EP4098368A1 - Flüssigkeitsausstossvorrichtung - Google Patents

Flüssigkeitsausstossvorrichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4098368A1
EP4098368A1 EP21176900.5A EP21176900A EP4098368A1 EP 4098368 A1 EP4098368 A1 EP 4098368A1 EP 21176900 A EP21176900 A EP 21176900A EP 4098368 A1 EP4098368 A1 EP 4098368A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
impeller
liquid
liquid ejection
ejection apparatus
clutch arrangement
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21176900.5A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Kim Kjellberg
Radhika KADAM
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Alfa Laval Corporate AB
Original Assignee
Alfa Laval Corporate AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alfa Laval Corporate AB filed Critical Alfa Laval Corporate AB
Priority to EP21176900.5A priority Critical patent/EP4098368A1/de
Priority to PCT/EP2022/063783 priority patent/WO2022253598A1/en
Publication of EP4098368A1 publication Critical patent/EP4098368A1/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B3/00—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements
    • B05B3/02—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements
    • B05B3/04—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet
    • B05B3/0409—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet with moving, e.g. rotating, outlet elements
    • B05B3/0418—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet with moving, e.g. rotating, outlet elements comprising a liquid driven rotor, e.g. a turbine
    • B05B3/0422—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet with moving, e.g. rotating, outlet elements comprising a liquid driven rotor, e.g. a turbine with rotating outlet elements
    • B05B3/0445—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet with moving, e.g. rotating, outlet elements comprising a liquid driven rotor, e.g. a turbine with rotating outlet elements the movement of the outlet elements being a combination of two movements, one being rotational
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/005—Nozzles or other outlets specially adapted for discharging one or more gases
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B13/00—Machines or plants for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces of objects or other work by spraying, not covered by groups B05B1/00 - B05B11/00
    • B05B13/06—Machines or plants for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces of objects or other work by spraying, not covered by groups B05B1/00 - B05B11/00 specially designed for treating the inside of hollow bodies
    • B05B13/0627—Arrangements of nozzles or spray heads specially adapted for treating the inside of hollow bodies
    • B05B13/0636—Arrangements of nozzles or spray heads specially adapted for treating the inside of hollow bodies by means of rotatable spray heads or nozzles

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a liquid ejection apparatus for cleaning an interior surface of a tank.
  • the disclosure further relates to a method for cleaning an interior surface of a tank by ejecting a liquid by a liquid ejection apparatus located within the tank, and for supplying or releasing air, gas or steam to or from an interior of a tank via the liquid ejection apparatus.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus and associated method according to the disclosure can for example be used and implemented in tanks in the brewery and beverage, dairy, personal care and biopharma industries. Furthermore, although the liquid ejection apparatus is particularly suitable for tank cleaning, the liquid ejection apparatus according to the disclosure may alternatively, or in addition, be used for liquid mixing, gas dispersion, powder mixing, tank gas release, etc.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a liquid ejection apparatus and associated method where the previously mentioned problems are avoided. This object is at least partly achieved by the features of the independent claims.
  • the dependent claims define further developments of the liquid ejection apparatus.
  • a liquid ejection apparatus for cleaning an interior surface of a tank, the liquid ejection apparatus being configured to be attached to a flow pipe that extends into the tank and to receive a liquid from the flow pipe.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus comprises a stationary support assembly configured to be attached to the flow pipe that extends into the tank, and to receive a liquid from the flow pipe, a rotary head assembly having at least one liquid ejection outlet for ejecting the liquid on an interior surface of the tank, and a drive system for rotating the rotary head assembly.
  • the drive system includes an impeller arranged in a flow path of the liquid and configured to be rotated by the flow of liquid that passes the impeller, and the drive system is configured to cause rotation of the rotary head assembly when there is a flow of liquid that passes the impeller, and wherein the drive system is configured to prevent rotation of the rotary head assembly when there is a flow of gas, steam or air that passes the impeller.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus configured for preventing the liquid ejection apparatus from rotating when gas, air or steam is supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus, or when releasing gas from inside the tank to the outside of the tank via the liquid ejection apparatus.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus is configured to rotate when a flow of liquid, such as water or other type of liquid, is supplied to liquid ejection apparatus.
  • the drive system further includes a drive clutch arrangement that when set in an engaged state rotationally connects the impeller with the rotary head assembly, and when set in a disengaged state rotationally disconnects the impeller from the rotary head assembly, and/or a locking clutch arrangement that when set in an engaged state rotationally connects the impeller with the stationary support assembly, and when set in a disengaged state rotationally disconnects the impeller from the stationary support assembly.
  • a drive clutch arrangement that when set in an engaged state rotationally connects the impeller with the rotary head assembly, and when set in a disengaged state rotationally disconnects the impeller from the rotary head assembly
  • a locking clutch arrangement that when set in an engaged state rotationally connects the impeller with the stationary support assembly, and when set in a disengaged state rotationally disconnects the impeller from the stationary support assembly.
  • the drive clutch arrangement is configured to automatically shift from disengaged to engaged state when affected, directly or indirectly, by a fluid force induced by the liquid flowing through the flow path. Thereby, no external control or steering of the clutch arrangement of liquid ejection apparatus is required.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus includes a force generating device that urges the drive clutch arrangement towards the disengaged state, such that the drive clutch arrangement is automatically shifted from engaged to disengaged state in absence of liquid flowing through the flow path.
  • a force generating device is generally a cost-efficient solution for providing the desired clutch operation.
  • the drive clutch arrangement is defined by a first engagement structure located on the impeller or on a part rotationally fastened to the impeller, and a first corresponding engagement structure located on a part of the rotary head assembly, and the engaged state of the drive clutch arrangement corresponds to the first engagement structure being rotationally engaged with the first corresponding engagement structure, and the disengaged state of the drive clutch arrangement corresponds to the first engagement structure being rotationally disengaged from the first corresponding engagement structure.
  • the drive system further includes a locking clutch arrangement that when set in an engaged state rotationally connects the impeller with the stationary support assembly, and when set in a disengaged state rotationally disconnects the impeller from the stationary support assembly.
  • the locking clutch arrangement is configured to automatically shift from engaged to disengaged state when affected, directly or indirectly, by a fluid force induced by liquid flowing through the flow path. Thereby, no external control or steering of the clutch arrangement of liquid ejection apparatus is required.
  • the locking clutch arrangement is urged towards the engaged state by means of the force generating device or an auxiliary force generating device, such that the locking clutch arrangement is automatically shifted from disengaged to engaged state in absence of liquid flowing through the flow path.
  • a force generating device or an auxiliary force generating device is generally a cost-efficient solution for providing the desired clutch operation.
  • the locking clutch arrangement is defined by a second engagement structure located on the impeller or on a part rotationally and axially secured to the impeller, and a second corresponding engagement structure located on a part of the stationary support assembly, and the engaged state of the locking clutch arrangement corresponds to the second engagement structure being rotationally engaged with the second corresponding engagement structure, and the disengaged state of the locking clutch arrangement corresponds to the second engagement structure being rotationally disengaged from the second corresponding engagement structure.
  • the impeller and associated first engagement structure is axially displaceable between a first axial position and a second axial position, wherein the first axial position of the impeller corresponds to the disengaged state of the drive clutch arrangement, wherein the second axial position of the impeller corresponds to the engaged state of the drive clutch arrangement, wherein the impeller is pushed towards the first axial position by the force generating device, and wherein the impeller is configured to be pushed to the second axial position by an axial force induced by the flow of liquid that passes the impeller.
  • the first axial position of the impeller corresponds to the engaged state of the locking clutch arrangement, wherein the second axial position of the impeller corresponds to the disengaged state of the locking clutch arrangement.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus has an axial direction that is parallel with the rotational axis of the impeller, and wherein the force generating device pushes the impeller in the axial direction substantially opposite to a liquid flow direction.
  • the fluid force acting on the impeller and being generated by the liquid flow is directed opposite to a force provided by the force generating device.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus has an axial direction that is parallel with the rotational axis of the impeller and a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction, wherein the liquid ejection apparatus comprises an elongated drive shaft carrying the impeller and extending in the axial direction, and wherein the force generating device is mounted on the drive shaft and abutting the drive shaft on one axial side and the impeller on the other axial side, or mounted in a cavity defined by an axial support surface of the drive shaft, an opposite interior axial abutment surface of the impeller, and a radial interior surface of the impeller and/or of the drive shaft.
  • the positioning of the force generating device around or within the drive shaft provides the force generating device with reliable operation behaviour.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus comprises an elongated drive shaft on which the impeller is mounted, and wherein the impeller has an interior sliding surface and/or the drive shaft has an exterior sliding surface for reducing sliding friction between impeller and drive shaft. This is beneficial for reduced wear associated with both rotational and axial sliding of the impeller relative to the drive shaft.
  • the force generating device is a spring, or a hollow O-ring, or a magnet spring, or a rubber diaphragm, or a gas or air spring arrangement.
  • the drive system further includes a transmission arrangement configured for transmitting rotary motion from the impeller to the rotary head arrangement.
  • the rotary head assembly includes a rotary head and a rotary outlet hub that is rotatably connected to the rotary head, wherein the rotary head being rotatable about a first rotational axis and the rotary outlet hub being rotatable about a second rotational axis that is arranged at an angle relative to the first rotational axis, and wherein the at least one liquid ejection outlet is located on the rotary outlet hub.
  • the flow of liquid sets a drive clutch arrangement in an engaged state against a counter force provided by a force generating device of the liquid ejection apparatus, such that the impeller becomes rotationally connected with a rotary head assembly and rotation of the impeller results in rotation of a part of the rotary head assembly
  • the force generating device in the absence of liquid supply to the liquid ejection apparatus, sets the drive clutch arrangement in a disengaged state, such that the impeller becomes rotationally disconnected from the rotary head assembly
  • a fluid force induced by the flow of air, gas or steam and acting for setting the drive clutch arrangement in the engaged state is lower than a counter force provided by the force generating device acting for setting the drive clutch arrangement in the disengaged state, such that the drive clutch arrangement is maintained in the disengaged state, or wherein a fluid force induced when releasing gas acts for setting the drive clutch arrangement in the disengaged state together with the force generating device, such that
  • the flow of liquid sets a locking clutch arrangement in a disengaged state against a counter force provided by a force generating device of the liquid ejection apparatus, such that the impeller becomes rotationally disconnected from the stationary support assembly and rotation of the impeller results in rotation of a part of the rotary head assembly
  • the force generating device in the absence of liquid supply to the liquid ejection apparatus, sets the locking clutch arrangement in an engaged state, such that the impeller becomes rotationally connected with the stationary support assembly
  • a fluid force induced by the flow of air, gas or steam and acting for setting the locking clutch arrangement in the disengaged state is lower than a counter force provided by the force generating device acting for setting the locking clutch arrangement in the engaged state, such that the locking clutch arrangement is maintained in engaged state, or wherein a fluid force induced when releasing gas acts for setting the locking clutch arrangement in the engaged state, together with the force generating device, such that the locking clutch arrangement is maintained in
  • Figure 1 schematically shows an example installation of the liquid ejection apparatus 1 within a tank 3 for holding, storing, mixing and preparing a liquid or powder product.
  • the tank may for example be in the range of 1 - 20 meters high in a vertical direction V, or more, and be made of stainless steel or other suitable and hygienic material.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus 1 is located within the tank 3 and configured for cleaning an interior of the tank 3, such as the interior surface 2 of the tank walls, and possibly also an exterior surface of the liquid ejection apparatus 1 itself.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus 1 may for example be mounted on a flow pipe 4 that extends through the wall of the tank 3 and into the tank 3.
  • the flow pipe 4 may be stationary mounted to the tank 3 via a flange connection 26 or the like.
  • a flow of a liquid such as water or other type of cleaning liquid, may be supplied to the flow pipe 4.
  • the flow of liquid is for example generated by a liquid pump (not showed), which supplies a flow of liquid to the flow pipe 4.
  • the pump may for example be configured for pressurizing the liquid to have a working pressure of about 1 - 20 bar, specifically in the range of 2 - 15 bar, or the like, when reaching the liquid ejection apparatus 1.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus 1 further includes at least one liquid ejection outlet 8 for ejecting the liquid within the tank 3.
  • the liquid ejection outlet 8 may for example be designed to provide a relatively solid and straight stream of liquid with long throw length, for example about 2 - 20 meters, depending on liquid pressure. Thereby, a stream of liquid with a certain impact force may be directed towards the interior surface for providing a good cleaning effect.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus 1 may have various designs and in the example embodiment of figure 1 , the liquid ejection apparatus 1 is provided with a stationary support assembly 6 and a rotary head assembly 7.
  • the stationary support assembly 6 may have a first end region and a second end region, wherein the first end region is attached to the stationary flow pipe 4 and the second end region is attached to the rotary head assembly 7.
  • the rotary head assembly 7 is thus rotatably fastened to the stationary support assembly 6, as illustrated by dashed arrow 28 in figure 1 , and a drive system may be provided for rotating the rotary head assembly 7 relative to the stationary support assembly 6.
  • the drive system is for example powered by the flow of liquid supplied by the pump.
  • the rotary head assembly 7 is more or less a hollow housing, e.g. a rotary head 7a, having at least one liquid ejection outlet 8 in the wall of the rotary head 7a, wherein rotation of the rotary head 7a, as illustrated by dashed arrow 28, causes a stream of liquid exiting the liquid ejection outlet 8 to move over the interior surface 2 of the tank 3.
  • the rotary head assembly 7 includes both a rotary head 7a and a rotary outlet hub 7b, which is rotationally attached to the rotatable rotary head 7a.
  • a rotational axis of the rotary head 7a is different from a rotational axis of the rotary outlet hub 7b, in particular perpendicular to each other, a good coverage of the stream of liquid exiting the liquid ejection outlet 8 of the interior surface 2 of the tank 3 may be accomplished, provided that the at least one liquid ejection outlet 8 is arranged on the rotary outlet hub 7b and both the rotary head 7a and rotary outlet hub 7b rotates.
  • the rotational motion of the rotary outlet hub 7b is illustrated by dashed arrow 29 in figure 1 .
  • the rotational axis of the rotary head 7a is parallel with the vertical direction V and the rotational axis of the rotary outlet hub is parallel with the horizontal direction H, but this may of course be changed according to the circumstances of each specific implementation.
  • the flow pipe 4 extends into the tank 3 from a top wall of the tank 3, but this may also be changed, such that flow pipe 4 extends into the tank 3 from a side wall or bottom wall of the tank 3 instead.
  • FIG 1 the flow of liquid supplied by the pump to the liquid ejection apparatus 1 via the flow pipe 4 is schematically illustrated by solid arrows 27 in figure 1 .
  • the liquid ejection apparatus 1 may also be used for releasing air, gas or steam from interior of a tank 3. For example, if a product stored in the tank undergo fermentation, a large amount of carbon dioxide is produced that must be released from the tank 3.
  • the flow of gas being released from the tank 3 via the liquid ejection apparatus 1 and the flow pipe 4 is schematically illustrated by dashed arrows 30 in figure 1 .
  • FIG. 1 A cross-sectional view of a more detailed example embodiment of the liquid ejection apparatus 1 is showed in figure 2 .
  • the liquid ejection apparatus 1 is configured to be attached to the flow pipe 4 that extends into the tank 3 and to receive a liquid from the flow pipe 4.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus 1 comprises a stationary support assembly 6 that is configured to be attached to the flow pipe 4 that extends into the tank 3 and to receive a liquid from the flow pipe 4.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus 1 further comprises a rotary head assembly 7 having at least one liquid ejection outlet 8 for ejecting the liquid on the interior surface 2 of the tank 3.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus 1 further comprises a drive system 9 for rotating the rotary head assembly 7, wherein the drive system 9 includes an impeller 10 arranged in a flow path 11 of the liquid and configured to be rotated by the flow of liquid that passes the impeller 10.
  • the drive system 9 is configured to cause rotation of the rotary head assembly 7 when there is a flow of liquid that passes the impeller 10, and wherein the drive system 9 is configured to prevent rotation of the rotary head assembly 7 when there is a flow of gas, steam or air that passes the impeller 10.
  • the drive system 9 further includes both a drive clutch arrangement 12 and locking clutch arrangement 15 for accomplishing the desired functionality of the liquid ejection apparatus 1.
  • the drive clutch arrangement 12 is configured to, when set in an engaged state, rotationally connect the impeller 10 with the rotary head assembly 7, and when set in a disengaged state, rotationally disconnect the impeller 10 from the rotary head assembly 7.
  • the locking clutch arrangement 15 is configured to, when set in an engaged state, rotationally connect the impeller 10 with the stationary support assembly 6, and when set in a disengaged state, rotationally disconnect the impeller 10 from the stationary support assembly 6.
  • the impeller 10 when the drive clutch arrangement 12 is set in the disengaged state, the impeller 10 is rotationally disconnected from the rotary head assembly 7 and rotation of the impeller 10 cannot be transmitted to the rotary head assembly 7 for generating a rotational motion of the rotary head assembly 7.
  • the impeller 10 when the drive clutch arrangement 12 is set in the engaged state, the impeller 10 becomes rotationally connected with the rotary head assembly 7, such that a portion of the rotary head assembly 7 carrying the at least one liquid ejection outlet 8 will rotate when the impeller 10 is rotating, for example due to liquid supplied by a tank external pump and flowing in the flow path 11 extending from the flow pipe 4 to the at least one liquid ejection outlet 8 while passing the impeller 10.
  • the impeller 10 is thus rotationally and axially slidably mounted on a drive shaft 19, which is rotationally connected to the rotary head assembly 7.
  • the impeller 10 may thus move axially between an upper position, as depicted in figure 2 , in which the impeller 10 is rotationally disconnected from the shaft 19, and a lower position, in which the impeller 10 is rotationally connected with the shaft 19 via the drive clutch arrangement 12, thereby causing rotation of the rotary head assembly 7 when powered by a flow of liquid.
  • the impeller 10 is pushed upwards in figure 2 towards said upper position by means of a force generating device (not showed), such as a mechanical spring or the like.
  • a force generating device such as a mechanical spring or the like.
  • the axial force provided by the force generating device and urging the impeller 10 upwards towards the upper position is selected to be high enough to ensure axial displacement of the impeller to the upper position in the absence of flow of liquid passing the impeller in the flow path 11, while also being low enough for ensuring that the impeller 10 is axially displaced to the lower position when a flow of liquid is supplied to the impeller 10 for driving the impeller 10.
  • the impeller In the upper position, the impeller is rotationally engaged with stationary support assembly 6 via the locking clutch arrangement 15, such that the impeller 10 becomes rotationally locked, thereby avoiding undesirable wear on the impeller 10 when supplying or releasing gas, steam or air via the liquid ejection apparatus.
  • the rotary head assembly 7 includes a rotary head 7a and a rotary outlet hub 7b that is rotatably connected to the rotary head 7a.
  • the rotary head 7a is rotatable about a first rotational axis 24 and the rotary outlet hub 7b is rotatable about a second rotational axis 25 that is arranged at an angle, such as for example about 45 - 146 degrees, specifically about 90 degrees, relative to the first rotational axis 24.
  • the rotary outlet hub 7b comprises a plurality of liquid ejection outlets 8.
  • the rotation of the rotary head 7a and the rotary outlet hub 7b about their respective axes 24, 25 is realized by means of the drive system 9.
  • the drive system is powered by the flow of the liquid entering a first end the stationary support assembly 6.
  • the impeller 10 is arranged in the flow path 11 of the liquid, e.g. below the liquid inlet at the first end stationary support assembly 6.
  • the impeller 10 is arranged inside the stationary support assembly 6, but the impeller may alternative be arranged inside the rotary head 7a.
  • a rotation of the impeller 10 is induced by the flow the liquid that passes by the impeller 10.
  • the drive system 9 comprises a transmission arrangement configured for transmitting rotary motion from the impeller 10 to the rotary head arrangement 7.
  • the transmission arrangement comprises the above-mentioned drive shaft 19 and a gearbox in form of a planetary or epicyclical gear.
  • the gearbox reduces a rotation speed as received by impeller 10, resulting in a suitable rotation speed of the rotary head 7a.
  • the epicyclical gear includes a central sun gear 32 provided on the shaft 19, a set of surrounding planetary gear 33 that are in meshing engagement with the sun gear 32, and an outer stationary ring gear 34 that is in meshing engagement with planetary gear 33 and attached to a stationary stem 39 of the stationary support assembly 6.
  • a planetary gear carrier 35 is attached to the rotary head 7a for causing the rotary head 7a to rotate when the impeller 10 causes the drive shaft 19 to rotate.
  • the rotary head 7a is rotatably attached to a second side of the stationary support assembly 6 via a first roller bearing 37.
  • the skilled person realizes that any suitable kind of gearbox may be used.
  • the rotary outlet hub 7b is rotatably mounted in a hole in the wall of the rotary head 7a via a second roller bearing 37, and is caused to rotate about the second axis 25 by engagement between a toothed surface 38 of the rotary outlet hub 7b with a corresponding toothed stationary surface 31 of the stationary support assembly 6, in combination with the rotational motion of the rotary head 7a.
  • a lower end region of the drive shaft 19 is supported by the gearbox, such as the planetary gear carrier 35.
  • An upper end region of the drive shaft 19 is supported by a guide member 40, which includes a cylindrical outer portion 41 located in a corresponding recess of a housing 5 of the stationary support assembly 6.
  • the guide member 40 further includes an inner bearing support 42 that is connected to the a cylindrical outer portion 41 via a set of connection arms 43 distributed along the circumference of the guide member 40.
  • the inner bearing support 42 may support the shaft 19 directly or via a bearing member 43, such as a sliding bushing or the like.
  • the flow path 11 configured for receiving liquid for driving the impeller 10 is defined partly by an interior surface of the cylindrical outer portion 41 and an exterior surface of the inner bearing support.
  • Assembly of the liquid ejection apparatus may involve the following steps, first the rotary head assembly 7 with the rotary head 7a and the rotary outlet hub 7b is assembled. Thereafter, the planetary carrier 35 and associated planetary gears 33 may be installed and fastened to an interior surface of the rotary head 7a, the stem 39 may be mounted with meshing engagement with the planetary gears 33, the first roller bearing 36 may be mounted on the stem 39 and a stem nut 45 may be threadingly attached to the rotary head 7a. Thereafter, the drive shaft 19 with the impeller 10 and the sun gear 32 at the lower portion thereof may be mounted in meshing engagement with the planetary gears, and the guide member 40 may be mounted on the top side of the drive shaft 19. Finally, the housing of the stationary support assembly 6 may be mounted over the guide member 40 and threadingly engaged with the stem 39.
  • FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the shaft 19, impeller 10 and guide member 40 with its cylindrical outer portion 41 and inner bearing portion 42, as well as force generating device 13 in form of a spring.
  • Figure 4 shows the same design but illustrated in a different cross-sectional view.
  • the drive clutch arrangement 12 is shown in a disengaged state and the locking clutch arrangement 15 is shown in an engaged state.
  • Figure 5A shows a perspective side-view of shaft-impeller assembly with the drive clutch arrangement 12 in disengaged state
  • figure 5B shows the same view of as figure 5A but with the drive clutch arrangement 12 in engaged state.
  • Figure 5C shows schematically the axial forces acting on the impeller 10. Only the shaft-impeller assembly of the liquid ejection apparatus 1 is illustrated, and the remaining portion of the liquid ejection apparatus 1 may for example have a design similar to that described with reference to figure 2 .
  • the drive clutch arrangement 12 is configured to automatically shift from disengaged to engaged state when affected, directly or indirectly, by a fluid force F F induced by the liquid flowing through the flow path 11.
  • the fluid force F F which also is known as drag force in the field of fluid dynamics, is a force developed when a fluid flows past an object.
  • a static level of fluid force F F may for example be calculated as a function of the density of the fluid, the speed of the liquid relative to the impeller 10, a cross-sectional area of the object in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction, and a drag coefficient, which is a dimensionless number depending on the design of the impeller 10.
  • the design of the impeller blades 44 are particularly relevant for controlling the resulting fluid force F F .
  • thicker blades 44 have a larger upstream facing surface area 46 of the impeller blade results in increased downstream directed fluid force F F .
  • a flat upstream facing surface area 46 of the blades 44 also generates a higher fluid F F force compared with a rounded upper surface.
  • the pitch of the impeller blades 44 also has an effect on resulting fluid force F F , as well as an inclination or pitch of the connection arms 43 for introducing a swirl in the flow of supplied liquid upstream of the impeller 10.
  • the force generating device 13 acts on the impeller 10 and provides a counter-force, i.e. a spring force Fs that is oriented substantially in the axial direction, opposite to the fluid force F F .
  • the design and specification of the force generating device 13 may be selected while taking the expected fluid force into account for both liquid and gas, air or steam, depending on the specific implementation and the desired operating characteristics of the impeller.
  • the person skilled in the art is able to select a suitable force generating device 13 that enables the impeller 10 to be automatically displaced axially to a first axial position, corresponding to figures 3,4 , and 5A , in the absence of flow of liquid 27 past the impeller, as well as during flow of air, gas or steam past the impeller 10 in any axial direction A, and that enables the impeller 10 to be displaced axially to a second axial position, corresponding to figure 5B , when a flow of liquid 27 is supplied past the impeller 10, in a direction from the flow pipe 4 towards the rotary head assembly 7.
  • the pressure, flow rate and fluid density of the various types of fluids supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus may differ to a large extent.
  • a liquid such as a cleaning liquid or water or the like, may be supplied with pressure in the range of about 1-20 bar and/or with a flow rate of about 10 - 100 m3/h.
  • a gas or steam may be supplied with liquid pressure in the range of about 1-10 bar and/or with a flow rate of about 10 -100 m3/h.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus 1 may include a force generating device 13 that urges the drive clutch arrangement 12 towards the disengaged state, such that the drive clutch arrangement 12 is automatically shifted from engaged to disengaged state in absence of liquid flowing through the flow path 11, e.g. in the presence of gas, air or steam being supplied through the liquid ejection apparatus 1.
  • a force generating device 13 that urges the drive clutch arrangement 12 towards the disengaged state, such that the drive clutch arrangement 12 is automatically shifted from engaged to disengaged state in absence of liquid flowing through the flow path 11, e.g. in the presence of gas, air or steam being supplied through the liquid ejection apparatus 1.
  • rotational motion of the impeller 10 is not transmitted to the shaft 19 due to disengaged drive clutch arrangement, thereby preventing the shaft 19 and associated rotary head assembly 7 from rotating in the absence of liquid.
  • the drive clutch arrangement 12 is defined by a first engagement structure 14a located on the impeller 10 and a first corresponding engagement structure 14b located on a part of the rotary head assembly 7, and the engaged state of the drive clutch arrangement 12 corresponds to the first engagement structure 14a being rotationally engaged with the first corresponding engagement structure 14b, and the disengaged state of the drive clutch arrangement 12 corresponds to the first engagement structure 14a being rotationally disengaged from the first corresponding engagement structure 14b.
  • Two parts being rotationally engaged refers herein to being rotationally locked with each other, and two parts being rotationally disengaged means herein being rotationally released or free with respect to each other.
  • the first engagement structure 14a may be provided in form of one or more protrusions or teeth that are arranged on or indirectly connected to the impeller 10, or even the blades 44 of the impeller as such, and the first corresponding engagement structure 14b may be provided in form of one or more corresponding recesses, protrusions or teeth that are arranged on or indirectly connected to the shaft 19.
  • the drive clutch arrangement 12 may be of a dog-clutch type.
  • first engagement structure 14a of the drive clutch arrangement 12 may be provided on a downstream side 48 of the impeller 10, and the first corresponding engagement structure 14b of the drive clutch arrangement 12 may be provided on the shaft 19 or a member rotationally fastened to the shaft 19.
  • upstream herein refers to the side of the impeller 10 facing the flow pipe 4, and the term downstream herein refers to the side of the impeller 10 facing the rotary head assembly 7.
  • the first engagement structure 14a of the drive clutch arrangement 12 may also be referred to as a first primary engagement structure, and the first corresponding engagement structure 14b of the drive clutch arrangement 12 may also be referred to as a second primary engagement structure.
  • the first primary engagement structure corresponds to and matches with the second primary engagement structure, such that the drive clutch arrangement 12 may be shifted from a disengaged state, in which that parts of the drive clutch arrangement 12 are free to rotate relative to each other, to an engaged state, in which that parts of the drive clutch arrangement 12 are rotationally locked relative to each other.
  • the drive system 9 may in some example embodiments further include a locking clutch arrangement 15 that, when set in an engaged state, rotationally connects the impeller 10 with the stationary support assembly 6, and when set in a disengaged state rotationally disconnects the impeller 10 from the stationary support assembly 6.
  • the locking clutch arrangement may be beneficial because the impeller 10 may thereby be rotationally locked to the stationary support assembly 6 when the drive clutch arrangement is in disengaged state, thereby preventing that the impeller is spinning in case of supply or release of gas, air or steam to or from the tank 3 via the liquid ejection apparatus 1. Freely spinning impeller may cause increased wear on the impeller 10 and/or shaft 19, especially in the absence of lubrication effect of a liquid.
  • the locking clutch arrangement 15 may be configured to automatically shift from engaged to disengaged state when affected, directly or indirectly, by a fluid force induced by liquid flowing through the flow path 11. In other words, when a liquid is supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus 1, the locking clutch arrangement 15 automatically shifts to disengaged state, thereby enabling the desired rotation of the impeller 10 and associated shaft 19 and rotary head assembly 7.
  • the automatic shifting from engaged to disengaged state of the locking clutch arrangement 15 when a liquid is supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus 1 may be accomplished in a similar manner as described above with reference to the drive clutch arrangement, namely by means of the force generating device 13 or separate auxiliary force generating device 16, wherein the fluid force F F urges the locking clutch arrangement 15 towards disengaged state and the force generating device 13 or the auxiliary force generating device 16 provides a spring force F S that urges the locking clutch arrangement 15 towards the engaged state.
  • the locking clutch arrangement 15 may be urged towards the engaged state by means of the force generating device 13 or an auxiliary force generating device 16, such that the locking clutch arrangement 15 is automatically shifted from disengaged to engaged state in absence of liquid flowing through the flow path 11, and/or in the presence of gas, steam or air flowing through the flow path 11.
  • the locking clutch arrangement 15 is defined by a second engagement structure 17a located on the impeller 10 and a second corresponding engagement structure 17b located on a part of the stationary support assembly 6, and the engaged state of the locking clutch arrangement 15 corresponds to the second engagement structure 17a being rotationally engaged with the second corresponding engagement structure 17b, and the disengaged state of the locking clutch arrangement 15 corresponds to the second engagement structure 17a being rotationally disengaged from the second corresponding engagement structure 17b.
  • the second engagement structure 17a may be provided in form of one or more protrusions or teeth that are arranged on or indirectly connected to the impeller 10, or even the blades 44 of the impeller 10 as such, and the second corresponding engagement structure 17b may be provided in form of one or more corresponding recesses, protrusions or teeth that are arranged on or indirectly connected to the stationary support assembly 6.
  • the locking clutch arrangement 15 may be of a dog-clutch type.
  • the second engagement structure 17a of the locking clutch arrangement 15 may be provided on an upstream side 48 of the impeller 10, and the second corresponding engagement structure 17b of the locking clutch arrangement 15 may be provided on the inner bearing portion 42 or the connection arms 43 of the stationary guide member 40.
  • the second engagement structure 17a of the locking clutch arrangement 15 may also be referred to as a first secondary engagement structure, and the second corresponding engagement structure 17b of the locking clutch arrangement 15 may also be referred to as a second secondary engagement structure.
  • the first secondary engagement structure corresponds to and matches with the second secondary engagement structure, such that the locking clutch arrangement 15 may be shifted from a disengaged state, in which that parts of the locking clutch arrangement 15 are free to rotate relative to each other, to an engaged state, in which that parts of the locking clutch arrangement 15 are rotationally locked relative to each other.
  • the impeller 10 and associated first engagement structure 14a is axially displaceable between a first axial position and a second axial position, wherein the first axial position of the impeller 10 corresponds to the disengaged state of the drive clutch arrangement 12, wherein the second axial position of the impeller 10 corresponds to the engaged state of the drive clutch arrangement 12, wherein the impeller 10 is pushed towards the first axial position by the force generating device 13, and wherein the impeller 10 is configured to be pushed to the second axial position by an axial force induced by the flow of liquid passing the impeller 10.
  • the first axial position corresponds to a natural position, i.e. a return position, to which the impeller 10 moves and remains in the absence of supply of any type of fluid or liquid
  • the second axial position corresponds to a position the impeller 10 moves to only when a liquid is supplied with a sufficient high pressure and/or flow rate, such that the resulting fluid force F F is larger than the spring force F S .
  • the first axial position of the impeller 10 corresponds to the engaged state of the locking clutch arrangement 15, and the second axial position of the impeller 10 corresponds to the disengaged state of the locking clutch arrangement 15.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus 1 has an axial direction A that is parallel with the rotational axis of the impeller 10, and the force generating device 13 pushes the impeller 10 in the axial direction A substantially opposite to a liquid flow direction 18.
  • the term substantially here indicated that the liquid flow direction may diverge from the axial direction a certain amount, such as for about plus/minus 30 degrees, due to inclines connection arms 43 forming guide vanes, for increasing the speed of the impeller for a given flow rate, and/or rendering the impeller operation more stable and secure.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus 1 has an axial direction A that is parallel with the rotational axis of the impeller 10 and a radial direction R perpendicular to the axial direction A, wherein the liquid ejection apparatus 1 comprises an elongated drive shaft 19 carrying the impeller 10 and extending parallel with the axial direction A, and wherein the force generating device 13 is mounted in a cavity 20, in particular a sealed cavity 20, defined by an axial support surface 21 of the drive shaft 19, an opposite interior axial abutment surface 22 of the impeller 10, and a radial interior surface 23, 50 of the impeller 10 and/or of the drive shaft 19.
  • a sealed mounting of the force generating device 13 is provided, such that a more hygienic design of the impeller may be accomplished.
  • the drive shaft 19 extends through an opening at an upstream end of the impeller 10, this opening may be sealed with a sliding bushing 51 or the like.
  • the central opening 52 in the inner bearing portion 42 of the guide member 40 may be closed by a plug, or by an extension of the drive shaft 19, or being left open, as shown in figures 3 and 4 , for enabling better cleaning of the liquid ejection apparatus and for enabling generation of larger fluid force acting on the impeller 10 in the liquid flow direction 18 by giving better access to a central upstream facing surface area of the impeller 10.
  • FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the shaft 19, impeller 10 and guide member 40 with its cylindrical outer portion 41 and inner bearing portion 42, as well as force generating device 13 in form of a spring.
  • Figure 7 shows the same design but illustrated in a different cross-sectional view.
  • the drive clutch arrangement 12 is shown in a disengaged state and the locking clutch arrangement 15 is shown in an engaged state.
  • Figure 8A shows a perspective side-view of shaft-impeller assembly with the drive clutch arrangement 12 in disengaged state
  • figure 8B shows the same view of as figure 8A but with the drive clutch arrangement 12 in engaged state. Only the drive shaft-impeller assembly of the liquid ejection apparatus 1 is illustrated, and the remaining portion of the liquid ejection apparatus 1 may for example have a design described with reference to figure 2 .
  • the difference in design primarily concerns the location of the force generating device 13, which in this example embodiments is arranged more a lower side of the impeller 10, i.e. in a downstream region of the impeller 10.
  • the force generating device 13 is mounted on the drive shaft 19 and abuts the drive shaft 19 on one axial side and the impeller 10 on the other axial side.
  • the force generating device 13 may for example abut a surface of the drive shaft associated with the first corresponding engagement structure 14b of the drive clutch arrangement 12.
  • the abutment surface of the drive shaft 10 may additionally be provided with weep holes 54 for improving cleanability of the liquid ejection apparatus 1.
  • the impeller 10, which may also be referred to as propeller, turbine or simply a rotation generating device, may for example be manufactured in a rubber or polymeric material.
  • the entire impeller 10 may for example be manufactured in PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) or a similar thermoplastic or resin material having high wear resistance.
  • the impeller 10 may have an interior sliding surface, i.e. a dedicated sliding surface, arranged in the radial contact region between the driving shaft and impeller for reducing sliding friction between impeller 10 and drive shaft 19.
  • the sliding surface may be provided in form of a bushing or sliding bearing that is mounted sandwiched between the impeller and drive shaft, in the radial direction.
  • the bushing may be formed integrally in the impeller by means of for example double injection moulding, or the like.
  • the impeller 10 may have an internal step, flange, or cover 53 arranged in connection with the cylindrical hole or opening configured to receive the drive shaft 19.
  • This internal step, flange, or cover may be used as an axial abutment surface between the impeller 10 and drive shaft 19 when the impeller is located in the second axial position, as shown in figures 5B and 8B .
  • This internal step, flange, or cover may for example correspond to the interior axial abutment surface 22 of the impeller described above.
  • force generating device 13 may be implemented in many alternative ways.
  • force generating device 13 may be implemented in form of a hollow O-ring, a magnet spring arrangement having for example two permanent magnets arranged with same magnetic pole facing each other to levitate the impeller when no liquid is supplied to the impeller 10, or a rubber diaphragm, or a gas or air spring arrangement, etc.
  • the force generating device should be provide an operating compression distance of at least about 2 mm, specifically at least 5 mm.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus may have various designs in terms of shape, functionality, drive system design, rotary head assembly design, etc.
  • figures 9A-B schematically show a further example embodiment of a liquid ejection apparatus 1, wherein the rotary head assembly 7 includes a hollow housing defining the rotary head 7a, but in this embodiment without an additional separate rotary outlet hub 7b.
  • the liquid ejection outlets 8 may for example be located in the side walls of the rotary head 7a instead, or via outlet nozzles arranged in the side wall of the rotary head 7a.
  • the example embodiment of the liquid ejection apparatus 1 of figures 9A-B has a different drive system 9.
  • the impeller 10 is rotationally and axially secured to the drive shaft 19, which is axially displaceable between a first axial position, as illustrated in figure 9A , and a second axial position, as illustrated in figure 9B . Consequently, the impeller is thus not rotationally and axially slidable relative to the drive shaft 19, as described with reference to figures 2-8B .
  • the gearbox may have a different design, such as for example a planetary transmission having a sun gear 32 attached to the drive shaft 19, planetary gears 33 mounted a stationary planetary gear carrier 35, and a ring gear 34 rotationally fastened to the rotary head 7a.
  • the drive clutch arrangement 12 is defined by a first engagement structure 14a located on a first part 55, such as a flange on the drive shaft 19 , which is rotationally and axially secured to the impeller 10.
  • the drive clutch arrangement 12 is further defined by a first corresponding engagement structure 14b located on the sub gear 32, which is part of the rotary head assembly 7, i.e. rotationally connected to rotary head 7a.
  • the engaged state of the drive clutch arrangement 12 corresponds to the first engagement structure 14a being rotationally engaged with the first corresponding engagement structure 14b, and the disengaged state of the drive clutch arrangement 12 corresponds to the first engagement structure 14a being rotationally disengaged from the first corresponding engagement structure 14b.
  • the locking clutch arrangement 15 is defined by a second engagement structure 17a located on a second part 56, such as a flange on the drive shaft 19, which is rotationally and axially secured to the impeller 10.
  • the locking clutch arrangement 12 is further defined by a second corresponding engagement structure 17b located on a part of the stationary support assembly 6, such as for example the inner bearing portion 42 of the guide member 40.
  • the engaged state of the locking clutch arrangement 15 corresponds to the second engagement structure 17a being rotationally engaged with the second corresponding engagement structure 17b, and the disengaged state of the locking clutch arrangement 15 corresponds to the second engagement structure 17a being rotationally disengaged from the second corresponding engagement structure 17b.
  • the stationary support assembly 6 is here represented by a stationary stem 39 with external threads 62 and stationary guide member 40, but also this may have a different design.
  • the stem 39 and guide member 40 may be made in one piece, or integrated in the housing or another part of the stationary support assembly 6.
  • the design of the other parts of the liquid ejection apparatus, such as housing 5, drive system 9 or rotary head assembly 7 may be similar to that described with reference to figure 2 or figure 9 and selected according to the specific circumstance.
  • the drive shaft is configured to be permanently rotationally engaged with the rotary head assembly, and not configured to be axially displaceable or disengageable as described with reference to figure 9A-B .
  • the impeller 10 or another part is configured to be axially displaceable for accomplishing the desired clutch-functionality of the drive system 9, such that the drive shaft 19 and rotary head assembly 7, is caused to rotate when there is a flow of liquid that passes the impeller 10, and such that the drive shaft 19 and rotary head assembly 7 are configured to remain non-rotating when there is a flow of gas, steam or air that passes the impeller 10.
  • an impeller-shaft assembly is illustrated, which largely corresponds to the design described above with reference to figures 6, 7 and 8A-B .
  • air, gas or steam is supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus, as schematically illustrated by the dashed flow path 11 in figure 10A .
  • the axial fluid force F F acting on the impeller 10 in a downstream direction is lower than the axial force Fs needed to compress the force generating device 13.
  • the impeller 10 is located in the first axial position, as illustrated in figure 10A , in which the drive shaft 19 is rotationally disconnected from the impeller 10 due the drive clutch arrangement 12 being in the disengaged state.
  • an impeller-shaft assembly is illustrated that largely corresponds to that described with reference to figures 10A-B , and differing primarily in the location of the drive clutch arrangement 12.
  • the drive clutch arrangement 12 was located essentially on a downstream side of the impeller 10, but as illustrated in figures 11A-B , the drive clutch arrangement 12 may alternatively be located more on the upstream side of the impeller 10.
  • FIGS 12A-B shows yet a further example embodiment, in which the impeller 10 is rotationally slidable relative to the drive shaft 19 but axially non-displaceable relative to the drive shaft 19.
  • the impeller 10 is rotationally slidable relative to the drive shaft 19 but axially non-displaceable relative to the drive shaft 19.
  • the impeller 10 not the drive shaft 19 are displaced axially to perform the necessary operating behaviour.
  • other parts are used for performing the requested clutch shifting, in particular a drive clutch member 58 configured to provide a selective connection between the drive shaft 19 and the impeller 10, and a locking clutch member 59 configured to provide a selective connection between the stationary support assembly 6 and the impeller 10.
  • the impeller 10 includes the first engagement structure 14a and second engagement structure 17, the drive clutch member 58 includes the first corresponding engagement structure 14b and the locking clutch member 59 includes the second corresponding engagement structure 17b.
  • the drive clutch member 58 is axially slidable but rotationally locked with the drive shaft 19 via for example shaft splines 60
  • the locking clutch member 59 is axially slidable but rotationally locked with the stationary support assembly 6 via for example stationary housing splines 61.
  • FIG 12A air, gas or steam is supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus, as schematically illustrated by the dashed flow path 11 in figure 12A .
  • the axial fluid force F F acting on driving clutch member 58 in a downstream direction is lower than the axial force F S needed to compress the force generating device 13.
  • the driving clutch member 58 is located in a first axial position, as illustrated in figure 12A , in which the drive shaft 19 is rotationally disconnected from the impeller 10 due the driving clutch member 58 being disengaged from the impeller 10.
  • the axial fluid force F F acting on the locking clutch member 59 in a downstream direction is lower than the axial force F S needed to compress an auxiliary force generating device 16.
  • the locking clutch member 59 is located in a first axial position, as illustrated in figure 12A , in which the impeller 10 is rotationally connected with the stationary support assembly 6 due the locking clutch member 59 being engaged with the impeller 10.
  • the locking clutch arrangement 15 or locking clutch member 59, and associated parts may be omitted from the described embodiments above.
  • the example embodiments of the liquid ejection apparatus described above with reference to figures 2 - 12B have primarily either included both a drive clutch arrangement 12 and a locking clutch arrangement 15, or merely a drive clutch arrangement 12.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus merely comprises locking clutch arrangement 15 and the drive clutch arrangement 12 is replaced by a continuous rotational connection the impeller 10 the rotary head assembly 7.
  • the impeller 10 is axially slidable but rotationally locked with the drive shaft 19 via for example shaft splines 60, and the force generating device 13 is installed for urging the impeller in the upstream direction for setting the locking clutch arrangement 15 in an engaged state.
  • the force generating device 13 may for example be mounted on the drive shaft 19 and abutting the drive shaft 19 on one axial side and abutting a part of the impeller 10 on the other axial side, as illustrated in figure 13A .
  • the force generating device 13 may be mounted in a cavity 20 defined by an axial support surface 21 of the drive shaft 19, an opposite interior axial abutment surface 22 of the impeller 10, and a radial interior surface 23 of the impeller 10 and/or of the drive shaft 19, as described with reference to figures 3 - 4 .
  • the locking clutch engagement 15 may be designed in a similar manner as described above with reference to figures 3, 4 , 6, 7 , 10A-B and 11A-B .
  • the locking clutch arrangement 15 may for example be defined by a second engagement structure 17a located on the impeller 10 and a second corresponding engagement structure 17b located on a part of the stationary support assembly 6, wherein the second engagement structure 17a for example may be provided in form of one or more protrusions or teeth that are arranged on or indirectly connected to the impeller 10, or even the blades 44 of the impeller 10 as such, and the second corresponding engagement structure 17b may be provided in form of one or more corresponding recesses, protrusions or teeth that are arranged on or indirectly connected to the stationary support assembly 6, such as for example on the connection arms 43 or inner bearing portion 42.
  • FIG 13A air, gas or steam is supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus, as schematically illustrated by the dashed flow path 11 in figure 13A .
  • the axial fluid force F F acting on the impeller 10 in a downstream direction is lower than the axial force F S needed to compress the force generating device 13.
  • the impeller remains in a first axial position, as illustrated in figure 13A , in which the drive shaft 19 is rotationally connected with the stationary support assembly 6 due the locking clutch arrangement 15 being in engaged state , such that the impeller 10 and thus also the drive shaft 19 are rotationally immovable.
  • the axial clutch motion may alternatively be performed by another part, such as locking clutch member 59 that is axially slidable but rotationally locked with the drive shaft 19 via for example shaft splines 60, and the force generating device 13 is installed for urging the locking clutch member 59 in the upstream direction for setting the locking clutch arrangement 15 in an engaged state.
  • the impeller 10 is permanently rotationally and axially locked with respect to the drive shaft 19, for example by a suitable clamping device and/or a positive mechanical connection, or the like.
  • the locking clutch engagement 15 may be designed in a similar manner as described above with reference to figures 3, 4 , 6, 7 , 10A-B , 11A-B and 13A-B .
  • the locking clutch arrangement 15 may for example be defined by a second engagement structure 17a located on the locking clutch member 59 and a second corresponding engagement structure 17b located on a part of the stationary support assembly 6, wherein the second engagement structure 17a may for example be provided in form of one or more protrusions or teeth that are arranged on or indirectly connected to the locking clutch member 59, and the second corresponding engagement structure 17b may be provided in form of one or more corresponding recesses, protrusions or teeth that are arranged on or indirectly connected to the stationary support assembly 6, such as for example on the connection arms 43 or inner bearing portion 42.
  • FIG 14A air, gas or steam is supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus, as schematically illustrated by the dashed flow path 11 in figure 14A .
  • the axial fluid force F F acting on the locking clutch member 59 in a downstream direction is lower than the axial force Fs needed to compress the force generating device 13.
  • the locking clutch member 59 remains in a first axial position, as illustrated in figure 14A , in which the drive shaft 19 is rotationally connected with the stationary support assembly 6 due the locking clutch arrangement 15 being in engaged state, such that the locking clutch member 59 and thus also the drive shaft 19 are rotationally immovable.
  • the basic method steps for cleaning a tank 3 and for supplying or release air, gas or steam to or from the tank 3 is described below.
  • the method is suitable for cleaning an interior surface 2 of a tank 3 by ejecting a liquid by a liquid ejection apparatus 1 located within the tank 3, and for supplying or releasing air, gas or steam to or from an interior of a tank 3 via the liquid ejection apparatus 1.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus 1 is attached to a flow pipe 4 that extends into the tank 3, and the liquid ejection apparatus 1 comprises a stationary support assembly 6 that is configured to be attached to the flow pipe 4 and to a rotary head assembly 7 having at least one liquid ejection outlet 8 for ejecting the liquid on the interior surface 2 of the tank 3.
  • the method includes a step of supplying a flow of liquid, in particular a cleaning liquid, to the liquid ejection apparatus 1 via the flow pipe 4, wherein the flow of liquid induces a fluid force that drives an impeller 10 of a drive system 9 of the liquid ejection apparatus 1, and wherein rotation of the impeller 10 results in rotation of the rotary head assembly 7.
  • the method involves a subsequent stopping of the supply of liquid to the liquid ejection apparatus 1 via the flow pipe 4.
  • the method further includes a step of supplying a flow of air, gas or steam to the liquid ejection apparatus 1 via the flow pipe 4 or releasing a flow of gas from the interior of the tank 3 via the liquid ejection apparatus 1 and the flow pipe 4, wherein the drive system 9 prevents rotation of the rotary head assembly 7 when there is a flow of gas, steam or air that passes the impeller 10.
  • prevents rotation of the rotary head assembly 7 refers to either rotational locking of the rotary head assembly 7, or simply disconnecting the rotary head assembly 7 from the impeller 10, such that the rotary head assembly 7 can come to stillstand by itself due to lack of rotational driving torque being supplied to the rotary head assembly 7. Both solutions solves the problem of avoiding rotational motion of the rotary head assembly 7 in the absence of liquid.
  • a tank cleaning process may include both repetition of a certain cleaning process step, as well as consecutively performing at least two different cleaning process steps, wherein the specific order of the cleaning process steps may be changed and modified according to the specific implementation and product.
  • the order of the steps of the method described above is not limiting but may be altered, such that the step of supplying a flow of liquid, in particular a cleaning liquid, to the liquid ejection apparatus 1 via the flow pipe 4, may be performed after the step of supplying a flow of air, gas or steam to the liquid ejection apparatus 1 via the flow pipe 4 or releasing a flow of gas from the interior of the tank 3 via the liquid ejection apparatus 1.
  • the flow of liquid sets a drive clutch arrangement 12 in an engaged state against a counter force provided by a force generating device 13 of the liquid ejection apparatus 1, such that the impeller 10 becomes rotationally connected with a rotary head assembly 7 and rotation of the impeller 10 results in rotation of a part of the rotary head assembly 1, wherein the force generating device 13 in the absence of liquid supply to the liquid ejection apparatus 1 sets the drive clutch arrangement 12 in a disengaged state, such that the impeller 10 becomes rotationally disconnected from the rotary head assembly 7.
  • a fluid force induced by the flow of air, gas or steam and acting for setting the drive clutch arrangement 12 in the engaged state is lower than a counter force provided by the force generating device 13 acting for setting the drive clutch arrangement 12 in the disengaged state, such that the drive clutch arrangement 12 is maintained in the disengaged state.
  • the flow of liquid sets a drive clutch arrangement 12 in an engaged state against a counter force provided by a force generating device 13 of the liquid ejection apparatus 1, such that the impeller 10 becomes rotationally connected with a rotary head assembly 7 and rotation of the impeller 10 results in rotation of a part of the rotary head assembly 1, wherein the force generating device 13 in the absence of liquid supply to the liquid ejection apparatus 1 sets the drive clutch arrangement 12 in a disengaged state, such that the impeller 10 becomes rotationally disconnected from the rotary head assembly 7. Furthermore, a fluid force induced when releasing gas acts for setting the drive clutch arrangement 12 in the disengaged state together with the force generating device 13, such that the drive clutch arrangement 12 is maintained in the disengaged state.
  • the flow of liquid sets an locking clutch arrangement 15 in a disengaged state against a counter force provided by a force generating device 13 of the liquid ejection apparatus 1, such that the impeller 10 becomes rotationally disconnected from the stationary support assembly 6 and rotation of the impeller 10 results in rotation of a part of the rotary head assembly 1, wherein the force generating device 13 in the absence of liquid supply to the liquid ejection apparatus 1 sets the locking clutch arrangement 15 in an engaged state, such that the impeller 10 becomes rotationally connected with the stationary support assembly 6.
  • a fluid force induced by the flow of air, gas or steam and acting for setting the locking clutch arrangement 15 in the disengaged state is lower than a counter force provided by the force generating device 13 acting for setting the locking clutch arrangement 15 in the engaged state, such that the locking clutch arrangement is maintained in engaged state.
  • the flow of liquid sets an locking clutch arrangement 15 in a disengaged state against a counter force provided by a force generating device 13 of the liquid ejection apparatus 1, such that the impeller 10 becomes rotationally disconnected from the stationary support assembly 6 and rotation of the impeller 10 results in rotation of a part of the rotary head assembly 1, wherein the force generating device 13 in the absence of liquid supply to the liquid ejection apparatus 1 sets the locking clutch arrangement 15 in an engaged state, such that the impeller 10 becomes rotationally connected with the stationary support assembly 6.
  • a fluid force induced when releasing gas acts for setting the locking clutch arrangement 15 in the engaged state, together with the force generating device 13, such that the locking clutch arrangement 15 is maintained in the engaged state.
  • the liquid ejection apparatus 1 has been described with reference to various example embodiments and specific features of any of the embodiments may be combined with features of any of the other embodiments.
  • aspect relating to the impeller-shaft assembly design, gearbox design, rotatory head assembly design, force generating device design, engagement structure design of the drive and/or locking clutch arrangements, etc. of any example embodiment may be combined with other aspects taken from another example embodiment.
  • References 1 Liquid ejection apparatus 25: Second rotational axis 2: Interior surface 26: Flange connection 3: Tank 27: Flow of liquid 4: Flow pipe 28: Rotation of rotary head assembly 5: Housing 6: Stationary support assembly 29: Rotation of rotary outlet hub 7: Rotary head assembly 30: Flow of released gas 7a: Rotary head 31: Toothed surface 7b.
  • Rotary outlet hub 32 Sun gear 8: Liquid ejection outlet 33: Planetary gears 9: Drive system 34: Ring gear 10: Impeller 35: Planetary gear carrier 11: Flow path 36: First roller bearing 12: Drive clutch arrangement 37: Second roller bearing 13: Force generating device 38: Toothed surface 14a: First engagement structure 39: Stem 14b: First corresponding engagement structure 40: Guide member 41: Cylindrical outer portion 15: Locking clutch arrangement 42: Inner bearing portion 16: Auxiliary force generating device 43: Connection arm 44: Impeller blade 17a: Second engagement structure 45: Stem nut 46: Upstream facing surface area 17b: Second corresponding engagement structure 47: Dashed rectangle 18: Liquid flow direction 48: Upstream side of impeller 19: Drive shaft 49: Downstream side of impeller 20: Cavity 50: Radial interior surface of impeller 21: Axial support surface 22: Interior axial abutment surface 51 Sliding bushing 52: Central opening 23: Radial interior surface 53: flange 24: First rotational axis 54: Weep

Landscapes

  • Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)
EP21176900.5A 2021-05-31 2021-05-31 Flüssigkeitsausstossvorrichtung Pending EP4098368A1 (de)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21176900.5A EP4098368A1 (de) 2021-05-31 2021-05-31 Flüssigkeitsausstossvorrichtung
PCT/EP2022/063783 WO2022253598A1 (en) 2021-05-31 2022-05-20 A liquid ejection apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21176900.5A EP4098368A1 (de) 2021-05-31 2021-05-31 Flüssigkeitsausstossvorrichtung

Publications (1)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102004052794B3 (de) * 2004-11-02 2005-10-06 Tuchenhagen Gmbh Behälterreinigungsvorrichtung
EP3037175A1 (de) * 2014-12-22 2016-06-29 Alfa Laval Corporate AB Drehbarer Tankreinigungsdüsenkopf mit einer Selbstreinigungsdüse
US20170120312A1 (en) * 2015-11-03 2017-05-04 Spraying Systems Co. Sanitary Rotary Tank Cleaning Apparatus

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102004052794B3 (de) * 2004-11-02 2005-10-06 Tuchenhagen Gmbh Behälterreinigungsvorrichtung
EP3037175A1 (de) * 2014-12-22 2016-06-29 Alfa Laval Corporate AB Drehbarer Tankreinigungsdüsenkopf mit einer Selbstreinigungsdüse
US20170120312A1 (en) * 2015-11-03 2017-05-04 Spraying Systems Co. Sanitary Rotary Tank Cleaning Apparatus

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