EP2920371B1 - Device for cleaning surfaces - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a device and a method for the cleaning of surfaces, in particular of floors and floor coverings.

State of the art

In EP 1 498 063 A1 a device for cleaning surfaces will be described. In this device, a cleaning tool in the form of a circular-shaped brush is attached to a cantilever. The cleaning medium used is a mixture of steam and cleaning agent. The cleaning tool can be driven by a gear. The steam is generated in a steam generator outside the device and is supplied via a hose line of the device. The cleaning agent is added to the steam. This device is tied to an electrical supply line, which must be tightened again and again. Therefore, the operating radius of this device is limited.

In EP 1 491 129 A1 For example, a method and apparatus for generating a mixture of water vapor and a liquid detergent is described. This mixture can be supplied via a flexible hose a floor cleaning machine or a cleaning lance.

At an in WO 2004/017805 A1 described methods for cleaning floor surfaces, steam and cleaning liquid are applied together before the active surface of a cleaning tool, which has the form of rotating, annular brushes. The cleaning liquid can be applied in heated form. In WO 2004/017805 A1 Furthermore, a mobile floor cleaning device is described. In this device, the opening for the outlet of steam and then the opening for the outlet of cleaning liquid in front of the cleaning tool are arranged in the working direction first. This mobile floor cleaning device is bound to an electrical supply line, which must be tightened again and again. Therefore, the range of action of this floor cleaning device is limited. A cleaning socket for a street cleaning device is in DE 10 2005 020018 A1 described.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for the cleaning of surfaces, in particular of floors and floor coverings.

The inventive device and the inventive method are suitable for the cleaning of surfaces of largely arbitrarily structured soils, especially paved traffic areas, such as streets, squares, floors in stations, waiting halls, industrial floors, traffic areas, which are used by aircraft.

Summary of the Revelation

• ein Heizelement B zur Aufwärmung der zu reinigenden Oberfläche, wobei das Heizelement B ein flächiges Dampffeld umfasst, welches im Betrieb die zu reinigende Oberfläche mit Dampf beaufschlagt;
• ein Element C zur mechanischen Bearbeitung der zu reinigenden Oberfläche, welches wenigstens ein solches Teilelement umfasst, welches die Abtragung der gelösten oder abgelösten Verschmutzungen auf der zu reinigenden Oberfläche mittels Rotation und Bodendruck ermöglicht, wobei die Rotation um eine quer zur Arbeitsrichtung horizontal angeordnete Achse erfolgt;
• ein Element D zum Absaugen der Verschmutzungen sowie des durch Kondensation des Dampfes entstehenden Wassers von der gereinigten Oberfläche.

A device according to the present invention is mounted and / or mounted on and / or on a movable in a working direction mobile platform, such as a carrier vehicle, and designed together with the mobile platform for autonomous operation. The device comprises, in the working direction, arranged one behind the other, the following elements:

• a heating element B for heating the surface to be cleaned, the heating element B comprising a planar vapor field, which in operation acts on the surface to be cleaned with steam;
• an element C for mechanical treatment of the surface to be cleaned, which comprises at least one subelement which allows the removal of the dissolved or detached contaminants on the surface to be cleaned by means of rotation and ground pressure, wherein the rotation takes place about an axis arranged horizontally transversely to the working direction;
• an element D for sucking off the dirt and the water resulting from the condensation of the vapor from the cleaned surface.

The "working direction" is the direction in which the mobile platform moves during cleaning.

The heating element B is typically connected to at least one hot steam generator, which in turn is connected to a fresh water tank and a pressure water pump by means of at least one connecting line. The heating element B and the hot steam generator are typically connected to a central control and monitoring unit which controls the respectively required heating of the surface to be cleaned. In contrast to high-pressure cleaners, the steam is used to warm up the surface to be cleaned and possibly to dissolve and / or soften soiling, while no or at most only a slight mechanical removal of dirt by the vapor pressure occurs. In contrast to high-pressure cleaners, the steam thus acts at least largely non-abrasive.

The element C for the mechanical treatment of the surface to be cleaned is typically connected to such an electrical control, which controls the control of said respective sub-elements individually with respect to rotation, direction of rotation, speed and ground pressure.

The element D may be connected via a suction line with a closed container 4 for receiving the dirt particles and the condensed water, said closed container is connected to an element which generates a vacuum, for. B. a suction pump. The element D, the suction line and the container for Recording the dirt particles and the condensed water can be connected to such a central control and monitoring unit which controls the vacuum required in the element D, in the suction line and in the container.

The elements B, C, D can be fixed to a support plate, said support plate to be fixed floating on the mobile platform in height adjustable. In other embodiments, the element B is attached to the mobile platform via the element C. Depending on the application or the required degree of versatility can be waived in whole or in part on a height-adjustable and floating storage.

As will be explained in connection with exemplary embodiments, the mobile platform can be, in particular, an available municipal transporter or else one or more special vehicles. Preferably, the device is realized by one or more compact modules, which can be easily mounted on the mobile platform and separated from the mobile platform. In particular, the interfaces to the mobile platform can be designed for rapid assembly and disassembly without the generally available tools such as wrenches, etc.

• Erwärmen Oberfläche durch Beaufschlagung mit Heisswasserdampf und Einwirken lassen der applizierten Wärme;
• Abtragung von durch den Wasserdampf gelösten oder abgelösten Verschmutzungen mittels mechanischer Bearbeitung durch Rotation und Bodendruck, wobei die Rotation um eine quer zur Arbeitsrichtung horizontal angeordnete Achse erfolgt;
• Absaugen der Verschmutzungen sowie des durch Kondensation des Dampfes entstehenden Wassers von der gereinigten Oberfläche.

A method according to the invention for cleaning surfaces by operating a cleaning device mounted on and / or on a movable mobile platform in a working direction, comprises the sequential steps:

• Heating surface by exposure to hot steam and let the applied heat;
• Removal of soils dissolved or detached by the water vapor by means of mechanical processing by rotation and ground pressure, wherein the rotation takes place about an axis arranged horizontally transversely to the working direction;
• Extracting the dirt and the resulting by condensation of the water from the cleaned surface.

A device according to the invention can be used in particular for carrying out a cleaning method according to the invention, special designs, extensions and modifications of the device being reflected in corresponding refinements, extensions and modifications of the cleaning method. Therefore, certain embodiments of the device also disclose corresponding methods, even if not explicitly mentioned. In an analogous manner, described method steps reveal at the same time corresponding embodiments of a device according to the invention.

In one embodiment, in the working direction in front of the heating element B, a spray element A for the application of at least one cleaning agent, in particular a chemical cleaning agent, is arranged on the surface to be cleaned. The spray element A can be connected via connecting lines to various storage containers in which different cleaning agents are contained, wherein the spray element A is connected to such a central control and monitoring unit which controls the optional addition of the respectively required amount of necessary cleaning agent. The number of storage containers and the stored detergent depends on the field of application or the fields of application of the device. In one variant, completely or partially independently operating spray devices A are provided for the application of various cleaning agents. The cleaning agent is aspirated together with the condensed vapor and the pollution by element D.

In one embodiment, the device for a steam outlet from the steam field with a pressure of at most 10 bar, for example, at most 3 bar or at most 1.5 bar, based on the ambient air pressure, designed. The typically existing pressure pump, which provides the required working pressure, is preferably designed for this working pressure.

In one embodiment, the heating element B has a vapor exit barrier arranged on the outside or on the circumference of the vapor field, which counteracts the escape of water vapor from the surface to be cleaned.

The steam outlet barrier is typically arranged on the outside or on the circumference of the steam field and prevents escape of steam from the surface to be cleaned. This ensures that essentially only the surface to be cleaned is subjected to steam and that in particular no or only a small or negligible amount of steam exits the volume located between the vapor field and the surface to be cleaned.

Such undesirable escaping steam, which does not contribute to the heating and cleaning of the surface to be cleaned, is referred to herein as loss steam.

The loss of steam increases the amount of steam to be supplied, which increases the amount of water to be carried and consumed; Furthermore, the loss of steam requires a more powerful design of the or the hot steam generator (s). Furthermore, the additional energy required to produce the loss steam reduces the energy efficiency of the device.

Another advantageous effect of a steam escape barrier results from an improved driver's view and thus safety. Depending on the ambient conditions, the vapor which escapes undesirably without a vapor escape barrier leads to a cloud of vapor which considerably impairs the driver's vision or even makes it completely impossible can. This is especially true in largely closed and possibly not or only partially ventilated interiors, such as the interior of warehouses, underground garages, parking garages or the like.

The technical realization of the steam outlet barrier can be done in various ways. It is possible, for example, arranged on the sealed edges of the steam field mechanical seal, such as in the form of rubber lips or a circumferential labyrinth seal or a series of resting in operation on the surface to be cleaned sealing brushes. A further, alternative or additional embodiment of the steam outlet barrier consists in a suction device, which sucks excess steam along the edges of the steam field.

In one embodiment of a steam outlet barrier with suction, the extracted steam is fed to a waste water tank, a fresh water tank or a steam generator coupled to the steam field.

The extracted steam can be condensed in the simplest case and fed to a waste water tank, which may be the tank, which also receives the vapor condensed at the bottom and the contaminants. In another embodiment, however, the extracted steam is used further; Thus, the steam outlet barrier can be designed such that the extracted steam passes through a condenser and optionally a purification stage and the resulting water to the fresh water tank, which stores the water for the steam field, or directly to the one or more hot steam generators.

In one embodiment of a vapor escape barrier with suction, the device comprises a device for heat recovery from the extracted steam, for example a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can be arranged, for example, directly in or in thermal contact with the fresh water tank.

A further alternative or additional embodiment of the vapor escape barrier comprises a fluidic displacement device which displaces the vapor from the circumference of the vapor field to its interior. Such a displacement device may comprise, for example, an arrangement of inwardly directed steam nozzles or other directed steam outlet openings.

Another possible embodiment of a fluidic displacement device comprises a compressed air device which blows compressed air onto the surface to be cleaned along the edges to be sealed. By this measure, forms along the edges to be sealed an air curtain, which counteracts a steam outlet.

In one embodiment, the steam field comprises a steam homogenizer, which is designed to ensure at least substantially homogeneous and uniform steaming of the surface to be cleaned.

The steam homogenizer consists, for example, of a planar structure which has the dimensions of the steam field and is mounted in the flow direction of the steam between the steam outlet openings and the surface to be cleaned. Through this, the steam is passed in the transverse direction, before striking the surface to be cleaned, while evenly distributed in the homogenizer over the surface.

In one embodiment, the steam homogenizer comprises a flat and porous, sponge-like material or a flat fabric, for example a flat stainless steel mesh, a mesh, a mesh structure or the like.

In one embodiment, the device includes a collision stop device operably coupled or coupleable to a drive of the mobile platform and configured to automatically stop the drive of the device when it collides with an obstacle and / or threatens a collision with an obstacle.

In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes a collision stop device. This is functionally coupled with or designed for such coupling with the drive of the mobile platform, for example the carrier vehicle, and causes the device to be automatically stopped when the device collides in the working direction with an obstacle and / or such a collision threatening. The collision stop device can comprise one or more sensors, for example in the form of electrical switching contacts, reflex light barriers, capacitive proximity sensors, optical triangulation distance sensors or the like as sensor elements for detecting an acute or imminent collision, it also being understood that a combination of different sensors is possible. The one or more sensors of the collision stop device are typically arranged in the working direction at the front of the device in the working direction. If desired, other such sensors may be located at other suitable locations, such as at the back and / or the left and / or right side of the mobile platform. The collision stop device is particularly useful when used in confusing or highly structured environment, such as the interior of warehouses, underground garages, parking garages or the like. The anti-collision device in particular reduces collision risks or canceled, which arise due to the comparatively large required length in the direction of work and thus limited driver's view.

In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a length reduction device, which is coupled to the heating element B, that by its control, the heating element B is moved from a working position to a transport position, wherein in the transport position, a Mass to which the heating element B in the working direction over protrudes the element for mechanical processing C, is reduced or canceled over the working position.

In an exemplary such device, the length reduction device comprises a Rückzugsvörrichtung, which is adapted to retract the heating element (B) with respect to the element for mechanical processing (C) against the working direction or to move against the working direction. In this case, further, the distance of the heating element relative to the substrate or the surface to be cleaned changed and the heating element (B), for example, be raised. In such an embodiment, the retraction device additionally acts as a lifting device.

In an exemplary favorable embodiment, the heating element (B) is in transport position above the element for mechanical processing (C) and has to this a small distance or is on the element for mechanical processing (B), for example on the brush box on. The orientation of the heating field (B) is parallel to the brush box, so that the brush box and heating field (B) in the transport position form a compact unit whose dimensions, apart from the small additional height of the heating element (B), substantially correspond to those of the brush box ,

Such an arrangement of the steam field makes it possible, in particular, to reduce the total length of the device by the length of the steam field during the ascent to or departure from or at the place of work or at the place of use and thus to improve the maneuverability and the driver's view. The heating element performs during the movement of the working position into the transport position, for example, a circular shift, that is, a translational movement along a circular arc.

In a special embodiment, hot steam pipes which supply the hot steam to the steam field also serve as a retraction device. In such an arrangement, the housing of the steam box is mounted on the hot steam pipes on the brush box and is rotated or pivoted by means of a driven rotation of the hot steam pipes on the brush box. Alternatively, it is of course possible to realize the retraction device by a separate kinematic arrangement, for example a linkage. This may be advantageous, for example, if the heating element is relatively heavy and / or the steam is to be supplied through hoses.

The drive for moving the heating element may for example be designed hydraulically; In principle, however, a pneumatic or electric drive and a manual drive are possible.

In a further embodiment, the steam field is foldable, for example accordion-like design, whereby the working position of a deployed and the transport position corresponds to a folded configuration.

In a further alternative embodiment, the length reduction device comprises a retraction device in the form of a rail arrangement, through which the Heating element B can be withdrawn under the device for mechanical processing C for transport.

In further embodiments, the heating element B has the heating element B in the transport position with respect to the ground or the surface to be cleaned and the element for mechanical processing C a changed orientation. Thus, it is possible to fold the heating element B for transport before the element for mechanical processing B, for example, the brush box, vertically upwards in a transport position in which it is compared to the working position to z. B. is tilted 90 °. Also possible, for example, the heating element z. B. to pivot about a vertical axis laterally in a transport position under the element for mechanical processing. For such embodiments may be provided as a length reduction device, a corresponding rotary pan or tilting device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the element is an element for suction in its suction power continuously or in step controllable or adjustable. A controllable, controllable, or generally adjustable suction power is particularly advantageous when the device is put into operation in a heating phase in order to temporarily draw off liquid water emerging from the steam outlet openings of the steam field in the heating phase of the hot steam generator or steam generators

In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes filter means coupled to the aspiration element for filtering debris. With such a device solid dirt particles can be collected separately, such as in a dirt drawer. For filtering out the dirt particles, for example, a cyclone separator of basically known type is suitable.

In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a cleaning device for cleaning the extracted water, wherein the cleaning device is coupled to the device for suction D and a collecting container. With sufficiently good cleaning can serve as a container directly the fresh water tank, which stores the fresh water for steam generation. In such an embodiment, there is an at least partially closed water cycle. Other or alternative facilities for physical, biological or chemical cleaning or treatment of the water can also be provided if necessary.

In an exemplary embodiment, the element for machining the surface to be cleaned by means of adjustable casters is equipped, in particular with at least six casters, which are adjustable in height.

In an exemplary embodiment with a spray element A, the spray element A is adjustably fixed in height and in inclination and has at least four nozzles, each nozzle preferably having a drip-preventing valve.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element B has at least two independent, horizontally arranged, hot steam pipes, which have openings for the discharge of hot water vapor on the sides, which face the surface to be cleaned. Preferably, in the interior of the heating element B cleaning-carrying tubes are present in a serpentine arrangement, wherein the tubes on the bottom at regular intervals have holes through which the detergent can flow down to the surface to be cleaned.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element B is secured on its upper side by means of a gimbal joint to a support frame, which ensures the necessary pitching and yawing movements of the heating element B.

In an exemplary embodiment, the individual sub-elements in the element C for machining the surface to be cleaned are rotating cylindrical brushes with axes arranged horizontally transversely to the working direction, each brush being individually fastened to a single support, each support slidably arranged in the working direction Parallelogram suspension is attached to the brush box C.

In an exemplary embodiment of such an embodiment, a downwardly directed tab is laterally attached to each support in the working direction on both sides, wherein the first tab, which is arranged on the side of the driver's seat, the support for the axis of the brush roller, and wherein on the opposite second tab, a hydraulic direct drive is attached, which drives the brush roller.

• welche unabhängig voneinander sowohl vorwärts als auch rückwärts rotierbar sind,
• welche unabhängig voneinander in der Drehzahl einstellbar sind, und
• welche unabhängig voneinander im Auflagedruck auf die zu reinigende Oberfläche einstellbar sind.

In an exemplary embodiment, the element C for machining the surface to be cleaned comprises at least two, preferably three, sub-elements 11 in the form of rotating brush rollers rotating about axes arranged transversely to the working direction,

• which are independently rotatable both forward and backward,
• which are independently adjustable in speed, and
• which are independently adjustable in the contact pressure on the surface to be cleaned.

In an exemplary embodiment of such an embodiment is located in the spaces between the brush rollers at least one additional hot steam pipe, which has on the side facing the surface to be cleaned, openings for the discharge of hot water vapor, said hot steam tube of the application of

Hot steam and at least one detergent on the surface to be cleaned is used. Further, between the last brush roller and the inside arranged in the direction of the rear end wall of the brush box on a Schwemmrohr at least three holes through which water can escape, with which the surface to be cleaned can be wetted.

In an exemplary embodiment, the element D for sucking the dirt particles and the cleaning agent and the condensed water from the cleaned surface has the shape of a working direction forward crescent-shaped or U-shaped hollow body which is sealed against the surface to be cleaned, and wherein this element D is fixed to the brush box C by means of a dragging parallelogram suspension in the working direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is a check valve and a float ball closing valve between the dirty water tank and the vacuum generating element.

In an exemplary embodiment of the preferably existing waste water tank with a maintenance and cleaning opening, and preferably also with a connection opening for the operation of an additional Saugelements equipped.

In an exemplary embodiment, the element that creates a vacuum has an upward opening for the air outlet.

In an exemplary embodiment, each preferably existing hot steam generator has a power of at least 50 kW.

In an exemplary embodiment, located between the heating element B and the element C for mechanical processing of the surface to be cleaned, a flexible seal, which has the shape of a bead in cross-section, and is preferably made of rubber.

In an exemplary embodiment, a preferably existing Schwemmrohr 16 is connected via connecting lines with the preferably existing fresh water tank, wherein the fresh water tank is connected to generate the required working pressure with a pressure water pump.

In an exemplary embodiment, injector valves are present on the heating element B, through which additional cleaning agent from existing in some embodiments storage containers 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d can be fed into the hot steam pipes leading.

embodiments

• Figur 1 zeigt rein schematisch in Arbeitsrichtung eines Trägerfahrzeugs die linke Seite einer möglichen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung.
• Figur 2 zeigt rein schematisch in Arbeitsrichtung eines Trägerfahrzeugs die rechte Seite einer möglichen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung.
• Figur 3 zeigt rein schematisch eine mögliche Anordnung von horizontalen, schlangenförmig angeordneten, rohrförmigen Heisswasserdampf führenden Rohren 9.
• Figur 4 zeigt rein schematisch die Draufsicht auf die Ladefläche F eines Trägerfahrzeugs einer möglichen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung.
• Figur 5 zeigt schematisch ein Heizelement B und eine Vorrichtung zur mechanischen Bearbeitung einer alternativen erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung.
• Figur 6 zeigt eine Anordnung ähnlich Figur 5, montiert auf und an einem Trägerfahrzeug.

The following part describes possible embodiments of the present invention. It also refers to the figures.

• FIG. 1 shows purely schematically in the working direction of a carrier vehicle, the left side of a possible embodiment of the inventive device.
• FIG. 2 shows purely schematically in the working direction of a carrier vehicle, the right side of a possible embodiment of the inventive device.
• FIG. 3 shows purely schematically a possible arrangement of horizontal, serpentine arranged, tubular hot steam pipes 9 leading.
• FIG. 4 shows purely schematically the plan view of the loading surface F of a carrier vehicle of a possible embodiment of the inventive device.
• FIG. 5 shows schematically a heating element B and a device for mechanical processing of an alternative device according to the invention.
• FIG. 6 shows an arrangement similar FIG. 5 , mounted on and on a carrier vehicle.

In the FIGS. 1 to 4 the working direction is shown with an arrow. As a carrier vehicle for the inventive device, a commercial municipal transporter with continuous hydrostatic drive, which at nominal speed of the drive motor, a minimum operating speed of, for example, <1 km / h allowed to be used.

Suitable carrier vehicles are, for example, the vehicles of the Ladog T1150 to T1550 series from Ladog-Fahrzeugbau and Vertriebs GmbH in D-77736 Zell am Harmersbach / Germany.

Even if it is assumed that a conventional motor vehicle as a mobile platform, which is not mandatory. Likewise, the mobile platform could be a special vehicle. Furthermore, the mobile platform may alternatively be provided by an autonomous, i. H. driverless moving mobile platform are formed, which z. B. departs a wholly or partially pre-planned cleaning path. In principle, it is also possible to arrange different components of the device on different mobile platforms, these moving in coordinated operation and, for example, driving one behind the other. Basically also possible is a mobile platform, which in contrast to the embodiments shown here is not automotive, so is self-propelled, but is designed for example as a vehicle trailer or even by a person, possibly assisted by motor, pushed.

• das optionale Sprühelement A zur Applikation von wenigstens einem Reinigungsmittel auf die zu reinigende Oberfläche,
• das Heizelement B zur Aufwärmung der zu reinigenden Oberfläche,
• das Element C zur mechanischen Bearbeitung der zu reinigenden Oberfläche, und
• das Element D zum Absaugen der Schmutzpartikel sowie des Reinigungsmittels und deskondensierten Wassers von der gereinigten Oberfläche.

In the working direction, the following elements are mounted one behind the other in demountable form in front of the carrier vehicle:

• the optional spray element A for the application of at least one cleaning agent to the surface to be cleaned,
• the heating element B for heating the surface to be cleaned,
• the element C for mechanical processing of the surface to be cleaned, and
• the element D for sucking the dirt particles and the cleaning agent and the condensed water from the cleaned surface.

These elements A, B, C, D can be raised for transport purposes optionally by means of existing on the carrier vehicle oil hydraulic system 1. For example, four storage containers 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d for the cleaning agents, two hot steam generators 3a, 3b, the dirty water tank 4 and the device 5 for generating are on the rearward tiltable loading surface F of the carrier vehicle, which is located behind the driver's cab E of electrical energy installed in a demountable support frame 6.

The spray element A is preferably fixed in height adjustable in inclination and has for example at least four nozzles 7, wherein each nozzle 7 preferably has a dripping preventing valve.

The heating element B for heating the surface to be cleaned is made of stainless steel and has the shape of a downwardly open trough and represents the actual steam field B. A (not shown) Dampfhomogenisierer may optionally be present.

The heating element B is preferably movable to the element C for mechanical processing of the surface to be cleaned, ie the brush box C, grown.

The heating element B can preferably be lifted separately by means of oil hydraulics 1 for transport purposes and is up to a tilt angle of max. 45 ° laterally and independently suspended pendulum.

The distance between the bottom and steam field B can be adjusted by means of height-adjustable casters 8 and stop buffers on the brush box C.

In the interior of the heating element B are preferably horizontally at a distance of a few centimeters to the surface to be cleaned hot water steam pipes 9 secured in a serpentine arrangement.

These tubes 9 have on the bottom at regular intervals steam outlet openings in the form of holes through which the hot steam flows down to the surface to be cleaned and heats the surface to be cleaned to the temperature required for the cleaning process. An unillustrated Dampfhomogenisierer may be arranged in the form of a flat stainless steel mesh below the holes. The required hot steam is generated by way of example in the two hot steam generators 3a, 3b.

In the interior of the heating element B can also horizontally at a distance of a few centimeters to the surface to be cleaned detergent leading tubes 33 in be secured snaking line arrangement. These tubes 33 have on the bottom at regular intervals holes through which the detergent flows down to the surface to be cleaned.

On the heating element B injector valves may additionally be present, which allow additional detergent from the storage containers 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d feed into the hot water vapor-carrying tubes 9.

The edge of the steam field B can be shielded from the outside by means of a vapor escape barrier in the form of suitable sealing profiles or sealing brushes so that as little steam as possible can escape from the space above the surface to be cleaned. Also possible are other vapor escape barriers shown in the general description of the invention, such as a fluidic air curtain.

The brush box C preferably covers the entire working width of, for example, 1250 mm and in particular has the shape of an upwardly closed box.

The brush box C is made of a stable sheet metal construction. The brush box C is down, ie against the surface to be cleaned, open.

In the interior of the brush box C are, for example, two, preferably three, independently suspended brush carrier frame 10a, 10b, 10c, which in turn transversely to the direction horizontal arranged and rotating brush rollers 11 a, 11 b, 11ctragen.

• unabhängig voneinander sowohl vorwärts als auch rückwärts rotierbar,
• unabhängig voneinander in der Drehzahl einstellbar, und
• unabhängig voneinander im Auflagedruck auf die zu reinigende Oberfläche einstellbar wobei optional der Auflagedruck an der linken und rechten Bürstenaufhängung separat einstellbar ist.

These brush rollers 11a, 11b, 11c are preferably

• independently rotatable both forwards and backwards,
• independently adjustable in speed, and
• independently adjustable in the contact pressure on the surface to be cleaned with optionally optional the contact pressure on the left and right brush suspension is adjustable.

Suitable brush rollers 11a, 11b, 11c are available, for example, from Zeintra AG in CH-9500 Wil (SG) / Switzerland.

The brush carrier frame 10a, 10b, 10c are by means of two oil hydraulic cylinders and four carriers in a parallelogram, slid in the direction seen, attached to the brush box C.

The movable storage of the parallelogram is based on, for example, Rosta® rubber spring elements. The individual brush carrier frames 10a, 10b, 10c can be adjusted in height with respect to the brush box C in an oil-hydraulic manner.

The individual contact pressure of the brush carrier frames 10a, 10b, 10c and thus of the brush rollers 11a, 11b, 11c can be loaded and unloaded by means of an electro-hydraulic control 12.

The brush rollers 11 a, 11 b, 11 c installed in the brush carrier frames 10 a, 10 b, 10 c each have a hydraulic direct drive 13 a, 13 b, 13 c by means of a hydraulic motor. These hydraulic motors 13a, 13b, 13c can each be individually adjusted independently of each other in the direction of rotation and speed.

The arrangement of the brush rollers 11a, 11b, 11c and the corresponding direct drives 13a, 13b, 13c are designed in the brush box C so that at least on the left side, in the working direction of the host vehicle, the brush rollers 11a, 11b, 11c as close as possible to the Edge of the surface to be cleaned can be driven. This allows, except for a few centimeters, the cleaning of surfaces which are bounded by walls, belt curbs and the like.

Hydraulic drives are typically found in the use of a carrier vehicle shown here by way of example. Depending on the used mobile platform and other conditions to be taken into account but also completely or partially other drives can be used, such as electric and / or pneumatic drives.

The driver's seat is attached by way of example in the working direction on the left side of the driver's cab E. Therefore, the driver can precisely view the left side in the working direction as mentioned above.

On the underside of the individual brush carrier frames 10a, 10b, 10c and next to the brush rollers 11a, 11b, 11c further hot steam tubes 14 may be mounted, which serve to maintain the working temperature within the brush box C at the desired temperature. The design and fastening of these hot steam pipes 14 takes place in the same way as in the steam field B.

In addition, injector valves may be present on the brush box C, which allow additional cleaning agent to be fed from the storage containers 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d into the hot steam pipes 14.

Between the last brush roller 11 c and the inside of the rear end wall 15 of the brush box C arranged in the working direction are optionally attached to a flume pipe 16 z. B. three holes arranged through which water can escape, with which the surface to be cleaned can be sprayed. This measure binds dust and dirt.

The edge of the brush box C is sealed by means of suitable sealing profiles or sealing brushes against the outside so that as few heat and dirty water can escape from the space formed by brush box C and surface to be cleaned.

All necessary for the operation of the element C for mechanical processing of the surface to be cleaned hydraulic units, so control valves, cylinders and hydraulic motors are preferably installed in the electro-hydraulic control 12, which is exemplified on the brush box C.

The uniform distance of the brush box C to be cleaned surface can be ensured by means of height-adjustable swivel and transport rollers 8. The brush box C is preferably suspended laterally and longitudinally up to an angle of 45 ° independently of the carrier vehicle pendulum.

In the working direction behind the brush box C is preferably in a sluggish arrangement attached by means of a trapezoidal linkage on the brush box C element D for sucking the dirt particles and the cleaning agent and the condensed water from the cleaned surface.

This element D for suction preferably has the form of a suction nozzle 17, which also extends over the entire working width. The suction nozzle 17 may either be sickle-shaped or in particular has a forwardly curved U-shape in the working direction, through the design of the aufzusaugende dirt while driving in the working direction is optimally guided to the centrally located suction.

The uniform distance of the suction nozzle 17 to the cleaned surface can be ensured by means of height-adjustable transport rollers. When reversing the carrier vehicle, the suction nozzle 17 is preferably pivoted away to avoid damage to the top.

From the centrally located suction opening of the suction nozzle 17, a transparent and vacuum-resistant suction line 18 leads to the dirty water tank 4, which is located at the back of the loading area F of the carrier vehicle. The waste water tank 4 extends over the entire width of the loading surface F of the carrier vehicle.

In the suction line 18, a check valve is installed, which prevents dirty water can get back into the suction nozzle 17.

The drive of all components of the exemplary device is preferably carried out by means of proportional hydraulic, which are provided by the carrier vehicle by means of pressure, return and leakage oil connections in sufficient pressure and in sufficiently large flow in several independent circuits.

The hydraulic functions are controlled by electric proportional valves located in the electrohydraulic controller 12 on the brush box C and which receive their oil supply from the forward pressure, return and drain oil connections on the host vehicle.

The operation and monitoring of the hydraulic functions, the speeds and the contact pressure of the brush rollers 11a, 11b, 11c takes place by means of electrical control 19 from the driver's cab E. This electric control 19 is here for example mounted instead of a passenger seat on the right in the direction of the driver's cabin E. ,

On the backward tiltable loading surface F of the carrier vehicle a demountable support frame 6 is constructed. The dirty water tank 4 is set by means of a laterally disposed therefrom hydraulically operated turbine 20 under vacuum. In the working direction in front of the waste water tank 4 are the two hot steam generators 3a, 3b, which are mounted on a pull-out heavy-duty pull-out for better maintenance accessibility.

On the left in the direction of the loading surface F of the host vehicle are laterally behind each other in the support frame 6, for example, four storage containers 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d in the form of canisters with a capacity of 25 liters. In these storage containers 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, the respective required cleaning agent can be filled.

These storage containers 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are each held individually in an integrated support frame and can be attached and removed separately.

Above these four storage containers 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d there is a respective pump 21 for conveying the cleaning agent via corresponding lines to the spray element A.

Optionally, additional lines may be present, which lead and spray the corresponding detergent from the storage containers 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d by means of application lines in the steam field B and / or in the brush box C.

By way of example, in the working direction on the right side of the loading surface F of the carrier vehicle is the central control and overgrowing unit 22 for the entire technical construction.

On the right in the direction of the loading surface F is a fuel tank 23 with a capacity of, for example, at least 100 liters.

In the fuel tank 23 preferably diesel oil is filled. With this diesel oil, the two hot steam generators 3a, 3b are operated.

The fuel tank 23 has an electric governor, which indicates to the driver in the driver's cab E the current fuel supply for the operation of the two hot steam generators 3a, 3b.

In particular, the device 5 for generating electrical energy for the operation of the entire engineering structure has the form of a current generator, which is typically generates a voltage of 230 V voltage and provides a power of at least 8 kVA power.

This power generator 5 is located in the working direction at the rear of the vehicle and is operated oil-hydraulically by means of pressure, return and leakage oil connections of the carrier vehicle.

In the working direction right of the two hot steam generators 3a, 3b, the operated by means of a 230 V / 2000 W electric motor 26 pressure water pump 27 is installed. This pressure water pump 27 delivers the water from the fresh water tank 28, which is mounted centrally on the loading surface F, via a water filter 29 to the metering valves 24 and then into the two hot steam generators 3a, 3b.

Purified water, especially drinking water, can be used as the water. In order to prevent or at least reduce the clogging of the parts through which water and hot steam are passed, it is preferable to use treated water.

The water can also be added after preliminary determination of the lime content / the degree of hardness and a water softener, for example, a water softener Düring AG in CH-8108 Dällikon / Switzerland.

The working pressure of the hot steam is controlled by the pressure relief valves 25.

In the working direction behind the fuel tank 23, the metering valves 24 and the pressure limiting valves 25 are installed in the working direction on the right side.

The hot water vapor emerging from the two hot steam generators 3a, 3b preferably has a temperature of at least 150.degree.

The generated hot steam is conducted by means of hoses to the steam field B and optionally into the hot steam pipes 14.

Further, the pressure water pump 27 promotes the respective required rinse water, the amount of which is regulated by a metering, to the flume pipe 16th

All connecting lines between the technical structure, which is located on the loading area F, and the four elements A, B, C, D are laid below the carrier vehicle such that its ground clearance is not restricted.

• Der Schmutzwassertank 4 besteht aus einer starkwandigen Konstruktion aus profiliertem 4 mm Stahlblech und einem Volumen von beispielsweise wenigstens 400 Litern. Auf der Innenseite ist der Schmutzwassertank 4 zusätzlich mit Verstrebungen verstärkt, um ein Zusammenziehen unter Vakuum zu verhindern.

The waste water tank 4 is preferably constructed and installed as follows:

• The waste water tank 4 consists of a thick-walled construction of profiled 4 mm steel sheet and a volume of, for example, at least 400 liters. On the inside of the waste water tank 4 is additionally reinforced with braces to prevent contraction under vacuum.

The bottom of the dirty water tank 4 is also reinforced against deformation by vacuum by means of struts on the bottom of the soil.

The top of the dirty water tank 4 consists for example of a removable cover made of profiled 4 mm sheet steel.

In the removable lid is a quick-lock closable, recessed maintenance opening with a diameter of at least 300 mm.

On the left side in the direction of work is located on the waste water tank 4, a transparent plastic tube which is vacuum-resistant and is arranged vertically.

Through this transparent plastic hose, the level in the waste water tank 4 can be visualized.

The suction connection consists of a welded-in 2 "pipe, a 90 ° bend pointing downwards and to which a rubber lip for sealing the float ball is attached The float ball in turn is centered by a guide tube, which is screwed to the inside of the wall of the dirty water tank 4.

This float ball closes the suction connection with a full recovery tank 4.

At the rear left corner of the dirty water tank 4 in the working direction is located on the inside of a welded riser 30, which is provided at the top with a downwardly directed 180 ° arc. The riser 30 is guided below the dirty water tank 4 to the outside. To the riser 30, the suction line 18 is connected.

At the rear wall of the dirty water tank 4 in the working direction, the outlet opening 31, which in turn is equipped with a dirty water plate slide and a Storz coupling, is located at the bottom and in the middle.

The dirty water tank 4 is therefore arranged in the working direction at the back of the loading area F, so that the recovery tank 4 can be easily emptied by backward tilting of the bed F.

There is a ball valve between the dirty water tank 4 and the turbine 20, which serves, for example, during transfer trips, to prevent spilling of dirty water from the full recovery tank 4 into the turbine 20.

On the front side in the working direction of the dirty water tank 4, an electric float is inserted, which indicates the current level to the driver and emits a warning signal with full recovery tank 4.

In addition, a suction connection for a suction pipe of a commercially available industrial vacuum cleaner can be attached to the dirty water tank 4.

• Es handelt sich um eine Vakuumturbine, wie sie beispielsweise auch in einer Kehrsaugmaschine "Tennant 3400" verwendet wird.

The turbine 20 is preferably constructed and mounted as follows:

• It is a vacuum turbine, as used for example in a sweeper "Tennant 3400".

This vacuum turbine 20 is operated with a Gerotor oil engine, in particular with a volume flow of about 5 to 20 liters per minute and a speed up to 3ooo rev / min.

This vacuum turbine 20 preferably generates a vacuum of> minus 0.3 bar (relative).

The vacuum turbine 20 is arranged on the loading surface F at a short distance to the recovery tank 4. The vacuum turbine 20 is connected to the waste water tank 4 kink-free with a vacuum-resistant tube 32.

The drive of the vacuum turbine 20 via an adjustable proportional hydraulic valve, which is located on the brush box C. The hydraulic oil is conducted via the rear side of the loading surface F in the working direction about the pivot point of the tiltable loading surface F by means of pluggable hydraulic connections to the vacuum turbine 20.

• Das Trägerfahrzeug kann bei kurzen Distanzen aus eigener Kraft selbst zum Einsatzort fahren. Bei grösseren Distanzen wird das Trägerfahrzeug zum Einsatzort transportiert.

A device according to the invention, which is mounted on and on a carrier vehicle and is supplied with the required energy by this carrier vehicle, is preferably operated as follows:

• The carrier vehicle can travel on its own for short distances on its own to the place of use. For longer distances, the carrier vehicle is transported to the place of use.

The surface to be cleaned must be pre-cleaned. This means that loose waste, such as cans, paper, cardboard, plastic parts, organic waste, which are located on the surface to be cleaned, must be previously removed in a separate operation in a conventional manner, for example with a sweeping machine.

In the canisters 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, the respectively required cleaning agent are filled. Particularly suitable cleaning agents are those which preferably remove substances based on hydrocarbons, for example oils, fats, fuels, chewing gum, dried residues of sweet drinks, abrasions of vehicle tires, abrasions of aircraft tires, in a state such that they can be removed Dirt can be solved or removed and removed with the application of thermal and mechanical influences from the surface to be cleaned.

The product Top-Cleaner from Top-Cleaner GmbH in CH-9053 Teufen / Switzerland can be used as cleaning agent to remove chewing gum residues. As a cleaning agent for the removal of oil, grease and fuel residues, the product industrial cleaner forte the company Amstutz products AG in CH-6274 Eschenbach (LU) / Switzerland can be used.

As a cleaning agent for the removal of abrasions of vehicle tires and abrasion of aircraft tires either the product Top-Cleaner Top-Cleaner GmbH in CH-9053 Teufen / Switzerland or a mixture of the two cleaning agents mentioned above can be used.

The pumps 21 suck the respective cleaning agent from the canisters 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and convey it via transport lines into the spray element A and optionally into the steam field B and / or into the brush box C.

The hot steam, which is produced in the hot steam generators 3a, 3b, is conducted via transport lines into the steam field B and optionally into the brush box C.

The contact time of the cleaning agent and the hot water vapor is determined by the selected driving speed of the carrier vehicle. The driving speed is preferably <1 km / h.

The thus pretreated, to be cleaned surface is then machined mechanically with the brush rollers 11a, 11b, 11c.

The driver of the carrier vehicle decides in which direction, with which speed and with which contact pressure the brush rollers 11a, 11b, 11c should work.

Because the brush rollers 11a, 11b, 11c rotate about a horizontal axis, the loosened or detached contaminants are not smeared.

The contaminants dissolved or detached from the surface to be cleaned, the cleaning agent and the condensed water vapor are bound by the water leaving the alluvial tube 16 and then sucked off in a simple manner through the suction nozzle 17 into the dirty water tank 4.

The suction at the suction nozzle 17 is generated by the turbine 20.

The contents of the waste water tank 4 is emptied through the outlet port 31 and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner in a separate process.

FIG. 5 schematically shows an inventive device according to an alternative embodiment. A brush box forming the housing of the mechanical machining apparatus B is provided in a manner similar to that in Figs FIGS. 1 . 2 illustrated embodiment and in FIG. 5 not shown. Regarding the in FIG. 5 illustrated embodiment, particular features are explained below, in particular for this embodiment. The basic structure corresponds to that in the FIGS. 1 to 4 shown construction or results in variants of the general disclosure.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5 a length reduction device is provided which comprises the hot steam tubes 9 '. The hot steam pipes 9 'serve at the same time as a retraction and lifting device. In front of the working direction, a collision stop device of the previously described type is optionally also arranged.

Optionally, one or more spray elements (not shown) may further be arranged in front of the heating element B in the working direction, as in the context of the exemplary embodiment of FIG FIG. 1 . 2 illustrated and explained. The heating element optionally further includes a steam homogenizer as described above.

The element for mechanical processing C comprises a rigid support frame 50, in which the hot steam tubes 9 are pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis. The drive, not shown and arranged within the brush box can be performed, for example, hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically; additionally or alternatively, the pivoting can be done manually. The heating element B is also pivotally mounted with respect to the hot steam tubes 9 '. By pivoting the hot steam pipes 9 'in the direction indicated by the arrow X, the heating element B is moved to move from the in FIG. 5 shown working position in the transport position in a circular shift about the element for mechanical machining pivoted and initially raised until its underside is above the brush box, and then retracted and lowered so that it rests on the brush box at the end of the movement or through the hot steam pipes 9 'is held at a small distance to the brush box.

At the periphery of the vapor field, an optional vapor escape barrier 40 is further arranged, which can be realized in one of the manner described in the general description of the present invention, for example by a circumferential sealing profile or a suction device.

The two existing in this embodiment brush rollers 11 'may be designed in a basically analogous manner as the brush rollers 11 a, 11 b, 11 c in the embodiment according to FIG. 1 . 2 , Between the two brush rollers 5 7 and on in the assembled state of the carrier vehicle facing side of the device for mechanical processing B is parallel to the axis of rotation of the brush rollers 11 ', transverse to the working direction, an optional pair of rubber lips 59 arranged.

The Bürstenwalten 11 'are each held by brush holder 55, which are mounted in vertical rails 53 of the support frame in the vertical direction, ie perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned, movable. By means of pneumatic lifting cylinder 57, the brush rollers 11 'resting on their own weight on the floor to be cleaned can be relieved of control for controlling the contact pressure. The lifting cylinder 57 can alternatively also be driven differently than pneumatically, in particular hydraulically or electrically.

In working direction behind, d. H. facing the carrier vehicle in the mounted state, a flange plate 60 is provided, which is preferably rigidly coupled to the support frame 50, for example, welded or screwed. The flange plate 60 is for mounting on a suitable carrier vehicle, such as a conventional municipal truck as described above. For this purpose, the flange plate 60 may have a corresponding standardized shape. As described above, heating field B and mechanical processing apparatus C can be preferably raised and lowered. This is done by a corresponding increase or decrease a flange plate on the carrier vehicle, which is the counterpart to the flange plate 60.

In the area of the flange plate, there are also the interfaces required for operating the device, for example for hydraulic, pneumatic and / or electrical supply of the device, control and signal lines and interfaces for the supply of hot steam and the suction. If the carrier vehicle is a conventional municipal transporter, these interfaces are preferably designed such that they correspond to any corresponding interfaces of the carrier vehicle, for example an electrical power supply present on the carrier vehicle via the electrical system of the carrier vehicle or an oil hydraulic system of the carrier vehicle. The interfaces are preferably designed to be detachable in order to enable a simple and rapid assembly and disassembly on the carrier vehicle.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment, which basically the in FIG. 5 illustrated embodiment corresponds to ready for use, where it is mounted together with the other required for operating the device units and devices on and on a carrier vehicle, which may be, for example, a conventional municipal transporter of the type previously shown. The stem consisting of heating element B, apparatus for mechanical processing C and (not visible) suction device D can, as is previously shown, preferably be mounted detachably on the carrier vehicle. Likewise, which are arranged on the loading surface F. Components arranged on a common carrier platform F ', which is detachably connected to the loading surface F. In this way, the entire assembly, including support platform F ', mounted by means of crane eye 71 in a simple manner on the bed F and also be removed from it. This allows, by adapting fewer elements, a use of the device in conjunction with different carrier vehicles. It also makes it possible to use the carrier vehicle optionally separately. In this way, a comparatively more costly

For example, municipal transporters are alternately used in the summer months as a cleaning vehicle and in the winter months as a spreading or clearing vehicle.

In the exemplary embodiment directly on the mounting platform F 'are arranged in the exemplary arrangement shown, two hot steam generators 3a, 3b. The remaining required components, such as fuel tank, fresh and dirty water tank, optional wastewater filtering and cleaning equipment, such as cyclone separators as previously described, pumps, valves, optional chemical cleaning canisters, etc., are housed within each housing encapsulated module 70a. 70b, 70c, 70d arranged.

Claims (15)

1. Device for cleaning surfaces, wherein the device is mounted or can be mounted on top of and/or on a mobile platform which can be moved in a working direction, for example a carrier vehicle, and, together with the mobile platform, is designed for autonomous operation, wherein the device comprises the following elements, arranged behind one another in the working direction:

   - a heating element (B) for heating up the surface to be cleaned, wherein the heating element (B) comprises a flat steam panel which, in operation, applies steam to the surface to be cleaned;

   - an element (C) for mechanically processing the surface to be cleaned, which comprises at least one such part element (11) which permits the removal of the loosened or detached contaminants on the surface to be cleaned by means of rotation and ground pressure, wherein the rotation is carried out about an axis arranged horizontally and transversely with respect to the working direction;

   - an element (D) for sucking up the contaminants and the water produced by condensation of the steam from the cleaned surface.
2. Device according to Claim 1, comprising a spraying element (A) which is arranged upstream of the heating element (B) in the working direction and intended for applying at least one cleaning agent, in particular a chemical cleaning agent, to the surface to be cleaned.
3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is designed to let out steam from the steam panel at an overpressure of at most 10 bar, for example at most 3 bar or at most 1.5 bar, with respect to the surrounding air pressure.
4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element (B) has a steam outlet barrier which is arranged on the outer side or on the periphery of the steam panel and which counteracts the escape of steam from the surface to be cleaned.
5. Device according to Claim 4, wherein the steam outlet barrier at least comprises sealing profiles, sealing brushes, a sucking-up device for sucking up excess steam or a fluidic displacement device which displaces the steam from the periphery of the steam panel (B) towards the interior thereof.
6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steam panel comprises a steam homogenizer which is designed to ensure that steam is applied at least substantially homogeneously and uniformly to the surface to be cleaned.
7. Device according to Claim 6, wherein the steam homogenizer comprises a flat and porous, sponge-like material or a flat woven fabric, for example a flat stainless steel woven fabric.
8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a collision-stopping device which is coupled or can be coupled functionally to a drive of the mobile platform and is designed to automatically stop the travel of the device if it collides with an obstacle and/or a collision with an obstacle is threatened.
9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a length-reduction device which is coupled to the heating element (B) in such a way that, by activation thereof, the heating element (B) is brought from a working position into a transport position, wherein, in the transport position, a degree by which the heating element (B) projects beyond the element for mechanical processing (C) in the working direction is reduced with respect to the working position or eliminated.
10. Device according to Claim 9, wherein the length-reduction device is a retraction device which is designed to retract the heating element (B) with respect to the element for mechanical processing (C) counter to the working direction or to displace it counter to the working direction.
11. Device according to Claim 10, wherein, in the transport position, the heating element (B) is arranged above the element for mechanical processing (C) and is at a small distance therefrom or rests on top of it.
12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a cleaning device for cleaning the sucked-up water, wherein the cleaning device is coupled with the element for sucking up (D) and a collection tank (28).
13. Method for cleaning surfaces by operating a cleaning device which is mounted on top of and/or on a mobile platform which can be moved in a working direction, comprising the sequential steps:

    - heating the surface by applying hot steam and leaving the applied heat to act;

    - removing contaminants loosened or detached by the steam by means of mechanical processing by rotation and ground pressure, wherein the rotation is carried out about an axis arranged horizontally and transversely with respect to the working direction;

    - sucking up the contaminants and the water produced by condensation of the steam from the cleaned surface.
14. Method according to Claim 13, wherein the hot steam has an overpressure of at most 10 bar, for example of at most 3 bar, with respect to the surrounding air pressure.
15. Use of a device according to one of Claims 1 to 12 for carrying out a method according to one of Claims 13 and 14.

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