NL2028198B1

NL2028198B1 - Cleaning device

Info

Publication number: NL2028198B1
Application number: NL2028198A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Reinier Gerard Peters Han; Fredrik Antwan; Reinier Zale Geenen Kamiel
Original assignee: Karz B V; Simalex B V
Priority date: 2021-05-12
Filing date: 2021-05-12
Publication date: 2022-11-30

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning device for dry cleaning cylindrical products, in particular canned goods, on a production line, comprising a conveyor path, for conveying the products from an entry of the device to an exit of the device; 5 a rotator, for rotating the products around a rotational axis of the products, wherein the rotator is arranged between the entry and the exit of the device; a first cleaning cloth, at least partially extending in the conveying path; a first guiding element, for arranging the first cleaning cloth, wherein the first guiding element is configured to arrange the first cleaning cloth at a predetermined first angle compared to rotational 10 axis; wherein the first guiding element comprises a number of rolls or guides to guide the first cleaning cloth.

Description

Cleaning device The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning cylindrical products, in particular canned goods like canned milk powder, and a method for cleaning cylindrical products.

Goods are packaged in factories and facilities in various ways, although most of the time such packaging occurs highly automated and at high speeds. Such high speed and automated packaging lines rely on conveyor belts and other automated mechanical systems to transport products through the line quickly. Although this indeed allows quick processing of goods, there is also a chance of contamination of the goods on the line, through debris build-up, displaced or spilled content (which fills the products on the line) such as milk powder and wear of the parts of the line. The present invention proposed a solution to clean the products on the line.

To that end the invention proposed a cleaning device for cleaning products, in particular canned goods, on a production line, comprising: a conveying path extending from an entry of the device to an exit of the device; a rotator, for rotating the products; a first cleaning cloth, at least partially extending in the conveying path; a first guiding element, for arranging the first cleaning cloth, wherein the first guiding element is configured to arrange the first cleaning cloth at a predetermined first angle in the conveying path; wherein the first guiding element comprises a number of rolls or guides to guide the first cleaning cloth. In use, the products are provided at the entry and conveyed to the exit. During the conveying the products are rotated by the rotator, which thus rotates the products around a rotation axis of the products. Typically it is the rotator that conveys and/or transports the products from the entry to the exit of the device, as well as rotates the products during this conveyance, although it is envisionable that a separate or dedicated conveyor is used for this purpose. The invention can thus also be described as a cleaning device for cleaning products, in particular canned goods, on a production line, comprising: a conveying path extending from an entry of the device to an exit of the device; a rotator, for rotating the products and transporting the products from the entry of the device to the exit of the device; a first cleaning cloth, at least partially extending in the conveying path; a first guiding element, for arranging the first cleaning cloth, wherein the first guiding element is configured to arrange the first cleaning cloth at a predetermined first angle in the conveying path; wherein the first guiding element comprises a number of rolls or guides to guide the first cleaning cloth. During the rotation the rotating products encounter or come into contact with the first cleaning cloth that extends in the conveying path. The cleaning cloth is arranged in the conveying path such that it does not hinder conveying of the products, but does allow the cleaning cloth and the products to contact. To align the cleaning cloth for this action, the rolls or guide are arranged, to angle the cleaning cloth in the conveying path. In other words, the cleaning cloth is arranged at a predetermined first angle with respect to the rotation axis of the products. The rotating action (and typically also the transportation action) of the products along the cleaning cloth cleans the surface or the area of the products that is in contact with the cleaning cloth. After this cleanse, the products can leave the device through the exit. Cleaning the products with cloth provides a dry solution, without chemical cleaning agent, which is applicable to various products, more in particular food products and packaged food such as milk powder cans. Although the invention works particularly well without (wet) cleaning agents, it is imaginable that liquid cleaning agents are used with a device or method according to the invention. The device has proven to work particularly well with cylindrical objects. The cylindrical products, by their shape, gradually encounter the cleaning cloth, which allows the cloth to form around the objects or slightly fold over the edge of the object. This allows the products to be pushed smoothly into the cleaning cloth, resulting in an improved cleaning action. The cylindrical products thus run into the cleaning cloth in a controlled manner.

Preferably the device comprises a controller for controlling the conveying speed and/or the rotator, in particular the mutual speeds of the rotator components and/or the number of rotations per minute of the rotator. This way the rotator can be set to rotate the products, regardless of the speeds of conveying, and/or the rotator can be set to convey the products at a certain speed. The rotator may for instance be controlled to allow cleaning of at least one product per second, more in particular more than 2 and more in particular at least 4 products per second. Alternatively, the device may comprise a separate conveyor, for conveying the products (on top of the rotator), wherein the conveyor also supports the products from below. If the conveyor speeds up, the rotator can speed up as well, to keep up and maintain the same level or numbers of rotation.

The conveyor may for instance be controlled to allow cleaning of at least one product per second, more in particular more than 2 and more in particular at least 3 or even at least 4 products per second.

The rotator may thus act as conveyor, as during rotation the rotator may be arranged to convey or transport the products.

The controller may be arranged to collect information from the line, when the device is placed in line.

For instance, the size of the products and the speed may be determined in the line.

By feeding that information to the controller of the device, the device can be set to the appropriate settings to accommodate the parameters set or present on the line.

The device may comprise at least one sensor, to detect the presence of products in the device, wherein the sensor is preferably linked to the controller, to control the device based on the presence of products to be cleaned.

Preferably the device comprises an enclosing frame, enclosing at least the rotator and the first cleaning cloth arranged in the conveying path.

Such frame fulfils multiple functions.

It can be used to keep the device clean, but it could also be used to keep people out, to prevent operator or user hands from getting into the device.

The frame might include a transparent portion, to allow visual checks on the device.

The rotator may comprise at least two belts, arranged on opposite sides of the conveying path, wherein the two belts rotate at different speeds.

The mutual difference causes one side of the products to move faster than the other side, thus rotating the products between the belts.

In another mode one of the belts rotates slightly slower compared to the conveying speed, or in opposite direction, and the other slightly higher, which results in the same rotational movement of the products.

The products may be clamped slightly between the belts, wherein the movement of the belts conveys the products from the entry to the exit of the device. lt is also possible that the rotator comprises one rotating belt, and a stationary wall opposite the rotating belt.

The difference in speed is then the same as the actual speed of the rotating belt.

The rotating belt or belts may be made from a resilient material like a rubber or reinforced plastic material, to be able to clamp or grip the products during rotation. The belts may also be made from a foam, such as a polyurethane based foam. The side of the belt or belts that face the products in use may be provided with a contacting layer, to grip or contact the products during rotation. This may be a separate layer, for instance of a polyurethane foam. In particular when the rotating belt or belts also provide the transporting function of transporting the products from the entry to the exit of the device, this allows the belt or belts to firmly grip and position the products in the device.

The two opposite belts may be arranged on a frame, wherein the distance between the opposing belts can be varied. This way the device can be set to transport, and thus clean, products of different size or dimensions. The belts are preferably arranged to slightly clamp, or hold on to, the products.

Preferably the device comprises a first holder, for holding the first cleaning cloth, and a second holder, for collecting used cleaning cloth, wherein the first guiding element is arranged between the first and second holder. The cleaning cloth thus extends between the two holders, in between which the guiding element guides, aligns or tensions the cleaning cloth. The guiding element thus allows to orient or arrange the cleaning cloth in the conveying path, in such a way that the cleaning cloth encounters or contacts the products. By collecting the used first cleaning cloth on the second holder, the second holder may be used to collect dirty or contaminated cleaning cloth, and prevent that this used cloth comes into contact with further products. The first and/or the second holder may be powered by a motor for instance, to rotate the holder in order to free or collect first cleaning cloth. The motor assisted or powered holder for instance allows a precise and controlled rotation of the holders over time, and thus a controlled release and collection of fresh and used cleaning cloth.

The tensioning of the first cleaning cloth may be aided by providing a braking installation on the first holder which holds the first cleaning cloth. Such braking installation works against freeing cloth from the holder, and provides resistance, which tensions the cloth between the holders. The second holder may be powered to turn, in order to collect cloth. By braking the first holder, a resistance is built up which needs to be overcome before the cloth can be collected on the second holder, which tensions the cloth.

Such tensioning allows the cloth to be oriented straight (at an angle), and allows incoming products to be pushed into the cloth (to some degree), which improves the cleaning action. 5

Preferably the first and second holder are arranged to rotate, upon which the first holder provides first cleaning cloth and the second holder collects cleaning cloth, wherein the speed of rotation is preferably controlled by a controller, preferably the same controller that controls the conveyor speed and/or the rotator.

The cloth thus rolls from the first holder (which thus holds clean cleaning cloth) towards the second roller (which thus collects used or dirty cleaning cloth). The speed of rotation determines the rate at which the cleaning cloth comes off (and is collected at the other end). When the conveyor and/or the rotator operate at high speed, relative many products are being cleansed, which requires more cloth in order to keep everything clean.

Preferably the device comprises a second cleaning cloth, at least partially extending in the conveying path; and a second guiding element, for arranging the second cleaning cloth, wherein the second guiding element is configured to arrange the second cleaning cloth at a predetermined second angle compared to the conveying direction, which second angle is different compared to the first angle; wherein the second guiding element comprises a number of rolls or guides.

This way two sections of cleaning cloth are present in the conveying path, with mutually different angles.

The rotating products thus encounters different cloth at different angles, which allows more sections or parts of the products to be cleansed by the same device, with the same rotating motion, thus improving the cleaning action of the device.

Preferably the device comprises a third holder, for holding the second cleaning cloth, and a fourth holder, for collecting used second cleaning cloth, wherein the second guiding element is arranged between the third and fourth holder.

Preferably the third and fourth holder are arranged to rotate, upon which the third holder provides second cleaning cloth and the third holder collects second cleaning cloth, wherein the speed of rotation is preferably controlled by a controller, preferably the same controller that controls the conveyor speed and the rotator.

This has the same benefits compared to the first and second holders mentioned before. Having a separate arrangement for the second cleaning cloth allows them to function independently. The third and fourth holder may have the same or similar functionalities and benefits as the first and second holder, and could thus also be powered by motor for instance.

Preferably the first and/or second cleaning cloth extends in the direction of the conveying path, preferably at least 0.25m, more preferably at least 0.5m. This allows a significant portion of cloth to be used for the cleaning action, for the products to rotate or rub along. The length of cleaning cloth (or the amount of cleaning cloth extending in the conveying direction) can be varied, for instance depending on the rotating speed of the rotator, the speed of conveyance of the products on the line and/or the diameter of the cylindrical products. Preferably the products rotate along their axes of rotation at least once while in contact with the cleaning cloth. When the product is rotated basically in place, relatively a small length of cleaning cloth is required, whereas the opposite is the case when the rotation of the product is spread out over a longer distance. A similar remark applies to the size or diameter of the products. The larger the product, the larger the circumference to be cleaned, and the more cloth being required for the same cleaning action.

The cleaning cloth, either the first and/or the second, may be a nonwoven fabric, or is a microfilament fabric. The cleaning cloth may for instance be made from polyamide and/or polyester microfilament fibers. Preferably the cleaning cloth has a dtex (deci-tex) between 0.05 and 0.5 dtex, preferably between 0.1 and 0.2 dtex, or about 0.15 dtex. Decitex (abbreviated as dtex) is a unit of measurement that indicates the linear mass of yarn in decigrams, per 10,000 metres. This Dtex value allows a very fine structure, improving the cleaning action of the cloth.

The cleaning cloth may for instance be based on a combination of polyester and polyamide, for instance 60-80% polyester and 40-20% polyamide, with a tensile strength and/or a tensile strength (in N/50mm) over 200, allowing the cloth to be tensioned sufficiently to provide the cleaning action required. Preferably the cleaning cloth has an absorption, measured according to DIN 53923-78 over 300%.

Preferably the conveying path extends mainly horizontally, and the products extend at least partially vertically, or perpendicular to the conveying path or conveying direction. The rotation of the products along their axis of rotation then typically is a rotation along a vertical axis. The predetermined first angle may lie between 1 and 45, more in particular between 5 and 35, more in particular between 10 and 20 degrees compared to the rotational axis (and typically the vertical), and/or the predetermined second angle may lie between 45 and 89, more in particular between 60 and 85 degrees, more in particular between 70 and 80 degrees compared to the rotational axis (and typically the vertical). Or, in other words, the predetermined first angle lies between 1 and 45 degrees compared to the rotation axis of the products and/or the predetermined second angle lies between 45 and 89 degrees compared to the rotation axis of the products. The inventors have found that such angle does provide a proper cleaning interaction between the cloth and the products, without proving to be too much of a hindrance blocking the products to proceed past the cloth towards the exit of the device.

Preferably the guiding element is arranged to tension the cleaning cloth, such that the cleaning cloth is arranged in a straight portion at the predetermined angle, and is possibly slightly stretched. This allows for a robust contact between the products and the cloth, which improves the cleaning action. Such tensioning action also allows the cleaning cloth to be pulled over a larger surface area of the products, or to exert a larger force on the products, both improving the cleaning action of the device.

The guiding element is preferably arranged on a frame, wherein the frame comprises at least one adjuster. Such adjuster is for instance a groove in which the guiding element is arranged, wherein the guiding element can be placed or secured in multiple positions. The different positions preferably differ in both horizontal and vertical direction, both directions being perpendicular to the conveying direction. By adjusting the guiding element it is possible to adjust the height and width, or the location, of the cleaning cloth in the conveying path, which allows the device to be set to different sizes and dimensions of products. Adjusting the distance between the cleaning cloth and the products with such adjuster also allows the force exerted by the cloth to the products to be adjusted, which force typically depend on the amount of overlap between the cloth and the products. The cleaning action on the products may for instance be determined by the tension in the cleaning cloth, and the resulting contact pressure between the cloth and the edge of the products. Preferably the rotator is configured to rotate the products around its axis of rotation atleast once when the products are transported along the rotator, wherein preferably the length and the speed of the rotator are set to rotate the products at least once. By rotating the products at least once fully, the complete circumference of the products is cleaned by the cleaning cloth. Rotating it twice doubles the cleaning action, which is beneficial but takes up more space. Preferably the rotator is configured to rotate the products between 1 and 2,5 times, which the inventors found to be the optimal balance between required floor space and cleaning action. Preferably the device comprises a conveyor belt for conveying the products between the entry and the exit of the device, wherein preferably the conveyor belt supports the products from underneath during rotation by the rotator.

The cleaning device may further comprise an air blower, such as an air knife, which is typically arranged after (or downstream of) the first and/or second cleaning cloth. The blower or air knife can be used to remove dirt or debris that is still left on the products after cleaning with the cloth.

In an embodiment the products are mainly cylindrical, and are for instance cans. The cleaning device may be used to clean the seam of the cans.

In use, cylindrical poducts are provided to the device, for instance on a running conveyor ling, at the entry of the device. At the entry the products are picked up by the rotator, which starts spinning or rotating the products around their axis of rotation, which is for instance the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical products. Somewhere between the entry and exit, and somewhere during rotation of the products, the products encounters the cleaning cloth, or both cleaning cloths, that extend(s) at an angle compared to the (vertical) axis of rotation. The cleaning cloth{s) clean the top portion of the products during the rotating action.

The invention further relates to a method for cleaning products, in particular canned goods, comprising the steps of: a. conveying products in a conveying direction; b.

arranging a first cleaning cloth in the conveying direction, such that the products encounter the cleaning cloth when conveyed in the conveying direction and c. rotating the products, at least partially when the products encounter the first cleaning cloth, such that the first cleaning cloth cleans at least a portion of the products. Furthermore, the method may also comprise steps in line with the disclosed device, and may include steps like adjusting the conveying speeds, or the distance between the rollers or rotating belts. In the method, the products to be cleaned may be turned before cleaning, such that the side of the products that is at the bottom during production is turned upwards to be cleaned by the method, such that that side of the product (which normally is contaminated the most on the line) can be cleaned properly.

The method may for instance comprise the step of controlling the number of rotations of the products, in particular during the time in which the products and the cleaning cloth are in contact. Such control is for instance performed with a programmable logic controller.

Rotation of the products in the method for instance occurs by a running belt, which runs at a different speed compared to the moving speed of the products. When this belt grips/contacts the outside of the products, it changes (decreases or increases) the speed locally (of the products) which causes the products to rotate.

The cleaning cloth in the method may be provided continuously, or semi- continuously. The cloth is for instance arranged on holders, wherein cloth is moved from a first holder (which has mainly clean cloth) to a second holder (which collects used cloth). The method may include rotating at least one, preferably both, rollers to control the movement, and thus refreshment, of the cleaning cloth. The rotation, and thus the way the cleaning cloth refreshes, is preferably controlled as well, in particular controlled depending on the speed of the line and the number of products that is cleaned per period of time.

The method may include the steps of providing a second cleaning cloth, in addition to the first cleaning cloth, to improve the cleaning action. It may thus include the steps of arranging a second cleaning cloth in the conveying direction, such that the products encounter the second cleaning cloth when conveyed in the conveying direction and rotating the products, at least partially when the products encounter the second cleaning cloth, such that the second cleaning cloth cleans at least a portion of the products.

The method may include the step of arranging the second cleaning cloth at a predetermined second angle, which second angle is different compared to the first angle of the first cleaning cloth, to allow a different cleaning to take place on the products with the two cleaning cloths at different angles. The method may also include the step of setting, adjusting or controlling the angle at which the first and/or second cleaning cloths extend compared to the products, in particular compared to the longitudinal axis or axis of rotation of the cylindrical products. The invention will now be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the following figures. Corresponding elements are denoted in the figures by corresponding reference numbers. In the figures: - Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view of a cleaning device according to the present invention; - Figure 2 shows another cross sectional view of a cleaning device according to the present invention; - Figure 3 shows a cleaning device as combination of figures 1 and 2; - Figure 4 shows a detailed cross sectional view of a device (1) according to the invention; - Figure 5 schematically shows a cross sectional view of a cleaning device according to the invention, without products; and - Figure 6 shows a detail of a piece of product in a device according to the present invention. Figure 1 shows a cleaning device (1) for cleaning products (2) comprising a conveyor (3), for conveying the products (2). The device (1) further includes a rotator (4), for rotating the products with respect to the conveyor (3), around a rotational axis (5) of the products (2). The device (1) further includes a first cleaning cloth (6) and a first guiding element (7), for arranging the first cleaning cloth (6). The first guiding element (7) in figure 1 is embodied as a series or rollers (7) over which the cloth rolls or moves. The first guiding element (7) is configured to arrange the first cleaning cloth (6) at a predetermined first angle (a) with the rotation axis (5) of the products, which is typically vertical. Figure 1 further shows an enclosing frame (8), enclosing the rotator (4) and the first cleaning cloth (6) arranged in the conveying path. Although figure 1 used a separate conveyor (3), the conveying action can also be provided by the rotator (4).

Figure 1 further shows a first holder (9), for holding the first cleaning cloth, and a second holder (10), for collecting used cleaning cloth, wherein the first guiding element (7) is arranged between the first and second holder. With between is meant that cloth, going from the first holder (9) to the second holder (10) encounters the guiding element (7) along the way. Figure 2 schematically shows a cleaning device (1) similar to figure 1, wherein corresponding features are provided with the same reference numbers. Compared to figure 1, the configuration of the cleaning cloth is changed. Instead of the first cleaning cloth, the device (1) of figure 2 shows a second cleaning cloth (11) and a second guiding element (12), for arranging the second cleaning cloth (11). The second guiding element (12) is configured to arrange the second cleaning cloth (11) at a predetermined second angle (B), which second angle is different compared to the first angle of the embodiment shown in figure 1. The second angle (B) is the angle between the vertical, or rotation axis (5), which is smaller than 90 degrees. Figure 2 further shows a third holder (13), for holding the second cleaning cloth (11), and a fourth holder (14), for collecting used second cleaning cloth (11), wherein the second guiding element (12) is arranged between the third (13) and fourth holder (14). With between is meant that cloth, going from the third holder (13) to the fourth holder (14) encounters the guiding element (12) along the way.

Figure 3 shows a device (1) according to the invention, which is combination of the devices shown in figures 1 and 2. The combination of the two cleaning cloths (6, 11) and corresponding features allows the products (2) to be cleansed at different positions. One of them is for instance used to focus on the (vertical) side of the products where the other may be used to focus on the (horizontal) top side of the products. In figure 3 (and in figures 1 and 2), the left of the product (2) is cleaned with a vertically oriented cloth, and the right with a more horizontally oriented cloth, although the product (2) rotates and the sides thus change over time. Figure 4 shows a detailed cross sectional view of a device (1) according to the invention. In particular, figure 4 shows the rotator (4), which comprises two belts (15), arranged on opposite sides of the conveying path, wherein the two belts rotate at different speeds. The belts (15) are arranged on different frame parts (16), the distance between which can be varied with a winch (17). The tension on the belts (15) can also be adjusted with a tension adjuster (18). The conveyor is not shown in figure 4. As example, the top belt runs clockwise, and the bottom belt runs anti- clockwise, which causes products transported between them to rotate.

Figure 5 schematically shows a detailed cross sectional view of a device according to the invention, similar to figure 3. Corresponding features are provided with the same reference numerals. The main difference is that the optional conveyor (3) of figure 3 is not shown in figure 5, and the product of figure 3 is also not shown. In figure 5 it is the belts (15) that provide the transporting component to transfer from the entry to the exit of the device.

Figure 6 shows a detail of a product in a device according to the present invention. Again corresponding features are provided with the same reference numerals. The product (2) is arranged between the two belts (15), which will cause the product (2) to rotate around its axis of rotation (5). At the top left of the product (2), it encounters a first cleaning cloth (6), arranged at an angle (a) by the arrangement of rollers (7). At the top right of the products (2), it encounters a second cleaning cloth (11) arranged at an angle (B) by the arrangement of rollers (12). The angles are quite different, such that both the side portion (near the top) as well as the top portion of the product (2) is cleaned. Although the angles (a, B) are indicated in the figures as continuous straight angles, it could occur that when the products encounter the cleaning cloths (6, 11), they are pushed into the cloths (6, 11). This potentially results in a deformation locally, and a bend in the cleaning cloth (6, 11). The angles as described herein are the angles prior to such bending or deformation.

it will be apparent that numerous variations of the embodiment shown here can be applied within the context of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Conclusions

CLAIMS 1. Cleaning device for cleaning cylindrical products, in particular in canned goods, comprising: a. a transport path, for transporting the products from an entrance of the device to an exit of the device; b. a rotator, for rotating the products about an axis of rotation of the products, the rotator being arranged between the entrance and the exit of the device; c. a first cleaning sheet extending at least partially in the transport path; d. a first guide member for positioning the first cleaning sheet, the first guide member being arranged to position the first cleaning sheet at a predetermined first angle with respect to the rotation axis; i. wherein the first guide member comprises a plurality of rollers or guides for guiding the first cleaning cloth.

2. Cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a control unit for controlling the rotator, in particular the number of rotations per minute of the rotator.

A cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an enclosing frame enclosing at least the rotator and the first cleaning cloth arranged in the transport path.

A cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotator comprises at least two belts arranged on opposite sides of the conveying path, the two belts being arranged to rotate at different speeds, or wherein the rotator has a belt and a wall part which are arranged on opposite sides of the transport path.

A cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein the two opposing belts are arranged on a frame, the distance between the opposing belts being variable.

A cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first holder for holding the first cleaning cloth, and a second holder for receiving a used first cleaning cloth, the first guide element being arranged between the first and second holder.

A cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein the first and second holders are arranged to rotate whereby the first holder provides the first cleaning towel and the second holder receives the first cleaning towel, the speed of rotation being preferably controlled by a control unit, at preferably the same control unit that controls the transport speed and the rotator.

A cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a. a second cleaning cloth, which extends at least partly in the transport path; and B. a second guide member for arranging the second cleaning sheet, the second guide member being arranged to position the first cleaning sheet at a predetermined second angle different from the first angle; i. wherein the second guide member comprises a plurality of rollers or guides for guiding the second cleaning cloth.

A cleaning device according to claim 8, comprising a third holder for holding the second cleaning cloth, and a fourth holder for receiving a used second cleaning cloth, the second guide member being disposed between the third and fourth holders.

A cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein the third and fourth holders are arranged to rotate, whereby the third holder provides the second cleaning cloth and the fourth holder receives the second cleaning cloth, the speed of rotation being preferably controlled by a control unit, at preferably the same control unit that controls the rotator.

11. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second cleaning cloth extends in the direction of the transport path, preferably at least 0.25 m, more preferably at least 0.5 m.

12. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport path extends substantially horizontally, and the goods thus extend at least partly vertically during transport, wherein the predetermined first angle is between 1 and 45 degrees with respect to the rotational angle. axis of the products or the vertical direction, and/or the predetermined second angle is between 45 and 89 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation of the products or the vertical direction.

A cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide member and/or the first, second, third and/or fourth holders are arranged to tension the cleaning cloth so that the cleaning cloth is held as a rectilinear portion at the predetermined angle.

14. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotator is arranged to rotate the products about their axis of rotation for at least once when the products are transported along the rotator, preferably the length and speed of the rotator being set to rotate the products at least once, and preferably the products are rotated at least twice or more.

15. Cleaning device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising a conveyor belt for transporting the products between the entrance and exit of the device, wherein preferably the conveyor belt carries the products from the bottom during rotation of the rotator.

16. Method for cleaning cylindrical products, in particular canned goods, comprising: a. transporting the products in a transport direction; b. arranging a first cleaning cloth in the direction of transport such that the products, when they are transported in the direction of transport, meet the cleaning cloth; c. rotating the products, at least partially as the products meet the first cleaning towel, such that the first cleaning towel cleans at least a portion of the products.