embodiments, see e.g. Figs. 4A, 4B, physically be located outside of and adjacent to the mixing unit 9 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 be supplied by the compressor 51 (not shown) or by an additional source of pressurized gas or fluid (not shown)), which in itself may be controlled by an electrical actuator such as a magnetic actuator.
    154243/CM/MT - filing date: 8 November 2016
    DK 2016 00691 A1
    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 controlled 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 housing 10 of the mixing unit 9, and the actuator 250 may be 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 extending through a wall of the housing 10. Further, it must be emphasized 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 30, 31 may be controlled by actuators
    230, 232 connected to and controlled by the control unit 201, via control connections
    231, 233, respectively. As mentioned above the control connections 231, 233 may be cables or wireless connections. In Fig. 5, the actuators 230, 232 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 must be emphasized that the actuators 230, 232 and the cleaning agent valves 30, 31 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 of the mixing unit 9, and one or more of 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 extending through a wall of the housing 10. Further, it must be emphasized that the 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 be 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 to be necessary,
    e.g. different rooms or machines, such as food packing machines, etc. The piping may
    154243/CM/MT - filing date: 8 November 2016
    DK 2016 00691 A1 thus have several branches 311,312, 313 supplying water, mixture of waterand a cleaning agent or foam to cleaning outlets 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 not 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 cleaning 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 be 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, via control connections 270, 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 part 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 principle for mixing a water and one or more cleaning agent. The injector principle utilizes that when water is under pressure is led through a channel with a decreasing and increasing cross-sectional area (in the direction of the flow 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 not be discussed further. Also, known
    154243/CM/MT - filing date: 8 November 2016
    DK 2016 00691 A1 in the art, is to subsequently add gas/air under pressure to the water/cleaning 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 let 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/cleaning agent mixture. Both of the principles may be used in the present context. However, further below a specific embodiment of the latter principle is described.
    Fig. 2 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a mixing unit 9 for supplying foam and/or water/cleaning agent mixture and/or pure water for cleaning. The illustrated mixing unit 9 comprises a housing 10 having a liquid/water inlet 43 for receiving pressurized liquid/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 the mixing unit 9, e.g. by cooperating threading (not shown) on the mixing unit 9 and connector 43’, or by other fastening means. Further, the connection may be water tight by application of a suitable gasket 43” such as an O-ring.
    The housing 10 also has a gas inlet 53 for receiving pressurized gas, preferably air 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 (not 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 10 also comprises a fluid outlet 44 for said foam and/or water/cleaning agent mixture and/or pure water. The fluid outlet 44 may comprise a connector 44’, allowing easy connection to the hose, tube, or pipe forming the tubing of external cleaning system 310 described in connection with Fig. 5 above. The connector 44’ may be connected to the mixing device 9, e.g. by cooperating threading (not 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-ring.
    The housing 10 also comprises at least one cleaning agent inlet 37. The cleaning agent inlet 37 may comprise a connector 37’, allowing easy connection to the hose, tube, or
    154243/CM/MT - filing date: 8 November 2016
    DK 2016 00691 A1 pipe forming the cleaning agent input line described in connection with Fig. 5 above. The connector 37’ may be connected to the mixing device 9, e.g. by cooperating threading (not shown) on the mixing unit 9 and connector 37’, 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. In some embodiments, the cleaning agent connector 37’ (or connectors) may be one-way valves in order to prevent a back flow of cleaning agent.
    The gas/air 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 for supplying pressurized water to the housing 10 of the mixing unit 9.
    The mixing unit 9 further comprises an injector 100 positioned inside the housing 10. The injector is received in 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 100 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 a turbulence chamber 14 formed inside the housing 10 between the injector receiving port 70 and the fluid outlet 44. Preferably, and as shown in e.g. Fig. 3, the injector receiving port 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/cleaning agent mix is mixed with air in order to provide foam.
    As shown in Figs 4A and B, 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 via a channel 64’. The injector valve 40 is further in fluid connection with the injector 100 via a liquid supply channel 64, that opens into the above-mentioned injector receiving port 70. Thus, 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.
    154243/CM/MT - filing date: 8 November 2016
    DK 2016 00691 A1
    As shown in e.g. Figs. 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 be 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, and 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 9. This spraying liquid valve 80 may be used for providing clean water for spraying in the 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’ to 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 64’ opens into the injector port 74 at one (downstream) end and into the distribution chamber 13 at the other (upstream) end.
    The spraying liquid valve 80 is preferably arranged in a spraying liquid valve port 78. The spraying 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 into the distribution chamber 13 at the other (upstream) end.
    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.
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    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 embodiments, see Figs 4A and B, the actuator 280 is arranged external to the mixing unit 9 housing 10, but adjacent to a sidewall thereof. A shaft (not shown) extends from the actuator 280 to the spraying liquid valve port 78 via a channel or passage (not shown) from the sidewall, where the actuator 280 is located, to the spraying liquid valve port 78.
    As shown in Figs 2 and 3, in some embodiments, a further channel 15 may extend from the distribution chamber 13 an outlet 16 formed in a sidewall of the housing 10. As shown in Figs. 4A and B, the outlet 16 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 mixing unit 9.
    In further embodiments (not shown) the mixing unit may comprise more than one injector 100, such as two or three or more formed inside the housing. 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 into the housing 10 of the mixing unit 9, the selector mechanism being arranged to switch between liquid supply channel 64 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 be integrated inside the housing 10, or be located externally thereto.
    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
    154243/CM/MT-filing date: 8 November 2016
    DK 2016 00691 A1 mixing unit housing 10. Preferably, the gas supply channel 65, for fluidly connecting the gas supply valve 50 and 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 Figs. 2 and 3, forthe sake of simplicity, only one cleaning agent connection channel 61 is shown, the leaning agent connection channel 61 extending from a cleaning agent inlet 37 of the mixing unit 9 to the injector 100. In the diagram of Fig. 5, two sources 33, 34 of cleaning agent are illustrated.
    Fig. 2 shows the injector 100 inserted in the mixing unit 9 housing 10. Fig 3 shows the injector when separated from the housing. Details of the injector 100 can be appreciated from Fig. 3. However, Fig. 7 show more details of the injector 100.
    Fig. 7 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 opposite to the first end 102.
    An elongate injector chamber 110 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 into 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 outlet 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 115. The injector inlet 115 also is in fluid connection with one or more cleaning agent bores 116, 117. In Fig. 7, two cleaning agent bores 116, 117 are shown in the injector body 101 extending in a direction perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A of the injector 100. It will be appreciated, that in other, not shown embodiments, the injector 100 may comprise one or three, or four or more cleaning agent bores 116, 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 116’, 117’, respectively, at an outer surface 118 of the injector body 101.
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    It may further be appreciated, that the inlet 116’, 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 100 is inserted in the injector receiving port 70 as shown in Fig. 2. The annular cleaning agent channel 120 serves to distribute the cleaning agent. Further, it is clear that the cleaning agent connection channel 61 of the mixing unit housing 10 opens into 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 Orings may be arranged in annular grooves, gasket grooves 122, 123, which are formed 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 of the injector receiving port 70.
    Further, the injector comprises an 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 injector water inlet 124 communicates with a water inlet connection channel 125 formed in the longitudinal direction of the injector 100 (parallel to longitudinal axis A) that opens into the injector chamber 110 at the injector inlet 115.
    It may further be appreciated, that the injector water inlet 124 is formed at a place where the outer surface 118 of the injector body 101 has a circumferential groove, water inlet groove 126. The water inlet groove 126 forms an annular water inlet channel 127 (see Fig. 2) around the injector 100 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 water inlet channel 127 serves to distribute the water. Further it is clear that the liquid supply channel 64 in the mixing unit housing 10 opens into the annular water inlet channel 127 in an inlet 128 thereto (Figs 2 and 3).
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    In order to 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, 129, which are formed in the outer surface 118 of the injector body 101, and on either side of the water inlet groove 126. In alternative embodiments (not shown), gaskets may instead be provided in grooves formed in the surface of the injector receiving port 70.
    Thereby, pressurized liquid, preferably in 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 water inlet channel 127 and further into the injector water inlet 124, and the water inlet connection channel 125 passing the injector inlet 115, and further into 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 from the cleaning agent source 33, 34 into the annular cleaning agent channel 120 via the cleaning agent connection channel 61 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 10. As illustrated in e.g. Fig. 7, the injector inlet 115 has a narrower cross section than the cross section of the injector outlet 113.
    As will be further appreciated from Fig. 3 and Fig. 7, the outer surface 118 of the injector body 101 has a further circumferential 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 the injector 100 is inserted in the 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 and 3). When the injector 100 is in place in the injector receiving port 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 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 more
    154243/CM/MT-filing date: 8 November 2016
    DK 2016 00691 A1 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 133 are only used in certain aspects of the invention. In other aspects of the invention an acceptable foaming effect may be obtained using other 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 an injector water 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/cleaning 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 101 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 d1 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 d1 and d2 of the injector body 101 at the first end 102 and at the outlet end 103 is the largest cross sectional extent (perpendicular to the longitudinal
    154243/CM/MT-filing date: 8 November 2016
    DK 2016 00691 A1 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 d1 at the first end 102 is the dimension (diameter) of the portion 145 of the injector body. In the shown embodiments the maximum dimension d2 at the outlet end 103 is the dimension (diameter) of the portion 134 of the injector body 101, wherein the helical grooves 133 are formed.
    By the injector body 101 only having a decreasing maximum dimension from the first end 102 to the outlet end 103, is meant that none ofthe 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 103. In this context, the above-mentioned grooves 119, 126, 130 and the gasket grooves 122. 123, 129 are not counted with. Further, the gaskets (O-rings) 138, 139, 140 are not counted either as these are at least partly compressible.
    By the injector body 101 comprising means for releaseably connecting the injector 100 to a portion 70 of the housing 10 of the mixing unit 9 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. 7), which is configured to cooperate with connection means, such as corresponding threading (142 not shown in Fig. 7) 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 maximum 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 cleaning agent connection channels 61,62, 63, the water supply channel 64 and the gas supply channel 65 are preferably formed as bores in the block 11.
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    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 connections of the cleaning device 2.
    The block 11 may as shown in Figs 4A and B 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. cylindrical.
    The injector 100 may be arranged in a bore of stepwise decreasing maximum dimension (injector receiving port 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 unit 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 valve 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 shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the block 11 may preferably comprise a main block portion 11’ and a lid block portion 11”. The lid block portion 11 ’’may be provided in extension of an end wall 20’ of the main block portion 11 ’. The lid block portion 11” is preferably formed in the same material as the main block portion 11 ’. The distribution chamber 13, the liquid inlet 43, and the channels 81 and 64’ are preferably provide as bores in the lid block portion 11”. The injector valve port 74 and a spraying liquid valve port 78 are then formed as bores in through the main block portion 11 ’, and the lid block portion 11 ” is then used to secure the injector valve 40 and the spraying liquid valve 80 in the injector valve port 74 and a spraying liquid valve port
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    78. The lid block portion 11 ” may be connected to the main portion 1T by use of suitable fasteners, such as bolts (not shown).
    Returning now to Fig. 7, 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 the end wall 104 of the injector 100, opposite the injector outlet 113. Preferably, the tool receiving lock 146 has a polygonal cross sectional shape (in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A), e.g. a hexagonal shape. The tool receiving lock 146 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.
    Turning now to Fig. 6, a generalization of the cleaning system 1 of Fig. 5 is shown. The figure illustrates a function for preventing so-called water hammering.
    It is a challenge, when shutting down a high velocity, high pressure liquid flow through a valve, to avoid pressure shocks backwards in the system. The phenomenon is also called water hammering, or simply hammering. In the case of cleaning systems 1 as 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 may 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 water-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 time before a scheduled or intended closing of a particular valve.
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    Fig. 6 shows cleaning system 1 comprising a cleaning device 2 an external cleaning system 300 and a control system 200 for controlling the cleaning device 2 and the external cleaning system 300. The cleaning device 2 comprises as pump 41 for delivering pressurized water from a source of water 49. The pump is preferably a variable pump 41 controlled by a motor 210, which is connected to and controlled by the control system 200 via a control connection 211. The control connection 201 may be a cable or be provided wirelessly. The pump 41 delivers water under pressure to a liquid inlet 43 of the cleaning device. The cleaning device 2 may further be connected to sources of cleaning agents, and to a source off pressurized gas, such as air. Thereby the cleaning device 2 may be configured for delivering pressurized water, a foam based on water, gas, and a cleaning agent, and/or a mixture of water and a cleaning agent, under pressure to a fluid outlet 44 of the cleaning device 2. The fluid outlet 44 of the cleaning device may be connected to an external cleaning system 300. The external cleaning system comprises one or more cleaning outlets 331, 332, 3 connected to the fluid outlet 44 of the cleaning device 2 via a network of fluid connections 310, 311, 312, 313. The cleaning outlets 331, 332, 333 may be distributed in various rooms or in machinery at a production facility, such as food processing facility. Further, each cleaning outlet 331,332, 333 may be controlled by an outlet control valve 321, 322, 323, and each outlet control valve 321,322, 323 is further controllable by an outlet control valve actuator 261, 262, 263 formed in connection with the outlet control valve 321,322, 323 and being regulated by the control system 200, via control connections 270, 271, 272, 273. The control connections 270, 271, 272, 273 may be cable or wireless control.
    Preferably, the control system is configured for or reducing the liquid pressure provided at the one or more cleaning outlets 331,332, 333, by regulating the variable pump 41 a brief time interval before shutting of the outlet control valve 321, 322, 323, when a command for closing the outlet control valve 321, 322, 323 is received.
    The control involves regulating the pressure provided by pump 41, alternatively stopping the pump 41 all-together, a number of seconds, such as 1-10 seconds, preferably such as 1-5 seconds, before a valve is to be closed. By this regulation it will be possible to 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. 5, or the extended cleaning system 300 of Fig. 5. Thereby, the water hammering is minimized, and a prolonged life of the components of the cleaning system may be obtained.
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    Although the teaching of this application has been described in detail for purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely forthat purpose, and variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the teach5 ing of this application.
    The term comprising as used in the claims does 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.
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    List of reference numbers
    A longitudinal axis of injector cleaning system cleaning device mixing unit housing of mixing unit block
    11’ main part of block ” lid part of block 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 of mixing unit side surface (outer surface) of housing of mixing unit cleaning agent valve - valve for regulating flow of cleaning agent from a 1st source of a cleaning agent cleaning agent valve - valve for regulating flow of cleaning agent from a 2nd source of a cleaning agent valve for regulating flow of cleaning agent from a 3rd source of a cleaning agent
    1st source of a cleaning agent, reservoir
    2nd 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 inlet of mixing unit
    39’ cleaning agent connector
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    DK 2016 00691 A1 injector valve source of liquid, pump
    41’ pump inlet
    41” pump outlet liquid supply tubing liquid inlet of mixing unit
    43’ connector, liquid connector
    43” gasket fluid outlet of mixing unit
    44’ connector, gas connector
    44” gasket source of liquid gas supply valve source of pressurized gas, compressor gas piping ’ gas outlet of source of pressurized gas/compressor gas inlet of mixing unit
    53’ connector, gas connector.
    first cleaning agent connection channel in mixing unit second cleaning agent connection channel in mixing unit third cleaning agent connection channel in mixing unit liquid supply channel in mixing unit gas supply channel in mixing unit rinsing channel injector receiving port in mixing unit injector valve receiving port in mixing unit spraying liquid valve receiving port in mixing unit spraying liquid valve fluid connection between the liquid inlet 43 and the spraying liquid valve 80 in mixing unit fluid connection between the spraying liquid valve 80 and the liquid outlet 44 in mixing unit
    100 injector
    101 injector body
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    102 first end of injector body
    103 second end of injector body/outlet end of injector body
    104 end wall of injector opposite injector outlet
    110 injector chamber
    111 first section of injector chamber
    112 second section of injector chamber
    113 injector outlet
    114 an end wall of the injector body at outlet end
    115 injector inlet
    116 cleaning agent bore in injector
    117 cleaning agent bore in injector
    118 outer surface of the injector body
    119 cleaning agent groove in injector body
    120 annular cleaning agent channel between the injector receiving port and cleaning agent groove
    121 inlet of cleaning agent connection channel 61 of the mixing unit housing into annular cleaning agent channel
    122 gasket groove in injector
    123 gasket groove in injector
    124 injector water inlet
    125 water inlet connection channel
    126 water inlet groove in outer surface of injector body
    127 annular water inlet channel formed between injector receiving port and water inlet groove
    128 inlet of liquid supply channel into annular water inlet channel
    129 gasket groove
    130 gas groove in outer surface of injector body
    131 annular gas inlet channel formed between the surface of injector receiving port and gas groove in outer surface of injector body
    132 inlet of gas supply channel in housing into the annular gas inlet channel
    133 helical grooves formed in the outer surface of a portion 134 of the injector body
    134 portion of the injector body with helical grooves
    135 gap between a cylindrical end portion at the second (outlet) end of the injector body and the inner surface of the injector receiving port
    136 cylindrical end portion at the second (outlet) end of the injector body
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    137 helical channel formed between the helical groove and the inner surface of the injector receiving port
    138 gasket, O-ring
    139 gasket, O-ring
    140 gasket, O-ring d1 maximum dimension (diameter) of the injector body at the first end d2 maximum dimension (diameter of the injector body at the outlet end d3 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 unit
    142 threading in the housing of the mixing unit
    143 portion of injector body
    144 portion of injector body
    145 portion of injector body at first end
    146 tool 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 actuator for injector valve 40
    241 control connection between control unit 200 and actuator for injector valve
    250 actuator for gas supply valve 50
    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
    280 actuator for the spraying liquid valve 80
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    DK 2016 00691 A1 control connection between control unit 200 and actuator for spraying liquid valve actuator for rinsing valve external cleaning system tubing of external cleaning system tubing of external cleaning system, branch tubing of external cleaning system, branch tubing of external cleaning system, branch outlet control valve outlet control valve outlet control valve cleaning outlet of external cleaning system cleaning outlet of external cleaning system cleaning outlet of external cleaning system delivery nozzles at cleaning outlet
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    权利要求:
    Claims (6)
    [1] Claims
    1. A cleaning system (1) comprising
    - a cleaning device (2) including a variable pump (41) for supplying water under pressure,
    - an external cleaning system (300), and
    - a control system (200), wherein the cleaning device (2) is configured for delivering pressurized water, a foam based on water, gas, and a cleaning agent, and/or a mixture of water and a cleaning agent, under pressure to a fluid outlet (44) of the cleaning device (2), wherein the external cleaning system comprises one or more cleaning outlets (331, 332, 333) connected to the fluid outlet (44) of the cleaning device (2) via a network of fluid connections (310, 311, 312, 313), each cleaning outlet (331, 332, 333) being controlled by an outlet control valve (321, 322, 323), and each outlet control valve (321, 322, 323) being controllable by an outlet control valve actuator (261, 262, 263) being regulated by the control system (200), wherein the operation of the variable pump (41) is regulated by the control system (200), and wherein the control system is configured for or reducing the liquid pressure provided at the one or more cleaning outlets (331,332, 333), by regulating the variable pump (41) a brief time interval before shutting of the outlet control valve (321, 322, 323), when a command for closing the outlet control valve (321, 322, 323) is received.
    [2] 2. A cleaning system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the command for closing the outlet control valve (321, 322, 323) is part of control schedule operated by the control system (200).
    [3] 3. A cleaning system (1), according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the brief time interval is 110 seconds, such as 2-5 seconds.
    [4] 4. A cleaning system (1) according any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the cleaning device (2) comprises a mixing unit (9) including an injector (100).
    [5] 5. A cleaning system (1) according any one of the claims 1-4, wherein cleaning device (2) comprises:
    - a mixing unit (9) including a mixing unit housing (10);
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    - at least one injector (100) for forming foam from liquid, one or more cleaning agents, and pressurized gas;
    - at least one cleaning agent valve (30, 31) for supplying cleaning agents, and connectable to a source of a cleaning agent (33,34);
    5 - an injector valve (40) connectable to a source of pressurized liquid (49);
    - a gas supply valve (50) connectable to a source of pressurized gas (51); wherein the at least one injector (100) and the injector valve (40) are integrated within the mixing unit housing (10);
    wherein cleaning agent channels (61, 62, 63) fluidly connecting the at least one in10 jector (100) and sources of cleaning agent (33, 34) are formed within the mixing unit housing (10), wherein a liquid supply channel (64) fluidly connecting the injector valve (40) with the injector (100) is formed within the mixing unit housing (10); and wherein a gas supply channel (65) fluidly connecting the gas supply valve (50) and 15 the at least one injector (100) is formed in the mixing unit housing (10).
    [6] 6. A cleaning system (1) according claim 5, wherein the mixing unit housing (10) is formed as a solid block (11) of material, wherein the at least one injector (100) is arranged in an injector receiving port (70) 20 formed as a bore in said block (11);
    wherein the injector valve (40), is arranged in an injector receiving port (74) formed as a bore in said block (11), and wherein the cleaning agent connection channels (61,62, 63), the water supply channel (64) and the gas supply channel (65) are formed as bores in the block (11).
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    IMmsH Fäto Asm Tsäösmask Öma
    SEARCH REPORT - PATENT Application No.PA 2016 00691 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 MATTERA47L 11/00 (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: A47L, B08B 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, FULL TEXT: ENGLISH C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT Category* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant for claim No. A US 2011047730 AI (KRAUSNICK DALE A et al.) 2011.03.03. See especially paragraphs [0023], [0040] and [0045] together with figure 2 and 4 A US 2004187895 Al (FIELD BRUCE F. et al.) 2004.09.30. See whole document - A US 2010018990 Al (EKLUND WILLIAM R. et al.) 2010.01.28. See wholedocument A WO 2014091275 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.E 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 beconsidered 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 beconsidered 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 iscited 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 means.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 81DK-2630 Taastrun 16 May 2017 DenmarkAuthorized officer Telephone No. +45 4350 8000Facsimile No. +45 4350 8001 Bo Gram-NielsenTelephone No. +45 4350 8206
    Search Report
    SEARCH REPORT - PATENT Application No.PA 2016 00691 C (Continuation). DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT Category* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant for claim No.
    Search Report
    SEARCH REPORT - PATENT Application No.PA 2016 00691 Box No. I 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 io subject matter not required to be searched, namely:
    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 carried out, specifically:
    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 00691 SUPPLEMENTAL BOX Continuation of Box [.]
    Search Report
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    同族专利:
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    DK179381B9|2019-01-15|
    DK179381B1|2018-05-28|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US20040187895A1|2001-07-30|2004-09-30|Tennant Company|Chemical dispensing method for a hard surface cleaner|
    US20100018990A1|2006-02-17|2010-01-28|Alto U.S. Inc.|Floor maintenance machine|
    US20110047730A1|2009-08-31|2011-03-03|Krausnick Dale A|Chemical distribution system for floor cleaning machine|
    WO2014091275A1|2012-12-10|2014-06-19|Nilfisk-Advance A/S|Cleaning device|
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    DKPA201600691A|DK179381B9|2016-11-08|2016-11-08|Cleaning system with pipe protection function|DKPA201600691A| DK179381B9|2016-11-08|2016-11-08|Cleaning system with pipe protection function|
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