EP1498063A1 - Method and device for cleaning of surfaces, in particular floor surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleaning process for surfaces, especially floors (1), comprises using a mobile cleaner (2) having an outside steam generator and passing steam through a flexible hose (17), mixing it with cleaner and directing the mixture directly to the working area of the cleaning tool (13) at the surface. An independent claim is also included for a surface-cleaning device as above.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for Cleaning of surfaces, in particular of floor surfaces, according to Preamble of the independent claims 1 and 5. With such Process or with such cleaning devices are polluted Floors of all kinds in private, public or commercial Area to be cleaned. The powered cleaning tool, usually a rotating brush, causes an intense mechanical processing of the surface to be cleaned. When Cleaning media become steam and / or liquid detergents used.

From DE U 295 08 713 a floor cleaning device is known which has an effect on the floor surface to be cleaned Cleaning tool and a steam generator, wherein from one or more against the ground surface and / or against the cleaning tool directed outlets expelled steam is. The cleaning tool is flowed through by the steam. Additionally, it can be connected via a separate line or via a separate line Drain a cleaning fluid on the floor surface be applied.

Through the US 4,353,145 a carpet cleaning device is known become, that is provided with a rotating brush pair. From a separate pressure tank can be a hot cleaning solution sprayed directly on the cleaning tool and immediately before become. The supply to the manually movable cleaning device via a flexible hose line.

A disadvantage of the known methods or devices exists in that they are constructively too complex and too bulky, because all the components on the frame of the mobile cleaning device are arranged. This causes that difficult too cleansing sites, e.g. under steps, benches or barriers alone because of the overall height are not accessible. In addition, the cleaning effect is at heavy soiling such as stuck or glued chewing gum rather poor. This is related to that steam and any cleaning agents do not work can fully develop.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method of the initially mentioned type, in which the cleaning media used optimally interact with the mechanical cleaning tool, so that even coarse dirt can be eliminated can. In addition, the process should also be a cleaning allow hard to reach places. This task is in procedural Regard solved with a method that the Features in claim 1.

As the steam at a steam generator outside the cleaner is generated, the cleaning device itself can be a minimum Have height. The cleaning device is also still there much easier to handle. The flexible hose line, via which the steam is supplied to the cleaning device allowed a sufficient local radius of action. The dosage of the detergent in the steam has several advantages. On the one hand The detergent is made by mixing with the steam Evidently, it itself strongly heated or partially evaporated, whereby the cleaning effect is greatly increased. The number the necessary supply lines in the area of the cleaning tool is reduced. If the dosing of the cleaning agent on the steam generator, is also the cleaning device of additional components, e.g. Detergent tank, Pump, metering valve, etc. relieved. Finally causes the application of the mixture of steam and cleaning agent at least directly in the working area of the cleaning tool a concentrated and intense exposure to temperature, detergent and mechanical forces on the dirt.

Particularly advantageously, the cleaning tool is an annular Brush, which is driven by a gear and the rotated about an axis approximately at right angles to the surface, wherein the mixture of steam and detergent in the center of the brush is supplied. The mixture can while the brush side However, it will essentially flow inside the brush concentrated on the floor surface. Of course it would be but also conceivable that the brush is designed as a roller, the rotated about an axis horizontal to the surface. Even linearly movable or vibrating brushes would be as cleaning tools conceivable.

For stubborn dirt, the cleaning effect can also to be improved when the mixture of steam and detergent additionally directly next to the working area of the cleaning tool is directed against the surface. The cleaning tool is that way at least in a particular section surrounded on both sides by the mixture, bringing also increases the exposure time to the polluted areas.

For optimal results, the mixture of steam and Cleaning agent when ejecting against the surface preferably a temperature of at least 110 ° to 140 ° Celsius. Of course is the way of the mixture or the length of the flexible hose line must be taken into account.

In terms of apparatus, the invention is asked Task solved with a device which features in claim 5. By the arrangement of the cleaning tool At the end of a mobile boom is an extraordinary low height, at least in the immediate area reaches the cleaning tool. This also allows stairs Trapped niches, barriers and the like and be cleaned the same way as exposed surfaces. The Laying of the drive motor and that for the motion transmission Required gearboxes cause a small extra effort. As the cleaning medium, as described above Mixture of steam and cleaning agent can be used. In particular Cases, however, it would also be possible, exclusively Steam or only a hot cleaning solution or to use the like as a cleaning medium.

Under the term "mobile boom" is any kind of itself longitudinally extending body, the relatively can be moved to the surface to be cleaned. The boom can be wheeled or on wheels, wheels, runners or rails be pushed or he can also be moved by hand. Conceivable would also be a robot-controlled cantilever arm attached to a rack, is arranged in particular on a chassis.

The cleaning tool can be driven in rotation on the boom be mounted, annular brush, the outlet for the cleaning medium is arranged approximately in the center of the brush. As mentioned above, but would be other cleaning tools or a combination of different ones Tools quite conceivable.

An advantageous embodiment can be achieved if the Boom is mobile and runs approximately horizontally and if that Cleaning tool mounted rotatably drivable under the boom is. Alternatively, the mobile boom could also be used as a lance be formed with a handle, wherein the cleaning tool, in particular a brush, fixedly arranged at one end of the lance is. The brush could also by means of electric motor and be driven by a gear transmission.

The scope of application of the device can still be improved if above the boom, approximately in the area of the axis of rotation of Brush a connection piece for connecting the supply line is arranged and if on the connecting piece an additional outlet is preferably releasably attached, over the cleaning medium In addition, immediately next to the brush can be ejected. The detachable arrangement of the additional outlet allows this as an additional module must be mounted only if it required by the cleaning action. The effect of Additional outlet can be further improved if he is mounted so pivotable about an axis that it is around a Range of preferably 180 ° pivotable about the end of the boom is. For example, if you want a floor area along a step be cleaned, the additional outlet is on the stage turned away side away. The cleaning effect is thereby Nevertheless, improved without the Zusatzauslass the driving along of the tool at the stage obstructed.

The additional outlet can also be a nozzle tube with individual nozzle openings have, which extends over a sector around the outer circumference the brush extends curved. This way will the cleaning medium always directly on the outer circumference of the brush applied or distributed.

The additional outlet or the nozzle tube is preferably in one certain operating position lockable. This way you can be exactly determined on which side of the cleaning tool in addition mixture should be ejected.

The transmission is advantageously a running under the boom Belt transmission, in particular a toothed belt transmission. Other transmission types such as. a gear transmission and / or a drive shaft would be just as conceivable. The drive motor is advantageous arranged over the boom and it is drehhreversierbar. Depending on the application of the surface to be cleaned gives the rotating brush the boom namely a certain torque, which are influenced by changing the direction of rotation can. Determining the direction of rotation also determines from which side a torque acts on the boom. When cleaning along a step or along a wall the direction of rotation is obviously chosen so that a Torque generated against the step or against the wall becomes.

The boom is at the opposite of the cleaning tool End advantageous with at least one roller, preferably a pair of rollers and with a rigid connected to the boom Provided drawbar. The cleaning device is on the one hand the role and on the other hand on the cleaning tool on the bottom surface supported. About the drawbar, the cleaning device be moved and steered. The tiller also makes it possible to exert leverage on the device, causing pressure on the device Cleaning tool can be exercised.

The cleaning device is advantageous over an outside of the Cleaning device arranged steam generator fed, the over a flexible hose connected to the cleaning device is. A dosing device allows the dosing of a detergent to the steam, being used as a cleaning medium, a mixture can be produced from steam and cleaning agent. The functions of the Steam generator and / or the metering device are advantageous controlled by the mobile cleaning device or by the mobile boom. Depending on the length of the flexible hose is such a relatively large radius of action, the operator can control all functions depending on the situation. The control takes place advantageously via an electrical supply line, which is required anyway for the operation of the electric motor.

Figur 1:

Eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Reinigungsgeräts mit teilweise geschnittenem Ausleger,

Figur 2:

eine Draufsicht auf das Ende des Auslegers am Gerät gemäss Figur 1,

Figur 3:

ein Querschnitt durch das Ende des Auslegers gemäss Figur 2,

Figur 4:

eine perspektivische Gesamtdarstellung eines Dampferzeugers mit einem Reinigungsgerät gemäss Figur 1 und mit einer alternativen Reinigungslanze, und

Figur 5:

eine schematische Darstellung einer Reinigungslanze mit drehantreibbarer Bürste.

Further advantages and individual features will become apparent from the embodiment described below and from the drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1:

A perspective view of a cleaning device with partially cut boom,

FIG. 2:

a top view of the end of the boom on the device according to Figure 1,

FIG. 3:

a cross section through the end of the boom according to Figure 2,

FIG. 4:

an overall perspective view of a steam generator with a cleaning device according to Figure 1 and with an alternative cleaning lance, and

FIG. 5:

a schematic representation of a cleaning lance with rotatably drivable brush.

As shown in Figure 1, there is a cleaning device 2 for Cleaning a bottom surface 1 substantially from a boom 7, preferably made of stainless steel sheet. At one end of the Jib is a roller 14 or a pair of rollers and a drawbar 15 arranged. This drawbar is however over a bracing 19 rigidly connected to the boom 7. In particular Cases, the drawbar could also be adjusted in inclination be attached. At the upper end of the drawbar is a pair of handles Arranged 18 and advantageously approximately vertically, so that when pushing a torque on the boom (7) exercised can be.

At the free end of the boom is under the boom an annular Brush 3 rotatably mounted. The drive takes place while on the drawbar on the boom fixed electric motor 4 or via a running under the boom Timing belt 8. The control of the electric motor or Further functions of the cleaning device take place on the control unit 20, which is fixed to the drawbar 15.

The electrical energy for the supply of the electric motor 4 is via an electrical supply line 34 from the steam generator provided here. About this supply line. also different control pulses are delivered or exchanged. With the motor switch 35, the electric motor on and be turned off and also the direction of rotation of the Electric motor and thus the working tool can be determined. With the help of the burner switch 36, the steam generator can einund be switched off, so that in certain cases, too Operation of the working tool without steam supply is possible. Finally, with the help of the dosing switch 37, the detergent supply be switched on and off, at the same time a quantity dosage can be preselected.

A cleaning medium, preferably a mixture of steam and Cleaning agent is supplied via a flexible hose 17, wherein a supply line 6 both one in Figure 1 not visible outlet 5 (Figure 3) in the center of the brush 3, and an additional outlet 11 on the outer circumference of the brush. 3 fed. For this purpose, a supply line 6 leads to a connecting piece 10, in the area of the axis of rotation of the brush 3 in whose center is arranged.

Further details of the device according to Figure 1 will be apparent from the figures 2 and 3. The boom 7 has a lateral Apron 32 which the toothed belt 8 and the brush 3 protective surrounds and which at the free end of the outer contour of the brush 3 follows.

A ring gear 33 is via suitable bearings 38 under the Boom 7 stored. The flexibly mounted brush 3 may preferably via suitable clamping connections with the ring gear 33, allowing easy replacement at any time is guaranteed.

The connecting piece 10 opens into the outlet 5 on the axis of rotation 9 of the brush 3. The connecting piece is preferably designed as a rotatable quick coupling, so that the flexible Hose line 17 alternatively either directly via the supply line 6 is connectable to the outlet 5, or additionally with an additional outlet 11, which extends to just above the bottom surface 1 extends and there in a curved nozzle tube 12 with Nozzle openings 13 opens. The additional outlet 11 is preferably about the axis of rotation 9 from the illustrated center position on both Pages in the direction of arrow a over a specific sector swiveling and lockable in an alternative position.

The locking of the additional outlet 11 via a locking pin 39, which is stored at the Zusatzauslass and in the desired Position in a hole 40 in the boom 7 engages. Of course, other locking means would be conceivable, such as. Locking screws or the like.

In Figure 4, a steam generator 16 is shown as he for the Operation of the cleaning device 2 can be used. The steam generator has a chassis 24, which is shown in the picture is shown without external cladding. The steam is in the boiler 25 generated in which water from a water tank 26th is passed through a tube system. The required Heat energy comes from a burner that comes from a fuel tank 28 is fed and the via a burner fan 31 with Oxygen is supplied. From a detergent tank 27 is directly via a dosing device, not shown here Detergent added to the hot steam generated in the steam boiler 25. A pump 30 always delivers a sufficient amount Water from the water tank 26 into the boiler 25. The controller the entire unit is connected to a control box 29.

The steam generator 16 can of course also for the operation alternative cleaning devices are used. Conceivable In particular, a cleaning lance 21, at the end of a rigid brush 22 is arranged and on a handle 23rd can be performed. The mixture of steam and detergent is also here in the center of the cleaning brush to be cleaned Expelled surface. Evidently, with a Such cleaning lance not only floor surfaces, but also any other surfaces are cleaned. The mechanical work on the brush 22 is doing manually, by rotating or linear Movements performed.

Figure 5 shows a partial view of a cleaning lance 21, the However, equipped with a rotatably drivable brush 41. To this purpose is laterally offset from the axis of rotation of the brush the lance 21 an electric motor 42 attached. The electric motor has a drive gear 43, which has an output gear 44 combs. The output gear is by means of a rolling bearing 45 rotatably mounted at the end of the lance 21. The with the output gear connected brush 41 thus rotates around the outlet 46 for the mixture of steam and cleaning agents. At Location of the illustrated gear transmission, the transmission could Of course, other transmission components such. Bevel gears, Timing belt, etc. have.

Incidentally, the control also takes place with the cleaning lance the various functions analogous to the above-described cleaning device 2, from an electrical control unit operating in the Region of the handle 23 is arranged.

Claims (17)

Method for cleaning surfaces, in particular floor surfaces (1), with a mobile cleaning device (2), wherein the surface is acted upon by at least one cleaning tool (3) as well as by steam and at least one cleaning agent, characterized in that the steam is applied a steam generator (16) outside of the cleaning device (2) and via a flexible hose (17) the cleaning device (2) is supplied, that the cleaning agent is added to the steam, and that the mixture of steam and detergent at least immediately in the working area of the cleaning tool (3) is directed against the surface (1). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning tool (3) is an annular brush, which is driven by a gear (8) and about an axis (9) approximately at right angles to the surface (1) rotates and that the mixture of Steam and detergent in the center of the brush is supplied. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mixture of steam and cleaning agent is additionally directed directly adjacent to the working area of the cleaning tool (3) against the surface (1). Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the mixture of steam and cleaning agent when ejected against the surface (1) has a temperature of at least 110 ° to 140 ° Celsius. Device for cleaning surfaces, in particular floor surfaces (1), with a mobile cleaning device (2) having at least one movable cleaning tool (2) acting on the surface to be cleaned, with a drive motor for driving the cleaning tool, and with a, in at least one outlet opening supply line for the supply of a cleaning medium in the region of the cleaning tool (3), characterized in that the cleaning tool (3) at the end of a mobile boom (7) is arranged, that the drive motor (4) at a distance or offset is arranged to the cleaning tool on the boom and that the cleaning tool via a transmission, in particular via a traction mechanism (8) is driven. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the cleaning tool on the boom (7) rotatably mounted rotatably mounted, annular brush (3) and that the outlet (5) is arranged for the cleaning medium approximately in the center of the brush. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the boom is movable and extends approximately horizontally and that the cleaning tool is rotatably mounted under the boom. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that above the boom (7) approximately in the region of the axis of rotation (9) of the brush (3) a connecting piece (10) for connecting the supply line (6) is arranged and that on the connecting piece an additional outlet (7). 11) is preferably releasably attached, in addition to the cleaning medium immediately adjacent to the brush (3) can be ejected. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the additional outlet (11) is pivotally mounted about an axis (9) such that it is pivotable about a range of preferably 180 ° about the end of the cantilever (7). Device according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the additional outlet (11) has a nozzle tube (12) with individual nozzle openings (13), which extends curved over a sector around the outer circumference of the brush. Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the additional outlet (11) can be locked in an operating position. Device according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the transmission is under the boom (7) extending belt transmission, in particular a toothed belt transmission. Device according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the drive motor (4) over the boom (7) arranged, preferably Drehreversiebler electric motor. Device according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the boom (7) at the cleaning tool (3) opposite end at least one roller (14) and a preferably detectably connected to the boom (7) drawbar (15). Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the mobile boom is designed as a lance with a handle, and that the brush by means of an electric motor and a gear transmission is driven. Device according to one of claims 5 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a outside of the cleaning device (2) arranged steam generator (16) which is connected via a flexible hose line (17) with the cleaning device (2) and that a metering device is provided , via which a cleaning agent can be added to the steam, wherein a mixture of steam and cleaning agent can be generated as the cleaning medium. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the functions of the steam generator from the mobile cleaning device (2) or from the mobile boom (7) are controllable.

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