Apparatus and method for cleaning machines

A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a part, the cleaning apparatus comprising:

• a housing defining a washing chamber, the washing chamber having an opening through which a part may be loaded and unloaded into and out of the washing chamber;
• a support cradle adapted to support the part to be cleaned, the support cradle being located in the washing chamber;
• a closure which provides controlled access to the washing chamber through the opening, the closure being movable between a closed position to sealingly close the opening, and an open position to allow for loading and unloading of the part into and out of the washing chamber;
• and
• a spray system configured to direct a washing solution to clean the part in the washing chamber, the spray system comprising a plurality of spray arrays, wherein the spray system is operable to move from a retracted position to a cleaning position, wherein each spray array comprises a plurality of spray heads, and a plurality of independently rotatable spray heads that are fluidly connected to a plurality of spray arms that are configured to receive the washing solution from a washing solution reservoir, each spray head comprising:
• (a) a central spindle extending away from and fluidly connected to one of the spray arms;
• and
• (b) a plurality of nozzles that each extend away from the central spindle and are each fluidly connected to the central spindle through a separate radial passage, the plurality of nozzles configured to receive the washing solution from one of the spray arms through the central spindle, wherein each radial passage for each nozzle is oriented at a different angle with respect to the remaining nozzles of the spray head, wherein the washing solution is directed through the plurality of nozzles to clean the part in the washing chamber,
• wherein each spray head is configured to rotate about the same axis as the central spindle, individually with respect to the remaining of the plurality of spray heads.

A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a part, the cleaning apparatus comprising:

• a housing defining a washing chamber, the washing chamber having an opening through which the part may be loaded and unloaded into and out of the washing chamber;
• a support cradle adapted to support the part to be cleaned, the support cradle being located in the washing chamber;
• a spray system configured to direct a washing solution to clean the part in the washing chamber, the spray system comprising a spray array, the spray array comprising a plurality of spray heads that are fluidly connected to a plurality of spray arms configured to receive the washing solution from a washing solution reservoir, each spray head comprising:
• (a) a central spindle extending away from and fluidly connected to one of the spray arms;
• and
• (b) a plurality of nozzles that each extend away from the central spindle and are each fluidly connected to the central spindle through a separate radial passage, the plurality of nozzles configured to receive the washing solution from one of the spray arms through the central spindle, wherein each radial passage for each nozzle is oriented at a different angle with respect to the remaining nozzles of the spray head, wherein the washing solution is directed through the plurality of nozzles to clean the part in the washing chamber, wherein the spray system is configured to position at least one spray head at a first position and a second position, wherein the first position and the second position are defined within first and second cavities, respectively, of the part to be cleaned,
• wherein each spray head is configured to rotate about the same axis as the central spindle, individually with respect to the remaining of the plurality of spray heads;
• a fluid supply system comprising a filtration system and a reservoir wherein the filtration system is configured to treat the washing solution before it passes into the reservoir, and further wherein the treated washing solution may be reused in the spray system;
• and
• a closure which provides controlled access to the washing chamber through the opening, the closure being movable between a closed position to sealingly close the opening, and an open position to allow for loading and unloading of the part into and out of the washing chamber,
• wherein when in an open position the closure is supported in a position away from the opening such that the closure does not provide an obstruction to the opening.