EP3756774A1 - Portable cleaning device for liquid cleaning of sensitive components - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is based on a portable cleaning device for liquid cleaning of sensitive components (12a), in particular sensitive aerospace components, with at least one cleaning head (14a), which has at least one application unit (16a) for applying a cleaning fluid (18a) and at least a suction unit (20a) for suctioning off the cleaning fluid (18a). It is proposed that the cleaning head (14a) have at least one application unit (22a) for applying a drying fluid (24a), in particular a drying gas, for drying the sensitive component ( 12a), wherein the cleaning head (14a) has a flexible screen unit (34a) which at least partially encompasses the at least one application unit (16a, 22a) and the at least one suction unit (20a), which screen unit at least partially shields a cleaning area (36a) is provided.

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a portable cleaning device for liquid cleaning of sensitive components, in particular in the aerospace industry.

A portable cleaning device with at least one cleaning head, which has at least one application unit for applying a cleaning fluid and at least one suction unit for suctioning off the cleaning fluid, has already been proposed.

Furthermore, contaminated sensitive components, in particular aerospace components, have so far been cleaned with cleaning cloths; Here the components are mostly additionally contaminated by the fibers of the cloth and the contamination is introduced into the component by the mechanical movement. In addition, the cleaning process is not contactless, so there is a possibility that the components will be additionally contaminated during the cleaning process. A bioburden evacuation (cleaning of the component from biological material such as microbes and spores) to prepare components for planetary missions has been very time-consuming.

The object of the invention is in particular to provide an advantageously cost-effective cleaning device of the generic type with improved properties with regard to cleaning efficiency. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, while advantageous configurations and developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

Advantages of the invention

The invention is based on a portable cleaning device for liquid cleaning of sensitive components, in particular sensitive aerospace components, with at least one cleaning head, which has at least one application unit for applying a cleaning fluid and at least one suction unit for suctioning off the cleaning fluid.

It is proposed that the cleaning head has at least one application unit for applying a drying fluid, in particular a drying gas, for drying the sensitive component, the cleaning head having a flexible screen unit that at least partially encompasses the at least one application unit and the at least one suction unit, which to an at least partial shielding of a cleaning area is provided.

The application unit for applying a drying fluid is preferably different from the application unit for applying the cleaning fluid; however, it would also be conceivable for an application unit to be provided for applying a drying fluid and for applying a cleaning fluid. In particular, it would be conceivable that the application units are formed by a single application unit. The cleaning device is preferably provided for cleaning the sensitive components at least partially by means of a liquid. Cleaning by means of the cleaning device is particularly preferably carried out without contact, the cleaning head being in particular free from contact with the component to be cleaned during cleaning. In particular, the cleaning device is intended to clean sensitive components contactlessly with defined liquids and to prepare them according to bioburden specifications.

A “portable cleaning device” is to be understood here in particular as a cleaning device for cleaning a component, wherein cleaning can be carried out by hand and / or free-standing. Cleaning by means of the cleaning device is preferably carried out at least partially manually, such as in particular by manually guiding the cleaning head. A “portable cleaning device” is preferably to be understood as meaning, in particular, a cleaning device that can be transported by an operator without a transport machine. The portable cleaning device in particular has a mass that is smaller is than 60 kg, preferably less than 40 kg, preferably less than 20 kg and particularly preferably less than 10 kg. Furthermore, various sensitive components that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable, such as solar cells, circuit boards, sensors, but also sensitive housings and / or cladding or the like, which are provided for cleaning by means of the cleaning device.

In this context, an “application unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit that is provided for applying a fluid. The unit preferably comprises a guide line for guiding the fluid and a discharge element via which the fluid can be discharged in a targeted manner. The dispensing element is in particular formed by a nozzle or a diffuser. However, other application elements that appear useful to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. The application unit can preferably be provided for the targeted application of both a liquid and a gas. The cleaning fluid is in particular formed by a cleaning liquid. Various cleaning fluids that appear useful to a person skilled in the art are conceivable, such as in particular isopropanol, acetone, dilute sulfuric acid, pure alcohol, etc. Work area of the cleaning device is provided. The unit is preferably provided for sucking an air / cleaning fluid mixture from a working area of the cleaning device, with the cleaning fluid then being separated from the air in particular. Preferably, dirt bound in the cleaning fluid is also sucked off with the cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is in particular at least for the most part suctioned off from the sensitive component during operation. Suction is preferably carried out by means of negative pressure. The suction unit particularly preferably has at least one suction opening which is arranged in a region of a discharge element of the at least one discharge unit and which can be designed, for example, as a nozzle. Furthermore, in this context, a “drying fluid” is to be understood in particular as a fluid which is provided to accelerate drying of the sensitive component, in particular drying of the cleaning fluid on the sensitive component. In this case, drying is significantly accelerated, in particular compared to pure air drying. Preferably, a drying time by means of the drying fluid is compared to a Pure air drying is reduced by at least 10%, preferably by at least 30%, preferably by at least 50% and particularly preferably by at least 70%. Various drying fluids that appear useful to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. The drying fluid is particularly preferably formed by a drying gas, such as in particular nitrogen (N ₂ ). “Provided” is to be understood in particular as specifically programmed, designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

The configuration of the portable cleaning device according to the invention enables, in particular, an advantageously efficient and inexpensive cleaning of sensitive components to be achieved. In particular, advantageously efficient cleaning can be achieved with little effort. In particular, cleaning and drying, preferably contactless, can take place in one operation. This allows flexible cleaning to take place.

It is further proposed that the portable cleaning device have at least one coupling unit which is provided for a releasable coupling of the cleaning device to a connection module, the coupling unit having at least connections for providing and removing the cleaning fluid and the drying fluid. The coupling unit preferably has at least one connection for providing the cleaning fluid and / or the drying fluid and at least one termination for discharging a suctioned cleaning fluid. The coupling unit preferably has at least one connection for providing the cleaning fluid and at least one connection for providing the drying fluid. The cleaning fluid and the drying fluid are preferably provided in particular by the connection module. In this context, a “coupling unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit which is provided to provide at least one connection for coupling to the connection module. The coupling unit is preferably permanently coupled to the cleaning head and can be releasably coupled to the connection module. The coupling unit can preferably be coupled to the connection module without tools via at least one plug-in and / or screw connection. Under a "connection module" in this In connection with this, a module is understood in particular, which is provided for providing a cleaning fluid and / or a drying fluid and which is provided for receiving and / or cleaning a suctioned cleaning fluid. The module preferably has a first tank for receiving the cleaning fluid, at least one second tank for receiving the drying fluid and at least one third tank for receiving a suctioned cleaning fluid. The connection module is particularly preferably formed by a module which is at least substantially separate from the cleaning device, in particular a free-standing module. In this way, in particular an advantageously flexible and, in particular, light cleaning device can be provided. In particular, a tank for the cleaning fluid and a tank for the drying fluid can be relocated, as a result of which weight can be saved. In this way, an advantageously portable cleaning device can be provided.

It is further proposed that the portable cleaning device has a handle part on which the cleaning head is arranged and which is provided for manual guidance of the cleaning head. The grip part is preferably formed by a pistol grip. However, another handle design that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. The handle part is preferably formed by a housing of the cleaning device. The handle part is particularly preferably provided for manual guidance of the cleaning head during operation. In particular, the entire portable cleaning device is moved by means of the handle part. A “handle part” is to be understood in particular as a part of the cleaning device which is provided in operation of the cleaning device to be gripped by one hand of an operator. The grip part preferably forms a grip surface which is provided for direct contact by the operator's hand. The gripping surface can, for example, be rubberized or coated in order to provide comfort. In particular, advantageously simple and convenient guidance of the portable cleaning device can be achieved by the handle part. In particular, a handheld device that is advantageously easy to transport can be provided. In this way, the cleaning device can preferably also be moved over large areas for cleaning. The sensitive component to be cleaned is thereby preferably not tied to a size of the cleaning device.

It is further proposed that the portable cleaning device has an adjustment unit arranged between the handle part and the cleaning head, by means of which a spatial alignment of the cleaning head relative to the handle part can be adjusted. A spatial alignment of the cleaning head relative to the handle part can preferably be set and fixed via the adjustment unit. The cleaning head can preferably be moved in different directions relative to the handle part by means of the adjustment unit. In this context, an “adjustment unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit which is arranged in particular between the cleaning head and the handle part and which is provided for setting an alignment of the cleaning head relative to the handle part. The adjustment unit preferably comprises at least one flexible, in particular elastic, sub-area which is provided for flexible guidance of lines from the handle part to the cleaning head. Various configurations of the adjustment unit that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable, but in particular the adjustment unit is formed by a metal hose. In particular, an advantageously flexible portable cleaning device can thereby be provided. In particular, the cleaning device can thereby be adapted to a cleaning situation. In particular, a flexible alignment of the cleaning head can be achieved.

It is further proposed that the portable cleaning device have an operating unit which is arranged on the handle part and which is provided for actuating the at least one application unit and the suction unit. The operating unit is preferably provided to supply the at least one application unit with a cleaning fluid and / or a drying fluid and / or to couple the suction unit to a suction unit. The operating unit preferably has at least one operating element for supplying the application unit with a cleaning fluid, at least one operating element for supplying the application unit with a drying fluid and / or at least one operating element for coupling the suction unit to a suction unit. In particular, it is conceivable that the operating unit has a single actuating element for the at least one application unit and for the suction unit or that it comprises an actuating element for each application unit and suction unit. An “operating unit” is to be understood here in particular as a unit which has at least one component which can be actuated directly by an operator and which is intended to be actuated and / or operated to influence and / or change a process and / or a state of a unit coupled to the operating unit by entering parameters. The operating unit preferably has at least one operating element. An "operating element" is to be understood in particular as an element that is provided to receive an input variable from an operator during an operating process and in particular to be contacted directly by an operator, touching the operating element and / or an actuating force exerted on the operating element sensed and / or mechanically forwarded to actuate a unit / is. In this way, in particular, advantageously simple and intuitive operation of the portable cleaning device can be provided.

According to the invention, it is proposed that the cleaning head has a flexible screen unit which encompasses at least one application unit and the at least one suction unit and which is provided for at least partial screening of a cleaning area. The cleaning area is preferably defined by the umbrella unit. In this context, a “screen unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit which is provided for screening a spatial area which forms a cleaning area of the cleaning device. The screen unit is preferably at least partially bell-shaped, a space which is encompassed by the screen unit and at least partially delimited by the screen unit forms the cleaning area. The at least one application unit and the at least one suction unit preferably protrude into the cleaning area through an opening in the umbrella unit. The shield unit particularly preferably has at least one further opening which is provided to adjoin the sensitive component. The screen unit is preferably provided to delimit a spatial area formed as a cleaning area between the at least one application unit and the at least one suction unit and the sensitive component on one side. In this way, in particular, an advantageously targeted cleaning effect can be achieved. In particular, excessive scattering of the cleaning fluid can be avoided. Furthermore, an advantageous suction performance of the suction unit can be provided. In addition, renewed contamination of the sensitive component in a wet state can be avoided.

It is further proposed that the cleaning head comprises at least one lighting element for optically illuminating the cleaning area or a UV lighting element for biological decontamination of the component. The lighting element is preferably integrated in the cleaning head, in particular in a housing of the cleaning head. The lighting element is in particular formed by an LED light source. Furthermore, it would also be conceivable for the cleaning head to have a lighting element which is provided for optical illumination and for biological decontamination of the sensitive component. The UV lighting element preferably has a primary peak between 40 nm and 400 nm, preferably between 240 nm and 280 nm, in an emission spectrum. In this way, in particular, advantageous lighting of the cleaning area can be provided and / or cleaning performance can be improved. In particular, targeted illumination of the cleaning area can be made possible and guaranteed.

Alternatively, the portable cleaning device could have a rail system that enables the cleaning head to move in at least two dimensions. The rail system preferably enables at least one movement of the cleaning head in a horizontal plane. The rail system is preferably provided for guiding the cleaning head. In this context, a “rail system” is to be understood in particular as a system for a defined guidance of the cleaning head. The rail system preferably comprises at least one guide rail for a defined guidance of the cleaning head. The rail system comprises in particular at least two linear guides which are coupled to one another and which are in particular aligned orthogonally to one another. In particular, an advantageously guided movement of the cleaning head can thereby be made possible. In this way, an advantageous cleaning result can be achieved.

Alternatively, the portable cleaning device could have at least one hood which encloses the cleaning head and the component to be cleaned from several sides and which consists at least partially of a transparent material. The hood preferably completely encloses the cleaning head and the component to be cleaned in at least one plane. The hood preferably encloses the cleaning head and the component to be cleaned on at least three, preferably on at least four and particularly preferably on at least five sides. The hood is particularly preferred formed by a tub-like container, in particular with a lid. The term "transparent" is intended here to define in particular a light permeability of a material or a component, the material or the component transmitting in particular at least more than 10%, preferably more than 50% and particularly preferably more than 80% of a spectral range of visible light . The spectral range of visible light preferably has a wavelength λ of approximately 350 nm to 800 nm. Particularly preferably, an object that is completely covered by the transparent hood, at least when viewed along one direction, is visible to an operator when looking along a direction which intersects the transparent hood and the object. Various materials that appear useful to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. The hood preferably consists at least partially of transparent acrylic glass. In particular, this enables advantageously reliable cleaning. In particular, splashing of the cleaning fluid around can be avoided and at the same time visibility of the component to be cleaned can be ensured. In particular, this enables advantageously encapsulated cleaning.

Alternatively, the portable cleaning device could have at least one hand-guided magnetic guide element which is movable on the hood and which is provided for an indirect movement of the cleaning head, the cleaning head having a permanent magnet. The hand-held magnetic guide element is preferably provided for an indirect movement of the cleaning head on the rail system by means of magnetic force. The guide element preferably has a handle and a permanent magnet. In particular, contactless guidance of the cleaning head can thereby be made possible. In particular, the cleaning head arranged inside the hood can be guided from outside the hood. In particular, this enables advantageously encapsulated cleaning.

Alternatively, the portable cleaning device could have at least one receiving trough arranged below the cleaning head for receiving cleaning fluid and / or drying fluid that has not been sucked off. The receiving trough is preferably arranged under the cleaning head and under the component to be cleaned. The receiving trough preferably forms one together with the hood at least an essentially closed receiving area for the cleaning head and the component to be cleaned. The receiving trough particularly preferably forms part of the hood. In particular, this enables advantageously encapsulated cleaning. In particular, the escape and distribution of cleaning fluid can be avoided.

Alternatively, the portable cleaning device could have at least one holding unit, which is provided for essentially free accommodation of the sensitive component to be cleaned. The holding unit is preferably arranged on the hood and / or the receiving tray of the portable cleaning device. In this context, a “holding unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit which is provided for receiving and fixing the component to be cleaned in a fixed position relative to the hood of the portable cleaning device. The holding unit is preferably provided for clamping the component to be cleaned. Clamping can take place, for example, by means of clamps and / or clamps. Furthermore, in this context, an "essentially free receptacle" of the component to be cleaned should be understood in particular to mean that in a fixed state of the component to be cleaned at least a large part of the outer surface of the component to be cleaned, in particular at least 50%, preferably at least 70% and particularly preferably at least 90% of the outer surface is / are freely accessible and / or cleanable. In particular, an advantageous cleaning of the component to be cleaned can thereby be made possible. In particular, advantageously defined and targeted cleaning can be made possible.

Alternatively, the holding unit could have several degrees of freedom of movement for positioning the sensitive component to be cleaned. The holding unit preferably has several degrees of freedom of movement for positioning the sensitive component to be cleaned relative to the hood. In this way, in particular, a targeted alignment of the component to be cleaned relative to the cleaning head can be made possible. In this way, an advantageous cleaning result can be achieved. Furthermore, an advantageously convenient cleaning can thereby be made possible.

Furthermore, the invention is based on a cleaning system with the portable cleaning device and with a connection module, which at least for providing the cleaning fluid and / or the drying fluid for the portable Cleaning device is provided. In this way, in particular, an advantageously compact cleaning system can be provided. The connection module can preferably be used with different portable cleaning devices, in particular according to the invention, and / or the portable cleaning device can be used with different connection modules. In this way, in particular, an advantageously variable cleaning system can be provided.

It is further proposed that the connection module has at least one first tank for receiving the cleaning fluid, at least one second tank for receiving the drying fluid and at least one third tank for receiving a suctioned cleaning fluid. In particular, this enables the fluids to be received in the connection module and thus decoupled from the portable cleaning device. As a result, the weight of the portable cleaning device in particular can be kept low.

It is further proposed that the cleaning system has a compressor which can be coupled to the connection module and which is provided to pressurize the cleaning fluid of the first tank and to generate a negative pressure in the third tank. The compressor is preferably used in particular for discharging and sucking off the cleaning fluid. The drying fluid, in particular the drying gas, is preferably discharged from the second tank by means of its own gas pressure. The drying fluid is in particular under pressure in the second tank. In this way, in particular, an advantageous cleaning system can be provided. The compressor can preferably be formed by an existing compressor and / or compressed air system. In this way, in particular an advantageously modular cleaning system can be provided.

drawings

Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawings. Two exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäße portable Reinigungsvorrichtung mit einem Reinigungskopf und einem Griffteil in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 2

eine Vorderansicht des Reinigungskopfs der erfindungsgemäßen portablen Reinigungsvorrichtung, mit einer ersten Aufbringeinheit, mit einer zweiten Aufbringeinheit und mit einer Absaugeinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung und

Fig. 3

eine alternative portable Reinigungsvorrichtung mit einem Reinigungskopf, mit einem den Reinigungskopf führenden Schienensystem und mit einer den Reinigungskopf umschließenden Haube in einer schematischen Darstellung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a portable cleaning device according to the invention with a cleaning head and a handle part in a schematic representation,

Fig. 2

a front view of the cleaning head of the portable cleaning device according to the invention, with a first application unit, with a second application unit and with a suction unit in a schematic representation and

Fig. 3

an alternative portable cleaning device with a cleaning head, with a rail system guiding the cleaning head and with a hood surrounding the cleaning head in a schematic representation.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

The Figures 1 and 2 show a cleaning system 52a with a portable cleaning device 10a, with a connection module 28a and with a compressor 60a that can be coupled to the connection module 28a. The portable cleaning device 10a is provided for liquid cleaning of sensitive components 12a. The portable cleaning device 10a is provided for liquid cleaning of sensitive aerospace components. The schematically illustrated sensitive component 12a is formed by way of example from a sensitive aerospace component. Sensitive aerospace components are, for example, mounts for optical devices, screws, bolts, panel surfaces (to remove particulate or molecular contaminants or to prepare bonds), housings of subsystems such as on-board computers, mass storage devices, PCDU (Power Control Distribution Unit), etc. The portable cleaning device 10a can be transported by an operator without a transport machine. The portable cleaning device 10a is manually guided and held by an operator during operation.

The portable cleaning device 10a has a cleaning head 14a. The cleaning head 14a is provided for direct cleaning of the sensitive component 12a. For this purpose, the cleaning head 14a is brought into the vicinity of the component 12a to be cleaned, in particular during cleaning. The cleaning head 14a has a housing 62a. The cleaning head 14a also has a first application unit 16a an application of a cleaning fluid 18a. For this purpose, the first application unit 16a comprises a nozzle 64a and a guide channel 66a coupled to the nozzle 64a. The application unit 16a is essentially arranged in the housing 62a of the cleaning head 14a, the nozzle 64a protruding from the housing 62a. The nozzle 64a is used for a targeted and defined discharge of the cleaning fluid 18a. The guide channel 66a serves to conduct the cleaning fluid 18a from a reservoir to the nozzle 64a. The cleaning fluid 18a is formed by a cleaning liquid. The cleaning fluid 18a is formed, for example, from isopropanol. Furthermore, the cleaning head 14a of the portable cleaning device 10a has a suction unit 20a for suctioning off the cleaning fluid 18a. The suction unit 20a comprises a suction nozzle 68a and a suction channel 70a coupled to the suction nozzle 68a. The suction unit 20a is arranged essentially in the housing 62a of the cleaning head 14a, the suction nozzle 68a protruding from the housing 62a. The suction nozzle 68a of the suction unit 20a is arranged next to the nozzle 64a of the application unit 16a and is used for targeted suction of the cleaning fluid 18a ( Figures 1, 2 ).

Furthermore, the cleaning head 14a has a further application unit 22a for applying a drying fluid 24a, for drying the sensitive component 12a. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the cleaning head 14a to have only a single application unit 16a, which is provided for applying the cleaning fluid 18a and the drying fluid 24a. For this purpose, the further application unit 22a comprises a nozzle 72a and a guide channel 74a coupled to the nozzle 72a. The further application unit 22a is essentially arranged in the housing 62a of the cleaning head 14a, the nozzle 72a protruding from the housing 62a. The nozzle 72a is used for a targeted and defined discharge of the drying fluid 24a. The nozzle 72a of the further application unit 22a is arranged next to the suction nozzle 68a of the suction unit 20a. In principle, however, another arrangement of the nozzles 64a, 72a and the suction nozzle 68a that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. The nozzles 64a, 72a and the suction nozzle 68a, however, in particular have the same orientation. The guide channel 74a of the further application unit 22a is used to conduct the drying fluid 24a from a reservoir to the nozzle 72a. The drying fluid 24a is formed by a drying gas. The drying fluid 24a is formed, for example, from nitrogen (N ₂ ) ( Figures 1, 2 ).

Furthermore, the cleaning head 14a has a flexible screen unit 34a which at least partially encompasses the application units 16a, 22a and the suction unit 20a. The umbrella unit 34a surrounds the nozzles 64a, 72a of the application units 16a, 22a and the suction nozzle 68a of the suction unit 20a. The screen unit 34a is provided for screening a cleaning area 36a. Furthermore, the shield unit 34b serves to protect other components and / or areas of the component 12a, for example already cleaned components and / or areas of the component 12a. The screen unit 34a defines the cleaning area 36a. The portable cleaning device 10a is provided in particular for cleaning components 12a that are larger than the cleaning area 36a. The screen unit 34a therefore delimits a defined cleaning area 36a on the component 12, which is currently being cleaned. As a result, an operator receives feedback on the size of the currently cleaned cleaning area 36a of component 12a. In addition, a spatial area is shielded for cleaning by means of the shielding unit 34a. The screen unit 34a is provided to prevent the cleaning fluid 18a from splashing out of the cleaning region 36a. Furthermore, the screen unit 34a is provided to improve a suction effect of the suction unit 20a. The screen unit 34a is bell-shaped, with a space enclosed by the screen unit 34a and at least partially delimited forming the cleaning area 36a. The screen unit 34a consists of an elastic material, in particular an elastic plastic. Furthermore, the screen unit 34a consists of a transparent material, in particular an elastic and transparent plastic. However, another material that appears useful to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. The application units 16a, 22a and the suction unit 20a project through a first opening in the umbrella unit 34a that tightly encompasses the cleaning head 14a into the cleaning region 36a. In addition, the screen unit 34a has a second opening opposite the first opening, which is provided to adjoin the sensitive component 12a. The screen unit 34a is designed in particular to be removable.

The cleaning head 14a further comprises a lighting element 38a. The lighting element 38a is formed by an LED element, in particular by a single light-emitting diode or an LED array. The lighting element 38a is integrated into the housing 62a of the cleaning head 14a and is provided to shine into the cleaning area 36a. The lighting element 38a is exemplary arranged between the nozzle 64a of the application unit 16a and the suction nozzle 68a of the suction unit 20a. However, another arrangement of the lighting element 38a that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. The lighting element 38a is provided for optically illuminating the cleaning area 36a. Alternatively or additionally, however, the lighting element 38a can also be formed by a UV lighting element 38a, which is provided for biological decontamination of the component 12a, in particular for removing microbes and spores, etc. ( Figure 2 ).

Furthermore, the portable cleaning device 10a has a handle part 30a on which the cleaning head 14a is arranged. The handle part 30a is formed by a housing part of the cleaning device 10a, which serves as a handle for an operator. The handle part 30a is formed, for example, by a pistol grip. In principle, however, another embodiment of the handle part 30a that appears to be useful to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. Furthermore, it would be conceivable that the handle part 30a has a coating to improve ergonomics and / or ease of use. The handle part 30a is provided for manual guidance of the cleaning head 14a. For this purpose, the cleaning head 14a is coupled to the handle part 30a. In addition, the portable cleaning device 10a has an adjustment unit 32a arranged between the handle part 30a and the cleaning head 14a. A spatial alignment of the cleaning head 14a relative to the handle part 30a can be adjusted by means of the adjustment unit 32a. The adjustment unit 32a is formed by a metal hose connecting the handle part 30a and the cleaning head 14a. The guide channel 66a of the first application unit 16a, the guide channel 74a of the further application unit 22a and the suction channel 70a of the suction unit 20a are guided through the adjustment unit 32a to the handle part 30a. The adjustment unit 32a can have different lengths, in particular depending on an embodiment of the portable cleaning device 10a, a length between 10 cm and 50 cm being particularly advantageous.

The portable cleaning device 10a also has an operating unit 33a which is arranged on the handle part 30a and which is provided for actuating the application units 16a, 22a and the suction unit 20a. The operating unit 33a has a first actuating element 76a, which is provided for supplying the application unit 16a with cleaning fluid 18a. The actuating element 76a includes for this purpose in particular a valve which couples the guide channel 66a of the first application unit 16a in an actuated state of the actuating element 76a to a tank 54a for the cleaning fluid 18a. The operating unit 33a also has a second actuating element 78a, which is provided for supplying the further application unit 22a with drying fluid 24a. For this purpose, the actuating element 78a comprises, in particular, a valve which couples the guide channel 74a of the further application unit 22a to a tank 56a for the drying fluid 24a in an actuated state of the actuating element 78a. Furthermore, the operating unit 33a has a third actuating element 80a, which is provided for coupling the suction unit 20a to a suction device. For this purpose, the actuating element 80a comprises, in particular, a valve which couples the suction channel 70a of the suction unit 20a to a suction device in an actuated state of the actuating element 80a. It would also be conceivable for the operating unit 33a to have only one actuating element which is provided for actuating the application units 16a, 22a and the suction unit 20a. The actuating elements 76a, 78a, 80a of the operating unit 33a are each formed by a push button. However, another configuration of the actuating elements 76a, 78a, 80a that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable.

Furthermore, the portable cleaning device 10a has a coupling unit 26a, which is provided for a releasable coupling of the cleaning device 10a to the connection module 28a. The coupling unit 26a provides connections 82a, 84a, 86a for the provision and discharge of the cleaning fluid 18a and for the provision of the drying fluid 24a. The coupling unit 26a has a connection 82a for providing the cleaning fluid 18a and a connection 84a for providing the drying fluid 24a, the cleaning fluid 18a and the drying fluid 24a being provided by the connection module 28a. Furthermore, the coupling unit 26a has a further connection 86a for discharging the suctioned cleaning fluid 18a. The connections 82a, 84a, 86a are each implemented in the form of a plug connection and are coupled in a common plug connector. The coupling unit 26a forms the plug connector and is intended to be plugged directly into the connection module 28a, with all connections 82a, 84a, 86a being coupled to the connection module 28a at the same time. The coupling unit 26a is permanently coupled to the cleaning head 14a and can be releasably coupled to the connection module 28a. The coupling unit 26a is via a line 88a, which comprises three sub-channels for guiding the cleaning fluid 18a, the drying fluid 24a and the suctioned cleaning fluid 18a, connected to the handle part 30a and in the handle part 30a with the operating unit 33a. The first connection 82a is coupled to the first actuating element 76a of the operating unit 33a, the second connection 84a to the second actuating element 78a of the operating unit 33a and the third connection 86a to the third actuating element 80a of the operating unit 33a via the line 88a.

The connection module 28a is formed by a separate module. The connection module 28a can therefore be transported separately from the portable cleaning device 10a. The connection module 28a is intended to provide the cleaning fluid 18a and the drying fluid 24a for the portable cleaning device 10a. Furthermore, the connection module 28a is provided for receiving the contaminated cleaning fluid 18a that has been sucked off. The connection module 28a has a first tank 54a for receiving the cleaning fluid 18a, the second tank 56a for receiving the drying fluid 24a and a third tank 58a for receiving the suctioned cleaning fluid 18a. The second tank 56a is formed by an in particular exchangeable pressure bottle for receiving a pressurized gas. The second tank 56a also has a pressure regulator (not shown any further). Furthermore, the connection module 28a has a housing 90a in which the tanks 54a, 56a, 58a are received. In addition, the connection module 28a has a coupling unit 92a which is coupled to the tanks 54a, 56a, 58a and which is provided for direct coupling to the coupling unit 26a of the portable cleaning device 10a.

In addition, the compressor 60a that can be coupled to the connection module 28a is required for the cleaning system 52a. The compressor 60a can in particular be formed by any desired, in particular already existing, compressor. For operation, the connection module 28a is coupled to a pressure output of the compressor 60a via a first line 94a and an adjustment unit 95a of the connection module 28a and to a suction input of the compressor 60a via a second line 96a and the adjustment unit 95a of the connection module 28a. The first line 94a is connected to the first tank 54a, while the second line 96a is connected to the third tank 58a. The compressor 60a is provided to the cleaning fluid 18a of the to pressurize the first tank 54a and to create a negative pressure in the third tank 58a. A pressure in the first tank 54a can be set and regulated by means of the setting unit 95a. Furthermore, a negative pressure in the third tank 58a can also be set and regulated by means of the setting unit 95a.

When the first actuation element 76a of the operating unit 33a is actuated, the pressurized cleaning fluid 18a is conveyed from the first tank 54a via the line 88a into the guide channel 66a of the first application unit 16a and is distributed from there via the nozzle 64a. When the second actuating element 78a of the operating unit 33a is actuated, the pressurized drying fluid 24a is conveyed from the second tank 56a via the line 88a into the guide channel 74a of the further application unit 22a and is distributed from there via the nozzle 72a. When the third actuating element 80a of the operating unit 33a is actuated, the suction nozzle 68a is connected to the third tank 58a via the suction channel 70a and the line 88a. The negative pressure in the third tank 58a creates a suction effect, so that cleaning fluid 18a is sucked in from the cleaning region 36a via the suction nozzle 68a.

In the Figure 3 a further embodiment is shown. The further exemplary embodiment is in particular not according to the invention and is only used for understanding. The following description is essentially restricted to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, with the description of the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 2 with regard to components, features and functions that remain the same Figures 1 and 2 can be referenced. To distinguish the exemplary embodiments, the letter a is in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment in FIG Figures 1 and 2 by the letter b in the reference numerals of the embodiment of Figure 3 replaced. With regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numbers, the drawings and / or the description of the exemplary embodiment of FIG Figures 1 and 2 to get expelled.

The Figure 3 shows a cleaning system 52b with a portable cleaning device 10b (this shown in side view), with a connection module 28b and with a compressor 60b that can be coupled to the connection module 28b. The portable cleaning device 10b is provided for liquid cleaning of sensitive components 12b. The portable cleaning device 10b can be transported by an operator without a transport machine. The portable cleaning device 10b is during operation stationary, wherein a cleaning head 14b of the portable cleaning device 10b is manually guided and moved by an operator.

The portable cleaning device 10b has the cleaning head 14b. Furthermore, the portable cleaning device 10b has a rail system 40b that enables the cleaning head 14b to move in at least two dimensions. The rail system 40b enables the cleaning head 14b to move in three dimensions. In principle, however, it would also be conceivable that the rail system 40b only enables a movement of the cleaning head 14b in two dimensions. The rail system 40b has a first horizontal guide rail 98b. The cleaning head 14b is / are guided horizontally directly on the first guide rail 98b. Furthermore, the rail system 40b has a second horizontal guide rail which is not further visible. The first guide rail 98b, and thus indirectly also the cleaning head 14b, is guided on the second guide rail horizontally, perpendicular to the first guide rail 98b. Furthermore, the rail system 40b has a third, vertical guide rail 100b. The second guide rail, and via this also the first guide rail 98b and the cleaning head 14b, is / are guided vertically on the third guide rail 100b. The cleaning head 14b can thereby be guided in a radius of motion of the guide rails 98b, 100b in three dimensions by means of the rail system 40b.

Furthermore, the portable cleaning device 10b has a hood 42b which encloses the cleaning head 14b and the component 12b to be cleaned on several sides. The hood 42b consists, for example, of a cuboid container 102b with a lid 104b. The hood 42b accommodates the cleaning head 14b and the rail system 40b. The rail system 40b is arranged completely within the hood 42b. The hood 42b serves to shield a cleaning area 36b. At the same time, the hood 42b serves in particular to transport the portable cleaning device 10b. For this purpose, the hood 42b can in particular have handles or the like, which are not shown further. Furthermore, the hood 42b consists at least partially of a transparent material. The hood 42b consists, for example, of a transparent plastic. The hood 42b consists in particular of acrylic glass. However, another material that appears useful to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable.

Furthermore, the portable cleaning device 10b has a receiving trough 48b which is arranged below the cleaning head 14b and which is provided for receiving cleaning fluid 18b that has not been sucked off. The receiving trough 48b forms a base for the hood 42b. The receiving trough 48b forms part of the container 102b. In principle, however, it would also be conceivable for the receiving trough 48b to be designed separately. Furthermore, the receiving trough 48b has a drain 112b coupled to a collecting container 110b. The collecting container 110b is coupled directly to the drain 112b and, in particular, is designed to be removable. The collecting container 110b is used to receive contaminated cleaning fluid 18b. This enables the collecting container 110b to be emptied in a simple manner. Furthermore, when the portable cleaning device 10b is level, the receptacle 48b has a gradient in the direction of the drain 112b. The slope is approximately 2 °, for example.

Furthermore, the portable cleaning device 10b has a hand-guided magnetic guide element 44b which is movable on the hood 42b and which is provided for an indirect movement of the cleaning head 14b. The guide element 44b is provided for a guide on the outer surface of the hood 42b. In the representation of the Fig. 3 the guide element is located on the cover 104b of the hood 42b. The guide element 44b can be designed to be freely movable or to be guided in a defined manner. The guide element 44b is designed, for example, to be freely movable and can be moved freely by an operator on the cover 104b or the container 102b of the hood 42b. The guide element 44b is formed by a magnetic handle. The guide element 44b has a base body 106b which forms a grip area of the guide element 44b. The base body 106b is designed, for example, in the shape of a bow. The guide element 44b further comprises a magnet element 108b that is fixedly connected to the base body 106b. The magnetic element 108b is arranged on an underside of the base body 106b. During operation, the magnetic element 108b is guided directly over the cover 104b or the container of the hood 42b by means of the base body 106b. The magnetic element 108b is formed, for example, by a permanent magnet. The magnetic element 108b is formed by a neodymium magnet. However, another embodiment of the magnetic element 108b that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art is also conceivable. In addition, the cleaning head 14b has at least one permanent magnet 46b. The permanent magnet 46b is formed by a neodymium magnet. The permanent magnet 46b of the cleaning head 14b is provided to interact with the magnetic element 108b during operation and to bring about a synchronous movement of the cleaning head 14b with the guide element 44b. The cleaning head 14b can thus be moved indirectly by means of the guide element 44b. The cleaning head 14b can thus be moved by hand from outside the hood 42b by means of the guide element 44b.

In addition, the portable cleaning device 10b has a holding unit 50b, which is provided for essentially free accommodation of the sensitive component 12b to be cleaned. The holding unit 50b is arranged on the hood 42b. The holding unit 50b is arranged, for example, on the cover 104b of the hood 42b. However, it would also be conceivable that the holding unit 50b is anchored on one or more of the inner walls of the container 102b of the hood 42b or on the receiving trough 48b. The holding unit 50b is provided for clamping the component 12b. The component 12b can in particular be clamped in the holding unit 50b via two opposite side edges. The holding unit 50b is designed like pliers for this purpose. However, another embodiment of the holding unit 50b that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable, for example by means of a drinking bowl. The holding unit 50b has several degrees of freedom of movement for positioning the sensitive component 12b to be cleaned. For this purpose, the holding unit 50b is movably arranged on the hood 42b. The holding unit 50b can be rotated relative to the hood 42b, in particular about a vertical axis. It would also be conceivable that a height of the component 12b within the hood 42b can be set by means of the holding unit 50b. Furthermore, it would be conceivable that the positioning of the holding unit 50b inside the hood 42 can be effected from outside the hood 42b. For this purpose, the hood 42b preferably has a guide groove, in particular in the cover 104b, in which the holding unit 50b is guided. Alternatively, the position of the component to be cleaned could be changed by means of a horizontal axis of rotation which is supported on opposite inner walls of the container 102b.

Furthermore, the portable cleaning device 10b has an operating unit (not shown further) which is provided for actuating application units 16b, 22b and a suction unit 20b. The operating unit is corresponding to the operating unit 33a of the first exemplary embodiment Figures 1 and 2 executed. The control unit can for example be arranged on the guide element 44b. Alternatively, the operating unit can be designed as a foot switch, for example.

Furthermore, the portable cleaning device 10b has a coupling unit 26b, which is provided for a releasable coupling of the cleaning device 10b to the connection module 28b. The connection module 28b is formed by a separate module. The connection module 28b is corresponding to the connection module 28a of the first exemplary embodiment Figures 1 and 2 executed. The connection module 28b can therefore be used in particular for both portable cleaning devices 10a, 10b of both exemplary embodiments. It can therefore be provided in particular that a cleaning system 52b consists of two portable cleaning devices 10a, 10b and only one connection module 28b, with a different one of the cleaning devices 10a, 10b being used together with the connection module 28b depending on an application.

In addition, the compressor 60b that can be coupled to the connection module 28b is required for the cleaning system 52b.

Claims (9)

Portable cleaning device for liquid cleaning of sensitive components (12a), in particular sensitive aerospace components, with at least one cleaning head (14a), which has at least one application unit (16a) for applying a cleaning fluid (18a) and at least one suction unit (20a) a suction of the cleaning fluid (18a),
characterized in that
the cleaning head (14a) has at least one application unit (22a) for applying a drying fluid (24a), in particular a drying gas, for drying the sensitive component (12a), wherein the cleaning head (14a) has a flexible, the at least one application unit (16a, 22a) and which has at least one suction unit (20a) at least partially encompassing an umbrella unit (34a) which is provided for at least partial shielding of a cleaning area (36a). Portable cleaning device according to claim 1,
marked by
at least one coupling unit (26a), which is provided for a releasable coupling of the cleaning device (10a) to a connection module (28a), the coupling unit (26a) having at least connections for the provision and discharge of the cleaning fluid (18a) and the drying fluid (24a) having. Portable cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2,
marked by
a handle part (30a) on which the cleaning head (14a) is arranged and which is provided for manual guidance of the cleaning head (14a). Portable cleaning device according to claim 3,
marked by
an adjustment unit (32a) arranged between the handle part (30a) and the cleaning head (14a), by means of which the spatial alignment of the cleaning head (14a) relative to the handle part (30a) can be adjusted. Portable cleaning device according to claim 3 or 4,
marked by
an operating unit (33a) arranged on the handle part (30a), which is provided for actuating the at least one application unit (16a, 22a) and the suction unit (20a). Portable cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the cleaning head (14a) comprises at least one lighting element (38a) for optically illuminating the cleaning area (36a) or a UV lighting element (38a) for biological decontamination of the component (12a). Cleaning system with a portable cleaning device (10a) according to one of the preceding claims and with a connection module (28a) which is provided at least to provide a cleaning fluid (18a) and / or a drying fluid (24a) for the portable cleaning device (10a). Cleaning system according to claim 7,
characterized in that
the connection module (28a) has at least one first tank (54a) for receiving the cleaning fluid (18a), at least one second tank (56a) for receiving the drying fluid (24a) and at least one third tank (58a) for receiving a suctioned cleaning fluid (18a). Cleaning system according to claim 8,
marked by
a compressor (60a) which can be coupled to the connection module (28a) and which is provided to pressurize the cleaning fluid (18a) of the first tank (54a) and to generate a negative pressure in the third tank (58a).

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