AU772000B2 - Cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

WO 01/62362 PCT/AU01/00143 Cleaning Device Technical Field The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus useful with brick and stone cutting equipment.

Background Of The Invention Brick and stone cutting equipment is used during construction using brick and stone.

Bricks and paving stones are required to be accurately and neatly cut when paving is being laid, and to ensure this brick saws are often used. Brick saws typically utilise a motorised circular cutting blade. The operation of the saw generates a great deal of heat and, because of this the saw blades are often cooled by arranging a stream of water to run over the blade during operation. The water also washes away the brick dust generated during the operation.

The use of brick saws in this way thus gives rise to two environmental problems.

Firstly, the operation of the saw uses prodigious quantities of water. Water, of course, is a costly resource and the cost of water adds to the overall cost of the task undertaken. Secondly, the action of cutting the brick or stone creates a significant quantity of dust and brick/stone particles which mix with the cooling water to form a slurry. If the cooling water is allowed to wash into storm water drains there is a resultant pollution of this water and an associated cost, either actual or environmental. Local authorities are sensitive to environmental pollution of groundwater and now demand increased environmental awareness and responsibility from all residents and businesses operating in their respective jurisdictions.

There has thus developed a need to minimise water consumption associated with the use of brick and stone cutting equipment and to dispose of both the water used and the dust and particulate matter generated in an economically acceptable and environmental responsible manner.

WO 01/62362 PCT/AU01/00143 The present invention is concerned with this situation and is directed to a device to assist in achieving the above outcomes. Specifically, the device of the invention is directed to a device to enable collection and recycling of the water supply used for cooling a brick saw.

Summary Of The Invention Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention, although this need not be the only, nor indeed the broadest aspect of the invention, there is provided a cleaning device including: a container adapted to hold supply of cleaning a water, the container including means for partial removal of particulate matter carried in the water and means for replenishment of water lost to the system; wherein the means for partial removal of particulate matter carried in the water includes a baffle that serves both to slow down the flow of water, thereby allowing further settling of slower moving particles to take place and also as a filter to remove some of the remaining particles It must be realised that the purpose of the device of the cleaning device of the invention is not designed to produce water entirely free of particulate matter, but rather the purpose is to produce water that is sufficiently clean to be used for cleaning and cooling brick saw purposes. The device of the invention therefore removes gross particulate contamination such that the water resulting from the process is fit for purpose rather than immaculately clean.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for partial removal of particulate matter carried in the water takes includes a plurality of separating sections in the container, in the form of a series of baffle structures encountered sequentially during the passage of water through the device. In some forms of the invention, the container may also include a removable debris collector in the form of a mesh basket. In alternative arrangements the mesh basket may be positioned either to rest on the base of a water return chamber, or, to be attached to a removable lid and to thereby be suspended in the body of the water return chamber.

WO 01/62362 PCT/AU01/00143 Preferably, the container includes separate water outlet sections and water return sections for distribution of cleaned water and collection of used water respectively.

Preferably, the replenishment of water is achieved through a connection to a water supply said water being introduced to the distribution side of the container.

Preferably, the water distribution side of the container incorporates water pumping means to achieve water distribution.

Preferably, the container includes a plurality of divisions within the water return side, said divisions of the container having openings to allow limited flow of water there through, and said division having associated filter type apparatus adapted to allow removal and/or settling of larger particles in the water supply without interference with small particles.

The device of the present invention is adapted to be connected to a water supply and in a water holding tank to have a ready supply of stored water available for use.

In one embodiment the cleaning device of the invention may be constituted by a moulded plastic container having a pair of interconnected chambers each separate chamber serving as either a water outlet chamber or a water return chamber respectively, the device further including means for partial removal of particulate material carried in the system and means for replenishment of water lost to the system.

Brief Description Of The Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example; with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- FIG 1 illustrates in perspective view a device in accordance with a first aspect of the invention; FIG 2 represents the device of FIG 1 in cross section; WO 01/62362 PCT/AU01/00143 FIG 3 illustrates in perspective view a cleaning device in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention; FIG 4 illustrates in cross-sectional view a cleaning device in accordance with a second aspect of the invention; and FIG 5 illustrates a cleaning device in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention.

Description Of The Preferred Embodiment Shown in figures 1 and 2 is a cleaning device 10 for use together with a brick saw.

The device 10 includes an enclosed housing 12 which comprises a container 14 and removable lid 16. The container 14 is generally rectangular and is made of plastics material such as polypropylene. One wall of the container 14 has connected therethrough a water supply inlet 18 and a water outlet 20. A water return inlet 22 is located in the container lid 16.

The container 14 is sub-divided by a number of partitions.

The water supply inlet 18 is connected to at a remote end (unseen) to a water source. Within the container 14 the water inlet terminates in a water supply inlet valve 19 controlled by a ball cock apparatus 24. Operating in conventional manner the ball cock apparatus 24 serves to maintain the water level in at least one half of the container 14 at a pre-determined level, by opening the water supply inlet valve 19 when the water level drops below the pre-determined set point.

The water outlet 20 is connected to a pump apparatus 26. The pump apparatus 26 is a submersible pump and is held on a platform 28 extending partially into the open area of the container 14. The pump 26 distributes recycled water from the apparatus to the brick saw (not shown). Whilst the embodiment under consideration is constructed with a water submersible pump, the apparatus would work equally effectively with a non submersible pump located externally of the container 14 but connected to the water outlet WO 01/62362 PCT/AU01/00143 As mentioned previously, the container 14 is divided by a number of partitions. The largest of the partitions is an upstanding wall 30 positioned generally centrally within the container 14. The wall 30 divides the container into two halves, a first, return section 32, shown on the right hand side of the drawing in FIG 2, and a second outlet section 34 on the left hand side. In the return section 32, water collected and returned from the brick saw undergoes a two stage filtration to remove large particulate thereby making the water suitable for re-use.

The outlet side 34 incorporates therein the pump 26 and ball cock apparatus 24 described above. The water held in the outlet section 34 consists of a mixture of cleaned water supplied to the outlet side from the return section topped up with clean water from the water supply. As seen in the drawings, the pump 26 is supported in an elevated position in the container and draws water from the upper levels of water in the container 14. Thus, any significant particulates remaining in the water in the outlet section 34 following cleaning in the return section 32 are allowed to settle at the bottom of the container and are not drawn into the pump 26.

A flow of water passes from the return section 32 through a grill at the base of the wall 30 into the outlet section 34.

The return section 32 includes a further partition 40. The partition 40 is positioned generally centrally within the return section 32. Further, the partition 40 is arranged such that the water return inlet 22 delivers return water into the outermost part of the return section 32.

Return water flows over the partition 40. Return water carries with it particulate matter of various sizes. Larger sized particles settle rapidly and, therefore do not pass through the opening 42. Water and carried particulates passing through the opening 42 encounter a filter type apparatus 44. In this case the filter type apparatus 44 consists of a baffle of polymeric material. The dimensions of the baffle 44 vary according to size and volume of water and potential waste to be collected. The baffle also extends into floor of chamber 34. The baffle serves both to slow down the flow of water, thereby allowing further settling of slower moving particles to take place and also as a filter to remove some of the remaining particles. It is important to realise the purpose of the apparatus 10 is not to remove all of the particulate material carried by WO 01/62362 PCT/AU01/00143 the water but to remove those particles which prevent the recycling of the water for cooling purposes. The inventor of the apparatus has recognized that attempts to remove all of the particulate material are destined to fail and are in any event unnecessary for operation of the saw with recycled water. The particulate material generated from the use of the saw varies from relatively large particles which are sharp enough to damage many filter materials to very fine colloidal matter likely to blind any filter quickly.

Accordingly, the apparatus finds an effective compromise by creating a situation in which the water in the container has a sufficient residence time and moves sufficiently slowly to allow the undesirably large particles to settle. The remaining fine particles can remain in suspension during the operation of the saw and, on completion of any sawing activity will settle on standing. The supematant is able to be disposed of and the settled solids are not introduced into the drainage system.

In use therefore, the device 10 is connected through the inlet 18 to a supply of water for filling purposes, typically a mains source, and the pump 26 is activated when the water in the container 14 reaches the appropriate level. The lid 16 is attached to the container such that the return valve 22 is located above the outermost settling tank.

During the operation of a brick saw water from the container is supplied to the saw for cooling the saw and arrangement are made for collection of such water after use.

Collected returned water is delivered to the return side of the container through the return inlet 22 and undesirable particulates removed as described above. Cleaned water flows through to the outlet side 34. Any loss of water during the operation, which is inevitable, is replenished from the water supply automatically on operation of the valve apparatus 24.

Thus, the device 10 allows an operator to control excessive water use and enables recycling of water during the brick saw operation. Further, when the device is not in use separation, and separate disposal of water and solids is possible.

A second embodiment of the invention is described in figures 3 and 4. The figures show a cleaning device 50 in the form of a moulded plastic container 52 carried on a trolley 54. The container 52 is formed of a pair of chambers 56, 58 interconnected by WO 01/62362 PCT/AU01/00143 a channel 59. The two chambers are a water supply chamber 56 and a water return chamber 58.

One wall of the water supply chamber 56 has connected therethrough a water supply inlet 60 and a water outlet pipe 62. A water return inlet 64 is located in a removable lid 66 of the water return chamber 58.

The water supply inlet 60 is connected to at a remote end (unseen) to a water source. Within the water supply chamber 56 the water inlet terminates in a water supply inlet valve 68 controlled by a ball cock apparatus 70. Operating in conventional manner the ball cock apparatus 70 serves to maintain the water level in at least one half of the chamber 56 at a pre-determined level, by opening the water supply inlet valve 68 when the water level drops below the pre-determined set point.

The water outlet 20 is connected to a pump apparatus 72. The pump apparatus 70 is located externally of the container 52 and as shown in the drawings rests between the chambers 56 and 58. The pump 72 therefore rests on the interconnecting channel 59. The pump 72 distributes recycled water from the apparatus 50 to the brick saw (not shown).

The water return chamber 59 includes an internal partition 73 positioned adjacent one wall of the container and close to the point where the channel 59 flows from the return chamber 58 into the supply chamber 56. The partition 73 Is an upstanding wall that serves as a barrier to direct flow of water entering the return chamber 58 into the channel 59.

The return chamber 58 also includes a collection basket attached to a removable lid to the container, the collection basket 74 being suspended in mid container. The collection basket 74 has an open mesh wall and serves to allow collection of large particles and rocks whilst allowing passage of water therethrough. The water return chamber also incorporates a lowermost collecting basket 76 that collects material settling out of the water during residency time in the chamber 58.

During use return water flows over the partition 72. Return water carries with it particulate matter of various sizes. Larger sized particles settle rapidly and are WO 01/62362 PCT/AU01/00143 collected in the baskets 74 and 76 and, therefore, do not pass through into the channel 59. Water and carried particulates passing through the channel 59 encounter a baffle filter type apparatus 78 in the form of deep grooves in the base of the channel 59. The grooves 78 serve both the slow down the flow of water, thereby allowingfurther settling of slower moving particles to take place and also as a filter'to remove some of the remaining particles. The grooves 78 extend transverse to the direction of flow of water through the channel 59 into the water supply chamber.

Each of the water supply and water return chambers 56,58 includes a lowermost drain 80 to facilitate emptying and waste removal.

The trolley 54 has a base tray 82 and wheels 84. The container 52 is a snug fit in the tray 82.

Figure 5 illustrates an alternative form in which the container 52 can be used. In this case the container has a tray 86 loaded there onto the tray 86 being bunded and serving as a base for a brick saw 88. The tray 88 has a slightly sloping base and at its lowermost point has a drain 90. The water supply from the pump 70 is supplied to the saw 88 and used for cooling the saw during operation. Water used for cooling is carried in the tray 88 and is collected in the drain 90. The drain 90 delivers the water to the water return inlet 64.

The invention has been described by way of example. The examples are not, however, to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Many variations of a physical arrangement of the device of the present invention may be envisaged. In particular, various types of filter arrangement could be used in addition to the separation mechanisms included. For example, a cyclone separator could be used or a number of alternative filter devices. Modifications and variations of the invention such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims (11)

1. A cleaning device characterised in that it includes: a container adapted to hold supply of cleaning a water, the container including means for partial removal of particulate matter carried in the water and means for replenishment of water lost to the system; wherein the means for partial removal of particulate matter carried in the water includes a baffle that serves both to slow down the flow of water, thereby allowing further settling of slower moving particles to take place and also as a filter to remove some of the remaining particles.

2. A cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for partial removal of particulate matter carded in the water includes a plurality of separating sections in the container, in the form of a series of baffle structures encountered sequentially during the passage of water through the device.

3. A cleaning device according to claim 1 in which the container is divided into water supply and water return sections.

4. A cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the container may also include a removable debris collector in the form of a mesh basket.

A cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mesh basket is positioned to rest on the base of a water return chamber,

6. A cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mesh basket is attached to a removable lid and to thereby be suspended in the body of the water return chamber..

7. A cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the replenishment of water is achieved through a connection to a water supply said water being introduced to the distribution side of the container. WO 01/62362 PCT/AU01/00143

8. A cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the water distribution side of the container incorporates water pumping means to achieve water distribution.

9. A cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the container includes a plurality of divisions within the water return side, said divisions of the container having openings to allow limited flow of water there through, and said division having associated filter type apparatus adapted to allow removal and/or settling of larger particles in the water supply without interference with small particles.

A cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is adapted to be connected to a water supply and in a water holding tank to have a ready supply of stored water available for use.

11. A cleaning device characterised in that the device includes a moulded plastic container having a pair of interconnected chambers each separate chamber serving as either a water outlet chamber or a water return chamber respectively, the device further Including means for partial removal of particulate material carried in the system and means for replenishment of water lost to the system.