EP2928620A1

EP2928620A1 - Cleaning device

Info

Publication number: EP2928620A1
Application number: EP12816520.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rune OESTERGAARD SAYK; Frederik Ernst RUGAARD; Flemming Asp
Original assignee: Nilfisk AS
Current assignee: Nilfisk AS
Priority date: 2012-12-10
Filing date: 2012-12-10
Publication date: 2015-10-14
Also published as: WO2014091275A1

Abstract

A cleaning device (2) comprising: A water inlet for the provision of pressurized water, an air inlet to be fluidly connected to an air outlet (14) of a compressor (10) for the provision of pressurized air, a mixing unit (16) fluidly connected to the outlet (8) of the water pump (4) and the air outlet (12) of the compressor (10), the mixing unit (16) further comprising a fluid outlet (18), a first and a second input line (20), (22) for a first and a second cleaning agent. The device also comprises a movable controlling member (46) having a first position, only allowing passage of pressurized water from the outlet (8) of the water pump (4) to the outlet (18) of the mixing unit (16), a second position, only allowing passage of pressurized water from the outlet (8) of the water pump (4) and a first cleaning agent from the first input line (20) to the outlet (18) of the mixing unit (16), and a third position, only allowing passage of pressurized water from the outlet (8) of the water pump (4) and a second cleaning agent from the second input line (22) and pressurized air from the air outlet (14) of the compressor (10) to the outlet (18) of the mixing unit (16) for the provision of foam. Hereby is provided a single cleaning device (2) which can supply water, or water mixed with a first cleaning agent, or foam.

Description

CLEANING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention pertains to a cleaning device, particularly for use in the food manufacturing industries, for example for cleaning heavily soiled surfaces in the food processing area, for instance in the meat and fish processing industries for vegetables processing or in the pastry industry. The cleaning device according to the invention may also be used for cleaning cars, tractors and other agricultural machines, which often get heavily soiled during use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

in the food processing industry, in particular in heavily soiled areas, such as slaughterhouses or in the meat and fish processing industries, tenacious soiling through grease, protein and starch residues requires the application of a series of different treatments procedures, including disinfection, in order to achieve a .level of cleaning that complies with the government standards. Traditionally, the cleaning procedure would involve an initial flushing with water, wherein all larger debris are removed and the surfaces are made wet. Then it is customary to apply a "carpet" of foam comprising a cleaning agent over these surfaces, particularly in order to clean these surfaces from grease. Finally, the areas are disinfected with yet anothe chemical agent, such as chlorine. This kind of industry cleaning thus requires a change between different procedures and equipment. in FR 2 817 736 is disclosed a device which makes it possible, b starting with, on the one hand, water under pressure and, on the other hand, water, to which chemical or bactericidal products have been added, to produce foam intended for cleaning surfaces or objects, The device consists of two consecutive chambers, in the first chamber compressed air enters b means of a tube pierced with holes. Water under pres- sure, to which chemical product have been added, enters by means of the tube. Then the mixture of air under pressure and of water under pressure produces foam. This foam is conveyed into a decompression chamber which completes the mixing of the products. The volume of the chambers is calculated to obtain an optimum quality of the foam. In US 5,855,217 is disclosed a device for cleaning surfaces in the food industry. The device comprises a housing body having a first inlet for feeding pressurized water; a propulsion jet positioned behind the inlet and in a direction of flow; a collection jet positioned behind the propulsion jet, which is flow-connected with a second inlet for feeding a chlorine-free alkaline foam cleaning agent, and a third inlet for feeding a hydrogen peroxide solution; and a turbulence chamber into which an elongated jet body of the collection jet extends, the turbulence chamber being fitted with a chamber inlet for feeding compressed air into the chamber, such that a hydrogen peroxide foam is formed from a solution formed upon dosing an effective amount of the hydrogen per- oxide solution into the chlorine-free alkaline foam cleaner at a maximum of 80 seconds prior to contact of the hydrogen peroxide foam with a surface to be cleaned, the turbulence chamber further having a chamber outlet, through which the hydrogen peroxide foam leaves the chamber to contact th surface, the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet being fitted in a direction of flow ahead of an outlet orifice of the jet body.

In US 2008/271279 is disclosed a mobile foam producing unit, which includes a first hose and a first hose assembly, and a second hose assembly. Water is provided to the mobile foam producing unit by a supply hose. A foam gun provides for the dis-- pensing of foam, in a first mode, a sanitizer gun dispenses a sanitizing solution together with water, and in a second mode, i.e. a rinse mode, only water is dispensed from the sanitizer gun.

In DE 197 09 098 a cleaning device is disclosed, which device can supply cleaning fluid alone or mixed with water, air under pressure and chemicals. It has a mixing and dosing unit, which has input lines for the components, and an output line for the components to supply them singly or mixed. There is a setting device between the input and output Sines. The setting device can mix all the components supplied and supply them indefinitely or in a dosed pattern, with at least one of the components blocked off. The setting device may be in the form of a turning roller with a number of channels in it.

Despite the above-mentioned efforts to provide a cleaning unit, which can be used in several of the necessary cleaning procedures used in the food producing industry, the units so far used in the industry are not sufficiently versatile, A change between the different cleaning operations requires the use Of different equipment, such as different pressure guns, which is time consuming, and also prone to human errors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

ft is thus an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning unit, which is more versatile than those known in the art, and wherein the change between the different cleaning operations can be performed quickly - without a change of equipment ~ and in an error-free manner.

According to the present invention, the above-mentioned and other objects are fulfilled by a cleaning device comprising the following main parts:

- a water inlet to be connected to a water supply for the provision of pressurized water,

- an air inlet to be fluidly connected to an air outlet (14) of a compressor (10) for the provision of pressurized air,

- a mixing unit fluidly connected to the water inlet, and the air outlet of the compressor, the mixing unit further comprising a fluid outlet, a first and a second input iine for a first and a second cleaning agent,

- a movable controlling member having:

a first position only-allowing passage of pressurized water from the water inlet to the outlet of the mixing unit,

a second position only allowing passage of pressurized water from the water inlet and a first cleaning agent from the first input line to the outlet of the mixing unit, and

a third position only allowing passage of pressurized water from the wa- ter inlet and a second cleaning agent from the second input line, and pressurized air from the air outlet of the compressor, to the outlet of the mixing unit for the provision of foam,

thereby providing a single cleaning device which can supply water, o water mixed with a first cleaning agent, or foam, Cleaning procedures used in the food producing industry typically involve an initial flushing/wetting of the contaminated area, surfaces, processing machines and other equipment, which needs to be cleaned. This flushing is usually followed by the application of foam to said area, surfaces, processing machines and other equipment. This foam is then flushed away after a certain period of time. Finally,, said area, surfaces, processing machines and other equipment are disinfected by the application of a disinfectant, in some cases this disinfectant is removed by the flushing with clean water. This means that there is typically a successive change between the following procedures:

Flushing with water alone

- Application of foam

- Flushing with water alone

- Application of a disinfectant

- Flushing with water alone.

In order to facilitate a change between all these procedures, several cleaning devices or mixing units must usuall be employed. For example, one device for the provision of water, e.g, a water hose of high pressure cleaner, one device for foaming, and one device for the provision of the disinfectant.

However, by providing a single cleaning device having a mixing unit thai is f!uidl connected to the outlet of a water pump and the air outlet of a compressor, and a movable controlling member, which can be placed in a first position, only allowing passage of pressurized water from the water inlet to the outlet of the mixing unit, and a second position, only allowing passage of pressurized water from the water inlet and a first cleaning agent from the first input line to the outlet of the mixing unit, and a third position, only allowing passage of pressurized water from the water inlet and a second cieaning agent from the second input line, and pressurized air from the air outlet of the compressor to the outlet of the mixing unit for the provision of foam, it is possible to successively change between all Of the above-mentioned cleaning processes by changing the position of the movable controlling member. For example in the embodiment where the first cleaning agent is a disinfectant and the second cleaning agent is a foaming agent, when being mixed with water and air from the compressor, an oper- afor movable merely needs to switch the controlling member successively between the following positions: first, third, first, second, first, in order to perform the above-men- ironed cleaning procedure. Hence there is no need to change equipment, which is both time saving and reduces the risks of errors. in a preferred embodiment of the cieaning device according to the invention, the con- trolling member comprises at least three bores placed in such a way relative to each other that passage of pressurized water from the water inlet to the outlet of the mixing unit is only aliowed when the controlling member is in the first position, or passage of pressurized water from the water inlet and a first cleaning agent from the first input line to the outlet of the mixing unit is only allowed when the controlling member is in the second position, or passage of pressurized water from the water inlet and a second cieaning agent from the second input line to the outlet of the mixing unit for the provision of foam is oniy allowed when the controlling member is in the third position. Hereby is achieved a simple and robust way of providing said passageways in an error-free manner, which at the same time has minimal or negligible leakage variations. in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the controlling member comprises a cylindrical part, and said bores are placed in such a way relative to each other in said cylindrical part that passage of pressurized water from the water inlet to the outlet of the mixing unit, or passage of pressurized water from the water inlet and a first cieaning agent from the first input line to the outlet of the mixing unit, or passage of pressurized water from the water inlet and a second cieaning agent from the second input line to the outlet of the mixing unit for the provision of foam, is provided by turning said controlling member betwee the first, second and third position. Hereby is achieved a device, which is simple and reliable to operate because the movable mem- ber may be switched between the three positions by simply turning/rotating the cylindrical part relative to its cylinder axis.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixing unit comprises a first and a second injector, wherein:

the first injector is fluidfy connected to the water inlet, the first input line for the first cleaning agent, and the outlet of the mixing unit when th controliing member is in its second position, such thai - during use - an under pressure is created in said first injector, which draws the first cieaning agent into said first injector, where it is mixed with wafer and then expelled through the outlet of the mixing unit, and

the second injector is fluidl connected to the water inlet, the second input line for the second cleaning agent, and the outlet of the mixing unit when the con- trolling member is in its third position, such that - during use - an under pressure is created in said second injector, which draws the second cleaning agent into said second injector, where it is mixed with water and then expeiied through the outlet of the mixing unit.

Hereby is achieved thai the pressure of the water supplied from the water pump is able to suck up the first or second cleaning agent from respective containers, wherein they are stored. This implies that no pumps are necessary for pumping up the first and second cleaning agents, the injector principle being sufficient. in a further embodiment, the cleaning device further comprises a connector, said connector being fluidly connected to the water inlet and the outlet of the mixing unit when the controiiing member is in the first position. The connector is preferably embodied as a pipe, but could also be embodied as an injector.

In a further embodiment, said connector is fluidly connected to the air outlet of the compressor and the outlet of the mixing unit when the controlling member is in the third position. As previously mentioned, said connector is preferably embodied as a pipe, or bore in the mixing unit, having a relatively large cross sectional area as com- pared to the maximal - and average - cross sectional area of the individual injectors.

In a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, the connector is placed between said first and second injectors in the mixing unit. Hereby is achieved thai an initial mixing of the two cleaning agents is precluded, or diminished when switching between the second and third positions of the movable controiiing member.

Preferably, the controlling member is equipped with a handle for manually switching said controiiing member between the first, second and third positions.

Alternatively, the controiiing member may be operafively connected to electrical and/or pneumatic actuating means for switching said controiiing member between the first, second and third positions.

In a preferred embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, the handle is operative!y connected to a cam device having a cam, which is configured to en- gage an electrical switch, activating the compressor when the controlling member is switched to its third position. Hereb is achieved that the compressor is automatically switched on when the controlling member is in a position wherein foam is to be produced.

Sn a preferred embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, said cam disengages said electrical switch when the controlling member is switched from the third position to any of the other positions, whereby the compressor is de-activated. Hereby is achieved that the compressor is automatically switched off when the control- ling member is in a position wherein no foam is to be produced.

In an alternative embodiment, the handle may be operative!/ connected to a cam device having a cam, which is configured to engage a pneumatic (or possibly electrical) switch for opening for the flow of air from the air outlet of the compressor to the air inlet of the mixing unit when the controlling membe is switched to its third position. in a preferred embodiment of said alternative embodiment, said cam disengages said pneumatic (or possibly electrical) switch when the controlling member is switched from the third position to any of the other positions, whereby the flow of air from the air out- let of the compressor to the air inlet of the mixing unit is interrupted, i.e. stopped.

In a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning device according the invention, the compressor forms part of the cleaning device. In a further embodiment of the cleaning device according the invention, the water inlet is to be f!uid!y connected to an outlet of a water pump, said water pump having an inlet that is fiuidiy connected to the water supply for the provision of pressurized water having a water pressure greater than that provided by the water supply. In a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning device according the invention, said water pump forms part of the cleaning device. in a further embodiment of the cleaning device according the invention, the mixing unit and the movable controlling member are placed inside a common housing, and the compressor is placed at a different location. In a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning device according the invention, the compressor, the mixing unit, and the movable controliing member are piaced inside a common housing. !n a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, the water pump, the compressor, the mixing unit, and the movable controlling member are piaced inside a common housing.

In a further embodiment, the housing comprises a cover part, which can be opened in order to provide access to the water pump, the compressor, the mixing unit, and the movable controlling member, e.g. for maintenance work.

In an alternative embodiment, the mixing unit and the movable controlling member are placed inside a common housing, whereas the water pump and the compressor are placed at another location. T e compressor and water pum may be placed at a central location distant from the housing, wherein the mixing unit and the movable controlling member are placed.

In a further alternative embodiment, said water pump may comprise a plurality of addi- tional outputs, which are f!uidly connected to a plurality of additional mixing units, and wherein said compressor may comprises a plurality of additional air outputs also fluidly connected: to said plurality of additional mixing units. Hereby is achieved an embodiment, wherein all components of the cleaning device, except the water pump and the compressor, are piaced inside the housing. The water pump and compressor may therefore be placed at a central location and from this central location be operative!y connected to a plurality of mixing units placed in a respective plurality of housings.

According to yet a further alternative embodiment, the housing {which housing does note comprise the water pump and compressor) comprises a cover pari, which can be opened in order to provide access to the mixing unit and the movable controlling member, e.g. for maintenance work.

The housing and/or cover part ma comprise packing elements in order to provide a water and moisture proof sealing between said housing and cover part when said cover part is closed. In a further embodiment, said housing is placed on a wheeled chassis, whereby a mobile cleaning device is provided. in a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, the provided pressurized water, for example at the pump outlet, has a pressure of between 5 and 80 bar, preferably between 10 bar and 60 bar, even more preferably between 20 bar and 60 bar. Hereby is achieved that sufficient pressure is provided by the water in order to suck up the first cleaning agent and the second cleaning agent, even when air pressure provided by the compressor (for the foaming) is supplied to the connector. The air pressure provided by the compressor is preferably around 5 bar. Water vapor can carry contagious/infectious gems, which can pose a real health hazard to the operators performing cleaning work in for example the food industry. However, by keeping the water pressure belo 60 bar, it is assured that the health risk associated with water vapor-carried infections is minimized, while at the same time providing sufficient pressure in order to suck up the first or second cleaning agents for the cleaning or disinfection purposes.

In a further alternative embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, the provided pressurized water, for example at the pump outlet, has a pressure of between 5 and 40 bar, preferably between 10 bar and 40 bar, even more preferably between 15 bar and 40, or between 20 bar and 40 bar, or between 25 and 60 bar, preferably between 30 bar and 60 bar, even more preferably between 15 bar and 60, or between 35 bar and 60 bar, or between 5-10 bar, and/or 10-20 bar, and/or 20-30 bar, and/or 30-40 bar, and/or 40-50 bar, and/or 50-60 bar, and/or 60-70 bar, and/or 70- 80 bar.

Preferably, the water provided by the water supply to the inlet of the water pump has a pressure of less than 10 bar, preferably less than 8 bar, even more preferably less than 5 bar.

Preferably, the pressurized air provided has a pressure that is lower than the pressure of the pressurized water, preferably substantially lower than the pressure of the pressurized water. In a preferred embodiment, the pressurized air provided has a pressure of less than 5 bar, more preferable a pressure of less than 10 bar. According to a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning device, the mixing device is manufactured from a metal alloy, e.g. stainless steel. The movable controlling member is also preferably manufactured from a metal alloy, such as stainless steel. Hereby is obtained a robust mixing unit, which can withstand pressures up to 60 of 80 bar without malfunction or any noticeable leakage. in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the metal surface of the mixing unit, which during use is in abutting contact with a surface of the movabie controlling member, is coated with a protective coating.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the metal surface of the movabie controlling member, which during use is in abutting contact with a surface of the mixing unit, is coated with a protective coating,

Hereby is achieved that the detrimental effects, i.e. scratches and cuts, which often arise when two stainless steel products move relative to each other in abutting contact, are reduced significantly. Preferably, said coating is a diamond-like carbon coating (a so-called DLC coating). DLC exists in seven different forms of amorphous carbon materials, which display some of the typical properties of diamond. They all contain a significant amount of sp^s hybridized carbon atoms. The reason why there are different types is that even diamonds can be found in two crystalline poly ypes. The usual one has its carbon atoms arranged in a cubic lattice, while the very rare one (lonsdaleite) has a hexagonal iattice. By mixing these poSytypes in various ways at the nanoscaie level of structure, DLC coatings can be made that at the same time are amorphous, flexible, and yet purely sp³ bonded "diamond". The hardest, strongest, and slickest is such a mixture known as tetrahedral amorphous carbon, or ia-C. For example, a coating of only 2 pm thickness of ia-C increases the resistance of common (i.e. type 304) stainless steel against abrasive wear, changing its lifetime in. such service from one week to 85 years. Such ia-C can be considered to be the "pure" form of DLC since if consists only of sp³ bonded carbon atoms. Fillers, such as hydrogen, graphitic sp² carbon, and metals are used in the other forms to reduce production expenses or to impart other desirable properties. The application of a DLC coating in. accordance with this embodiment of the invention thus significantly increases the lifetime of the cleaning device according to the invention as well as significantly reduces the leakage due to abrasive wear to in practice a non-existing !evel.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, in the following, preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, wherein

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention,

Fig. 2 shows the same embodiment of a cleaning device as in Fig. 1, but with a cover attached to it,

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a mixing unit,

Fig. 4a-4c shows a semi transparent view of a mixing unit as illustrated in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a movable controlling member, and

Fig. 6 shows a partial cross sectional view of a mixing unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the aceompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may however be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a cleaning device 2 according to the invention. The illustrated cleaning device 2 comprises a water pump 4, having an inlet 6 to be connected to a water supply (not shown), and an outle 8 for the provision of pressurized water. The cleaning device 2 also comprises a compressor 0, having an air inlet 12, and an air outlet 14 for the provision of pressurized air. Ιί is understood that in other embodiments (as explained in the genera! description above), the cleaning device 2 could be embodied without a compressor 10 or a water pump 4, or without both. Alternatively, either the compressor 0 or the water pump 4 - or both - could form part of the device, but be placed at a different location.

Furthermore, a mixing unit 16 is shown. This mixing unit 16 is fiuidiy connected to the outlet 8 of the water pump 4 and the air outlet 14 of the compressor 10 via the air inlet 15 of the mixing unit 16. The mixing unit 16 further comprises a fluid outlet 18, a first input Sine 20, and a second input line 22 for a first and a second cleaning agent.

The cleaning device 2 is connected to an electrical power supply via the wire 23 in order to supply electricai power to the water pump 4 and the compressor 10.

!n the illustrated embodiment, the water pump 4, the compressor 10, the mixing unit 16, and all other components of the device 2 are placed inside a housing 24.

As illustrated in Fig. 2, the housing 24 comprises a cover part 26, which can be opened in order to provide access to the water pump 4, the compressor 10, the mixing unit 16, and other components for maintenance work.

The housing 24 and/or cover part 26 may comprise packing elements 28 (see Fig. 1 ) in order to provide a water and moisture proof sealing between said housing 24 and cover part 26 when said cover part 26 is closed. Also shown in Fig. 2 are the three modes of the illustrated cleaning device 2. These three modes correspond to a foaming mode 30, a rinsing mode 32, and a sanitizing mode 34. Sn the foaming mode 30 a cleaning agent is mixed with water and ai from the compressor 10 in order to produce foam, which is expelled through the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16. In the rinsing mode only water is passed through the mixing unit 16, and in the sanitizing mode a disinfectant is expelled through the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16.

The illustrated cleaning device 2 is a wall mountable device 2, but it could in alternative embodiments be placed on a wheeled chassis, whereby a mobile cleaning device is provided. The pressurized water provided by the water pump 4, i.e. at the pump outlet 8, has a pressure of between 5 bar and 60 bar, preferably between 10 bar and 60 bar, even more preferably between 20 bar and 60 bar. Hereby is achieved that sufficient, pressure is provided b the water pump 4 in order to suck up the first cleaning agent and the second cleaning agent, even when air pressure provided by the compressor 10 (for the foaming) is supplied to the connector (not shown in Fig. i). The a r pressure provided by the compressor 10 is preferabl around 5-10 bar, Water vapor can carry contagious/infectious gems, which can pose a real health hazard to the operators performing cleaning work in for example the food industry. However, by keeping the water pressure below 60 bar or below 40 bar, it is assured that the health risk associated with water vapor carried infections is minimized, while at the same time providing sufficient pressure in order to suck up the first or second cleaning agent for cleaning or disinfection purposes. Preferably, the water provided by the water supply to the inlet 6 of the water pump 4 has a pressure of less than 10 bar, preferably less than 8 bar.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a mixing unit 16. In this mixing unit 16 is placed a movable controlling member (see e.g. Figs. 4-5 for further information), which is equipped with a handle 36 for manually switching said controliing member between a first, second and third position.

The handle 36 is operatively connected to a cam device 38 having a cam 40, which is configured to engage an electrical switch 42 activating the compressor 10 when the controlling member is switched to its third position. Hereby is achieved that the compressor 10 is automatically switched on when the controlling member is in a position wherein foam is to be produced. Said cam 40 disengages said electrical switch 42 when the controlling member is switched from the third position to any of the other positions, whereby the compressor 10 is de-activated. Hereby is achieved that the compressor 10 is automatically switched off when the controlling member is in a position wherein no foam is to be produced. The illustrated mixing unit 16 is manufactured frorn a metai alloy, e.g. stainfess steel. The movable controliing member is also preferably manufactured from a metai alloy, such as stainless steel. Hereby is obtained a robust mixing unit 16, which can withstand pressures up to and beyond 60 bar without malfunction or any noticeable leakage. Water from the water pump 4 enters the mixing unit 16 at the inlet 44. Figs. 4a-4c show a semi-transparent illustration of a mixing unit 16, wherein the movable controliing member 4 is shown in three different positions. As shown in Fig. 5, the movabie controliing member 46 comprises three bores 48, 50, 52. The movabie controlling member is cylindrical in shape and can be rotated relative to its cylinder axis by the handle 36, which is attached to the shaft 54. Hereby is achieved a device, which is simple and reliable to operate, because the movabie controliing member 46 may be switched between the three positions by simply turning/rotating the cylindrical part relative to its cylinder axis. Referring now to Figs 4a~4c, the bores are placed in such a way relative to each other that passage of pressurized ater from the outlet 8 of the water pump 4 to the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16 is only allowed when the controlling member 46 is in the first position, or passage of pressurized water from the outlet 8 of the water pump 4 and a first cleaning agent from the first input Sine 20 to the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 18 is only allowed when the controlling member 46 is in the second position, or passage of pressurized water from the outlet 8 of the wafer pump 4 and a second cleaning agent from the second input 22 Sine to the outiet 18 of the mixing unit 16 for the provision of foam is only allowed when the controlling member is in the third position. Hereby is achieved a simple and robust way of providing said passageways in an error-free manner, which at the same time has minimal or negligible leakage variations.

Fig. 4a illustrates the movabie controlling member 46 in the first position, said first position only allowing passage of pressurized water from the outlet 8 of the water pump 4 to the outiet 18 of the mixing unit 16 via the bore 48, which allows water to flow from the inlet 44 of the mixing unit 16 to the outlet 8 of the mixing unit 16.

Fig, 4 illustrates the movable controlling member 46 in the second position, only allowing passage of pressurized water from the outlet 8 of the water pump 4 and a first cleaning agent from the first input line 20 to the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16. Wafer provided by the water pump 4 enters the mixing unit 16 at the inlet 44 and passes via the bore 52 to the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16. Hereby a first cleaning agent is sucked into the mixsng unit 16 via the in!et 20, wherein it is mixed with the water passing through the bore 52 and expelled through the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16. Fig, 4c shows the movable controlling member 46 in the third position, only allowing passage of pressurized water from the outlet 8 of the wafer pump 4 and a second cleaning agent from the second input Sine 22, and pressurized air from the air outlet 14 of the compressor 10 - via the air inlet 15 - to the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16 for the provision of foam. As illustrated in this third position of the movable controlling member 46, the bore 50 enables a fluid connection between the inlet 44 and the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16, This means that wate flowing through this bore will suck a second cleaning agent into the mixing unit 16 via the second inlet 22, where it is mixed with said water and expelled through the output 18 of the mixing unit 16. When the movable controlling member 46 is in this position, the cam device 38, which is operative! connected to the movable controlling member 46, is placed such that its cam 40 engages the electrical switch 42. Hereby the compressor 10 is activated, and the compressor air outlet 14 is in fluid connection with the mixing unit 16 via the air input 5. This air supplied by the compressor 10 is then mixed with the water and the second cleaning agent at the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16, whereby foam is produced. Hereby is provided a single cleaning device 2, which can supply water, or water mixed with a first cleaning agent, or foam.

Thus, by providing a single cleaning device 2 having a mixing unit 16 that is fiuidly connected to the outlet 8 of a water pump 4 and the air outlet 14 of a compressor 10, and a movable controlling member 46, which can be placed in a first position, only allowing passage of pressurized water from the outlet 8 of the water pump 4 to the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16, and a second position, only allowing passage of pressurized water from the outlet 8 of the water pump 4 and a first cleaning agent from the first input line 20 to the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16, and a third position only allowing passage of pressurized water from the outlet 8 of the water pump 4 and a second cleaning agent from the second input line 22, and pressurized air from the air outlet 14 of the compressor 10, to the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16 for the provision of foam, it is possible to successively change between all of the abovementioned cleaning processes simply by changing the position of the movable controlling member 46. For example in the embodiment where the first cleaning agent is a disinfectant and the second cleaning agent is a foaming agent when being mixed with water from the water pump 4 and air from the compressor 10, an operator merely heeds to switch the controlling member 46 successivel between the following positions: first, third, first, second, first, in order to perform the above-mentioned Cleaning procedure. Hence there is no need to change equipment, which is. both time saving and reduces the risks of errors. in Fig. 8 is shown a partial illustration -of the mixing unit 16. in this illustration it is more dearly shown that the mixing unit 16 comprises a first and a second injector 58, 58, The first injector 58 is fluidly connected to the outlet 8 of the water pump 4, the first input line 20 for the first cleaning agent, via the bore 80 in the injector 56, and the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16 when the controlling member 48 is in its second position, Such that - during use— an under pressure is created In said first injector 56, which draws the first cleaning agent (preferably a disinfectant) into said first injector 58 where it is mixed with water and then expelled through the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16.

The second injector 58 is fluidly connected to the outlet 8 of the water pump 4, the second input line 22 for the second cieaning agent, via the bore 62 in the second injector 58, and the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16 when the controlling member 46 is in its third position, such tha - during use - an under pressure is created in said second injector 58, which draws the second cleaning agent into said second injector 58, where it is mixed with water and then expelled through the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16.

Hereby is achieved that the pressure of the water supplied from the water pump 4 is able to suck up the first or second cieaning agent from respective containers, wherein they are stored. Th s implies- that no pumps are necessary for pumping up the first and second cleaning agents, the injector principle being sufficient.

The tiiustrated injectors 56, 58 have a stepwise increasing diameter in the direction of flow. However, this increment in the diameter could also be stepless.

The mixing unit 16 further comprises a connector 64, wherein said connector 64 is fluidly connected to the outlet 8 of the water pump 4 and the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16 when the controlling member 46 is in the first position. The connector is preferably embodied as a pipe, but could also be embodied as an injector.

The illustrated connector 64 is also fluidly connected to the air outlet 14 of the compressor 0, via the air inlet 15 in the mixing unit 16 and the bore 68 in said connector 64, and the outlet 18 of the mixing unit 16 when the controlling member 46 is. in the third position. Said connector 64 is preferabiy embodied as a pipe or bore in the mixing unit 18, having a relatively large cross sectional area as compared to the maximal - and average - cross sectional area of the individual injectors 56, 58.

Furthermore, the connector 84 is placed between said first and second injectors 56, 58 in the mixing unit 16, Hereby is achieved that an^' initial mixing of the two cleaning agents is precluded or diminished when switching between the second and third positions of the movable controlling ^'member 46.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

In the foilowing ss given a iist of reference numbers that are used in the detailed description of the invention. 2 cleaning device,

4 water pump,

8 inlet of water pump,

8 outlet of water pump,

10 compressor,

12 air inlet of the compressor,

14 air outlet of the compressor,

15 air inlet of the mixing unit,

16 mixing unit,

18 outlet of the mixing unit,

20 first inlet for a cleaning agent,

22 second inlet for a cleaning agent,

23 power suppl wire,

24 housing,

26 cover,

28 packing elements,

30, 32, 34 illustrations of cleaning modes on the cover part,

36 handle,

38 cam device,

40 cam of cam device,

42 electrical switch for the compressor,

44 water inlet of the mixing unit,

48 movable controlling member,

48, 50, 52 bores in the controlling member,

54 shaft connecting the handle and movable controlling member, 56 first injector,

58 second injector,

60 bore in first injector,

82 bore in second injector,

64 connector, and

68 bore in the connector.

Claims

1. A cleaning device (2) comprising: a water inlet to be connected to a water supply for the provision of pressurized water, an air iniet to be fluidiy connected to an air outlet (14) of a compressor (10) for the provision of pressurized air, a mixing unit (16) fluidiy connected to the water inlet and the air outlet (14) of the compressor (10), the mixing unit (16) further comprising a fluid outlet (18), a first and a second input line (20, 22) for a first and a second cleaning agent, a movable controlling member (46) having:

a first position, only allowing passage of pressurized water from the water inlet to the outlet (18) of the mixing unit (16),

a second position, only allowing passage of pressurized water from the water inlet and a first cleaning agent from the first input line (20) to the outlet (18) of the mixing unit ( 8),

a third position, only allowing passage of pressurized water from the water inlet and a second cleaning agent from the second input line (22), and pressurized air from the air outlet (14) of the compressor (10) to the outlet ( 8) of the mixing unit (16) for the provision of foam, thereby providing a single cieaning device (2) which can supply water, or water mixed with a first cleaning agent, or foam.

2. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 1 , wherein the controliing member (46) comprises at least three bores (48, 50, 52) placed in such a way relative to each other that only allows

passage of pressurized water from the water inlet to the outlet (18) of the mixing unit (16) when the controlling member (48) is in the first position, or

passage of pressurized water from the water inlet and a first cieaning agent from the first input line (20) to the outlet (18) of the mixing unit (16) when the controlling member (48) is in the second position, or passage of pressurized water from the water inlet and a second cleaning agent from the second input line (22) to the outlet (18) of the mixing unit (16) for the provision of foam when the controlling member (46) is in the third position.

3. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 2, wherein the controlling member (48) comprises a cylindrical part, and wherein said bores (48, 50, 52) are placed in such a way relative to each other in said cylindrical part that

passage of pressurized water from the water inlet to the outlet (18) of the mixing unit (16), or

passage of pressurized water from the water inlet and a first cleaning agent from the first input line (20) to the outlet (18) of the mixing unit (16), or

passage of pressurized water from the water inlet and a second cleaning agent from the second input line (22) to the outlet (18) of the mixing unit

(16) for the provision of foam,

is provided by turning said controlling member (46) between the first, second and third position. 4. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the mixing unit (18) comprises a first and a second injector (56, 58), wherein

the first injector (56) is fluid! connected to the wafer inlet, the first input line (20) for the first cleaning agent and the outlet ( 8) of the mixing unit (16) hen the controlling member (46) is in its second position, such that - during use - an under pressure is created in said first injecior (58), which draws the first cleaning agent into said first injector (56), where if is mixed with water and then expelled through the outlet

(18) of the mixing unit (16),

the second Injector (58) is fluidly connected to the water inlet, the second input line (22) for the second cleaning agent and the outlet (18) of the mixing unit ( 8) when the controlling member (46) is in its third position, such that - during us - an under pressure is created in said second injector (58), which draws the second cleaning agent into said second injector (58), where if is mixed with water and then expeiied through the outlet (18) of the mixing unit (16).

5. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 4, further comprising a connector (64), wherein said connector (64) is fluidiy connected to the water inlet and the outlet (18) of the mixing unit (16) when the controlling member (46) is in the first position. 6. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 5, wherein the connector (64) is fluidiy connected to the air outlet (14) of the compressor (10) and the outlet (18) of the mixing unit (16) when the controlling member (46) is in the third position.

7. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 8, wherein the connector (64) is placed between said first and second Injectors (56, 58) in the mixing unit (16).

8. The cleaning device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the controlling member (46) is equipped with a handle (36) for manually switching said controlling member (46) between the first, second and third positions.

9. The cleaning device (2) according to any of the claims 1 - 7, wherein the controlling member (46) is operative!y connected to electrical and/or pneumatic actuating means for switching said controlling member (46) between the first, second and third positions.

10. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 8, wherein the handle (36) is operatively connected to a cam device (38) having a cam (40), which is configured to engage an electrical switch (42) activating the compressor (10) when the controlling member (46) is switched to its third position.

11. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 10, wherein said cam (40) disengages said electrical switch (42) when the controlling member (46) is switched from the third position to any of the other positions, whereby the compressor (10) is de-activated, 12. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 8, wherein the handle (36) is operatively connected to a cam device (38) having a cam (40), which is configured to engage a pneumatic switch for opening for flow of air from the air outlet (14) of the compressor (10) to the air inlet (15) of the mixing unit (16) when the controlling member (46) is switched to its third position.

13. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 12, wherein said earn (40) disengages said pneumatic switch, when the controlling member (46) is switched from the third position to any of the other positions, whereby flow of air from the air outlet (14) of the compressor ( 0) to the air inlet (15) of the mixing unit (16) is interrupted,

14. The cleaning device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the compressor (10) forms part of the cleaning device (2).

15. The cleaning device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the water iniet is to be fiuid!y connected to an outlet (8) of a water pump (4). said water pump (4) having an inlet (6) that is fiuidly connected to the water supply for the provision of pressurized water having a water pressure greater than that provided by the water supply. 16. A cleaning device according to claim 15, wherein said water pump (4) forms part of the cleaning device (2).

17. The cleaning device (2) according to any of the claims 1-14, wherein the mixing unit (18) and the movable controlling member (48) are placed inside a common housing (24), and the compressor (10) is placed at a different location.

18. The cleaning device (2) according to any of the claims 1-14, wherein the compressor (10), the mixing unit (16), and the movable controlling member (46) are placed inside a common housing (24).

19. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the water pump (4), compressor (10), mixing unit (16), and movable- controlling member (46) are placed inside a common housing (24). 20. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the mixing unit (16) and the movable controlling member are placed Inside a common housing (24) and the water pump (4) and the compressor (10) are placed at another location.

21, The cleaning device (2) according to claim 5 or 16, wherein said water pump (4) comprises a plurality of additional outputs, which are fiuidly connected to a plurality of additional mixing units (16), and wherein said compressor (10) comprises a plurality of additional air outputs also being fluidly connected to said plurality of additional mixing units (16).

22. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 19, wherein the housing (24) comprises a cover part (26), which can be opened in order to provide access to the water pum

(4), compressor (10), mixing unit (16), and movable controlling member (46), . e.g. for maintenance work.

23. The cleaning device according to claim 17, 18 or 19, wherein the housing (24) comprises a cover part (28), which can be opened in order to provide access to the mixing unit (16) and the movable controlling member (46), e.g. for maintenance work.

24. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the housing (24) and/or cove part (26) comprises packing elements (28) in order to provide a water and moisture proof sealing between said housing (24) and cover part (26) when said cover part (26) is closed.

25. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 17 - 24, wherein said housing (26) is placed on a wheeled chassis, whereby a mobile cleaning device (2) is provided.

26. The cleaning device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the provided pressurized water has a pressure of between 5 ba and 60 bar. preferably between 10 bar and 60 bar, even more preferably between 20 bar and 60 bar. 27. The cleaning device (2) according to any of the claims 15 - 26, wherein the wafer provided by the wafer supply to the inlet (6) of the water pump (4) has a pressure of less than 10 bar, preferably less than 8 bar, even more preferably less than 5 bar.

28. The cleaning device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the provided pressurized air has a pressure that is lower than the pressure of the pressurized water, preferabl substantially lowe than the pressure of the pressurized water.

29. The cleaning device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the provided pressurized air has a pressure of less than 5 bar, more preferable a pressure of less than 10 bar. 30, The cleaning device (2) according to any of the preceding ciaims, wherein the mixing unit (16) is manufactured from a metai alloy, e.g. stainless steel. 3 . The cleaning device (2) according to any of the preceding ciaims, wherein the movable controlling member (46) is manufactured from a metal alloy, e.g. stainless steel.

32. The deaning device (2) according to claim 30 and 31 , wherein the metal surface of the mixing unit (16), which during use is in abutting contact with a surface of the movable controlling member (46), is coated with a protective coating.

33. The cleaning device (2) according to claim 30 and 31 , or claim 32, wherein the metal surface of the movable controlling member (46), which during use is in abutting contact with a surface of the mixing unit ( 6), is coated with a protective coating.

34. The deaning device (2) according to claim 32 or 33, wherein said coating is a diamond-like carbon coating.