FR3124734A1 - CLEANING AND DISINFECTION DEVICE BY STEAM PROJECTION - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for cleaning and disinfection by steam projection The invention relates to a device for cleaning and disinfection by steam projection comprising: a boiler (1) having a hollow cylindrical body provided with a first inlet end (E) and a second outlet end (S) opposite said first end (E), and heating means (15) steam projection means provided in the continuity of said second end (S) and connected to this second end (S), said vapor projection means comprising a projection nozzle configured to project vapor in at least one direction (D), said inlet end (E) being provided with a first pipe (11) of water inlet, configured to be connected to a water supply source, and opening inside said boiler (1), close to said outlet end (S), said outlet end (S) being provided with a second pipe (12) for evacuation of fear opening inside said boiler (1), near said inlet end (E). Figure for abstract: Fig 1

Description

CLEANING AND DISINFECTION DEVICE BY STEAM PROJECTION

The field of the invention is that of cleaning and disinfection.

More particularly, the invention relates to a device for cleaning and disinfection by spraying water vapor which is easy to use and respectful of the environment.

The invention finds its utility in particular in the implementation of cleaning and disinfection devices in a professional environment, for example in the form of autonomous cleaning and disinfection robots, steam-blasting brooms, or even in a private environment.

The invention also finds its utility in the field of portable cleaning and disinfection devices.

The invention may also find use in destroying pests, such as Asian hornet nests.

Prior art

In the context of cleaning and disinfection, it is known to use cleaning and disinfection devices making it possible to pick up dirt on the floors, spray steam accompanied by a cleaning product, disinfect and/or clean the floor.

These cleaning and disinfection devices can be of different types, and in particular: devices which send steam and which capture dirt by the microfiber, devices which send steam and which suck up dirt, or even devices which send detergent and which suck it up afterwards (the latter do not disinfect due to the lack of steam projection).

It is therefore necessary, in order to disinfect, to implement cleaning and disinfection devices by steam projection. Such devices conventionally comprise a main body including a water tank having a water inlet and a water outlet, a boiler for transforming the water in the tank into steam, and an accessory for propelling the steam of water on the floor, conventionally connected to the boiler by a delivery pipe.

A disadvantage of such devices is that they are relatively bulky and not very ergonomic.

Indeed, for such devices in the form of trolleys, and so that the autonomy of use is sufficiently important for use, it is necessary to implement a fairly large tank which not only adds size but also weight for a user. A solution provided was to implement transport wheels so as to make such a device more maneuverable. The disadvantage of such a concession is that this maneuverability has limits, especially in the case of changing floors by stairs.

In the case of these cleaning and disinfection devices in the form of a broom, comprising in particular a gripping handle, the solution of wheels not being suitable, the solution provided was to reduce the tank in order to lighten the weight and to facilitate its transport and use. However, this reduces the autonomy of this cleaning and disinfection device by the same amount, which is also not satisfactory.

Another aspect of current techniques is based on the fact that current boilers are mainly based on the implementation of heating elements over which the water will pass causing the instantaneous evaporation of the water in the form of vapor charged with droplets of water. 'water.

A disadvantage of a vapor loaded with water droplets is that it is only ineffective for dissolving dirt and disinfecting surfaces, which is not satisfactory for such a device.

These shortcomings are regularly compensated by the use of chemicals in addition to steam projection, which is also not satisfactory from an ecological point of view.

Furthermore, and because the steam produced by the boiler is conveyed to the level of the accessory by means of a routing pipe, the time required to reach the level of the accessory causes a loss of calorific energy which causes this vapor to tend to cool and therefore to liquefy again. This therefore leads to a loss of effectiveness in cleaning and disinfection.

Yet another disadvantage of such existing devices is that they are mainly designed as devices belonging to small household appliances, therefore without taking into account the aspect of durability and eco-design, which is not satisfactory.

Thus, there is a need to improve such devices so as to at least partially overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

The invention meets this need by proposing a device for cleaning and disinfection by steam projection comprising:

• a boiler having a hollow cylindrical body provided with a first inlet end and a second outlet end opposite the first end, and heating means,
• steam projection means provided in the continuity of the second end and connected to this second end, the steam projection means comprising a projection nozzle configured to project steam in at least one direction,

the inlet end being provided with a first water inlet pipe, configured to be connected to a water supply source, and opening inside the boiler, near the end of outlet, the outlet end being provided with a second steam discharge pipe.

Thus, the invention is based on a new and inventive approach making it possible to at least partially resolve the drawbacks of the prior art.

In particular, the fact of producing the heat as close as possible to its point of projection, namely near the outlet end (otherwise called the steam outlet), limits the loss of heat energy in the steam and therefore limits the formation of water droplets.

In addition, such a boiler makes it possible, due to the fact that a small quantity of water heated in the bottom of this boiler produces steam in the upper part, to bring this steam out of the boiler through the outlet end immediately. under the effect of pressure and without the use of a solenoid valve or any other additional means.

As a result, the water vapor leaving the boiler has little or no water droplet content and therefore proves to be relatively effective for dissolving dirt and disinfecting surfaces, which is satisfactory for such a device. and which at least partly solves the drawbacks of the prior art.

It should be noted that the pressure allowing the water vapor to escape can for example be around 1 bar. In general, the pressure allowing water vapor to escape is greater than atmospheric pressure.

Furthermore, the shape, the small size and the low weight of such a boiler are all aspects presenting numerous advantages in terms of size and power, so that such a device can therefore be used in different applications: as part of a broom, a trolley which can be an autonomous robot.

According to one characteristic of at least one embodiment of the invention, the heating means comprise a heating cartridge.

As a result, this makes it possible to implement a means of heating that is both simple and reliable, and also inexpensive.

According to a characteristic of at least one embodiment of the invention, the boiler has a level sensor making it possible to regulate the arrival of water at the level of the fluid inlet according to a predetermined maximum level of water in the boiler.

According to a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises ultraviolet generation means configured to generate ultraviolet radiation in the at least one direction, so as to be placed in the direction of a surface to be disinfected.

Thus, this makes it possible to implement non-invasive disinfection means for the surfaces to be disinfected. In addition, the advantage of such disinfection means is that they are adjustable without implementing a complex mechanism.

According to a characteristic of at least one embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises suction means comprising a compartment capable of collecting elements sucked up by means of a suction ramp capable of generating suction in at least one direction.

According to a characteristic of at least one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a plurality of wheels carrying the device and configured to move the device.

Thus, this makes it possible to improve the mobility of such a device, whether to be moved by a user or by means of a motor.

In this case, and according to a particular characteristic of at least one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a motor configured to set the plurality of wheels in motion, the motor being controlled by an autonomous control unit.

According to a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises an electric motor supply battery.

According to another characteristic of at least one embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a plurality of ultrasonic distance sensors provided on at least one face of the device and connected to the autonomous control unit.

Thus, this allows the device to autonomously detect any obstacles on its way and thus to decide autonomously which path to take depending on the obstacles detected.

To do this, and according to one aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the autonomous control unit comprises at least one of the predefined information items belonging to the group comprising:

- a map of an area to be cleaned;

- a list of potential obstacles;

- a predefined path.

According to another characteristic of at least one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a remote water tank connected to said first pipe via a flexible conduit, so as to supply the boiler with water.

According to another characteristic of at least one embodiment of the invention, the boiler is arranged inside an at least partially telescopic handle.

According to another characteristic of at least one embodiment of the invention, the telescopic handle has one end carrying the steam projection means and capable of being placed facing the surface to be disinfected, and an opposite end having means controlling a quantity of steam leaving the steam projection means.

According to another characteristic of at least one embodiment of the invention, the means for controlling a quantity of steam comprise a steam control switch controlled by a radio-controlled capacitive switch.

According to another characteristic of at least one other embodiment of the invention, the means for controlling a quantity of steam comprise a boiler heating control switch controlled by a radio-controlled capacitive switch.

Presentation of figures

Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of a simple illustrative example, and not limiting, in relation to the figures, among which:

is a perspective view of at least one embodiment of the boiler;

is a perspective view of part of the boiler according to the embodiment of the ;

is a perspective view of at least one embodiment of a steam jet cleaning and disinfection device;

is a perspective view of at least one embodiment of a steam jet cleaning and disinfection device, from the other side of the ;

is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a steam jet cleaning and disinfection device, and

is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a device for cleaning and disinfecting by spraying steam, acting as a device for destroying insects of the Asian hornets type.

Detailed description of several embodiments of the invention

The general principle of the invention is based on the implementation of a device for cleaning and disinfection by steam projection comprising in particular a boiler having a hollow cylindrical body provided with a first inlet end and a second end outlet opposite said first end, and heating means 15 placed in the boiler, with the inlet end which is provided with a first water inlet pipe, configured to be connected to a source of water supply, and opening inside the boiler, close to the outlet end, and the outlet end which is provided with a second steam discharge pipe opening inside the boiler , near the inlet end.

This boiler is placed in such a way that steam projection means, comprising a steam projection nozzle configured to project steam in at least one direction, are provided in continuity with the second end and connected to this second end.

As already described, the fact of producing the heat as close as possible to its point of projection, namely close to the outlet end, makes it possible to limit the loss of heat energy in the steam and therefore to limit the formation of droplets. of water.

In addition, such a boiler allows, due to the fact that a small quantity of water heated in the bottom of this boiler produces steam in the upper part, to exit the boiler through the outlet end immediately under the effect of pressure and without the use of a solenoid valve or any other additional means.

We now present, in relation to Figures 1 and 2, an embodiment of a boiler implemented within a cleaning and disinfection device by steam projection according to the invention.

As visible in these figures 1 and 2, this boiler 1 has a hollow cylindrical body provided with a first inlet end E and a second outlet end S opposite the first end E, and heating means 15.

The inlet end E is provided with a first water inlet pipe 11, configured to be connected to a water supply source, and opening inside the boiler 1, close to the output end S.

For its part, the outlet end S is provided with a second steam evacuation pipe 12 opening inside the boiler 1, close to the inlet end E.

According to the dimensions cited here by way of example, the boiler may have a diameter, at one of the inlet and/or outlet ends S, substantially equal to 30mm. In addition, the inlet end E and the outlet end S can be separated by 220mm.

The first water inlet pipe 11 from the inlet end can emerge inside the boiler, approximately 10 mm from the outlet end S.

For its part, the second pipe 12 for evacuating steam from the end S can also emerge inside the boiler, approximately 10 mm from the inlet end E.

Therefore, in view of the illustrative distances, it is clearly visible that the first water inlet pipe 11 opens near the outlet end S and that the second steam discharge pipe 12 opens near the the inlet end E.

In the illustrated embodiment, the boiler 1 also has a level probe 16 making it possible to regulate the arrival of water at the level of the fluid inlet end E according to a predetermined maximum level of water in boiler 1.

We now present, in relation to Figures 3 and 4, an embodiment of a cleaning and disinfection device by steam projection.

In this embodiment, the steam projection cleaning and disinfection device is in the form of an autonomous robot.

One of the main advantages of such an autonomous robot for cleaning and disinfection by steam projection lies in the possibility of cleaning floors autonomously, without human intervention and in an ecological, economical way using only steam. of water.

As illustrated in the various figures, the steam projection cleaning and disinfection device comprises, in addition to a boiler similar to the boiler shown in Figures 1 and 2, steam projection means provided in the continuity of the second end S and connected to this second end S.

These steam projection means comprising a projection nozzle 20 configured to project steam in at least one direction D.

In this way, it allows the steam thus formed in the boiler to be projected towards the surface to be cleaned, particularly the floor.

It should be noted that the spray nozzle can spray steam in at least one direction D, which here is a direction substantially vertical to the device.

Provision could also be made for the nozzle to project steam in an angular range around this direction D. For example, provision could be made for the nozzle to project steam in an angular range of 20 degrees on either side of the direction D.

This nozzle therefore diffuses water vapor over the entire surface covered by this robot, thus allowing the adherent dirt to be removed and thermal disinfection of the floors to be carried out simultaneously.

It should be noted that this thermal disinfection is made in such a way as to meet the French AFNOR disinfection standard, if the contact time of the water vapor with the surface to be cleaned is approximately 1 second considering that this French AFNOR standard defines a passage speed of 10 cm/second to achieve effective disinfection.

It may therefore be advantageous for the passage speed of the device to be adjustable so as to carry out either simple cleaning or cleaning with simultaneous disinfection defined by the AFNOR standard.

As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, and so as to supply the boiler with water to supply steam, the device comprises a water reservoir 2 connected to said first pipe 11. This reservoir here comprises a pump 21 for filling the boiler as well as a filling nozzle 22.

It should be noted that it would also be possible to implement a remote water tank, and not carried by the robot.

In addition, the device is provided with ultraviolet generation means 6 configured to generate ultraviolet radiation in said at least one direction D, so as to be placed in the direction of a surface to be disinfected.

In the same way as for the steam projection nozzle, the ultraviolet generation means can generate ultraviolet radiation in an angular range around this direction D.

Here, these ultraviolet generation means are composed of an ultraviolet radiation disinfection ramp.

The device for cleaning and disinfection by steam projection according to this embodiment further comprises suction means comprising a compartment 3 capable of collecting elements sucked up by means of a suction ramp 30 capable of generating suction in the at least one direction D.

As a result, the device, which is here an autonomous robot, will have the possibility of carrying out a suction prior to the spraying of water vapor on the floor in order to eliminate loose dirt.

As visible in the figures, the suction ramp 30 and the steam projection nozzle 20 are here strictly arranged in the same direction.

The device also consists of a roll of fabric 40 in contact with the surface to be cleaned, making it possible to recover the dirt detached by the steam and also to recover the residual water due to the condensed water vapor, without leaving traces. on the cleaned surface.

The fabric here is microfiber fabric to optimize the recovery of dirt while limiting the cost price.

This roll of fabric 40 is controlled by a system 4 for winding and unwinding the fabric making it possible to avoid, when the fabric is saturated with dirt or water, on the one hand the "release" of dirt on the surface, and on the other hand to avoid contamination and movement of germs from one place to another.

This fabric winding and unwinding system 4 thus makes it possible, for example by means of artificial intelligence or sensors measuring the saturation of the fabric in contact with an area to be cleaned, to wind or unwind a strip of fabric integrated into this system 4 so as to change the strip of fabric in contact with the surface to be cleaned.

So as to be able to move, the device comprises a plurality of wheels 5 carrying the device and configured to move this device.

It also includes a motor configured to move the plurality of wheels 5, this motor being controlled by an autonomous control unit 93 (visible in particular on the ) and being powered by an electric battery 9.

This autonomous control unit 93 makes it possible to control the cleaning and disinfection device, or here autonomous robot, so that it cleans and disinfects a given surface.

According to this embodiment, the autonomous control unit 93 includes at least one of the predefined information items belonging to the group comprising:

- a map of an area to be cleaned;

- a list of potential obstacles;

- a predefined path;

- indications on the filling level of the water tank;

- indications on the level of saturation of the tissue;

- a maintenance log.

The predefined information may also include times at which to pass over given areas so as to clean and disinfect them.

This autonomous control unit can also comprise a man-machine interface so as to authorize a human to act on the device.

Figures 2 and 3 represent the cleaning and disinfection device which is connected to a charging station 90, or charging terminal, by means of a connector 91.

It is understood that the robot operates autonomously for cleaning or cleaning and disinfection, but also to return to the charging terminal 90 of the electric battery 9 when the latter is at a low level of charge.

This autonomous robot can also return to the charging station when the water tank for steam production is empty, when the tissue dispenser is empty or when compartment 3 is full.

We now present, in relation to the , a second embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment, the device for cleaning and disinfecting by steam projection is in the form of a portable broom, which can be used directly by a user so as to clean and/or disinfect a surface.

As for the first embodiment, this device comprises a boiler 1' having a hollow cylindrical body provided with a first inlet end and a second outlet end opposite said first end, and heating means , as well as steam projection means formed in the continuity of the second end and connected to this second end, the steam projection means comprising a projection nozzle 20' configured to project steam in at least one direction D' . As for the first embodiment, the inlet end is provided with a first water inlet pipe, configured to be connected to a water supply source, and opening inside the boiler 1', close to said outlet end, the outlet end being provided with a second steam discharge pipe opening inside the boiler, close to the inlet end.

Here, the 1' boiler is fitted inside an at least partially telescopic 8' handle.

One could also provide an embodiment in which the boiler would be formed around the periphery of the handle.

This allows the handle to be adjusted according to the height of the user and also the distance to the surface to be cleaned. Such a telescopic handle thus makes it possible to reach areas which could otherwise be difficult to access for a user. The ergonomics of the device are thus enhanced.

This telescopic telescopic handle 8' has, as illustrated, one end carrying the steam projection means 20' and capable of being placed facing said surface to be disinfected, and an opposite end having means 7 for controlling a quantity of steam leaving the steam projection means 20'.

These means 7 for controlling a quantity of steam here comprise steam control means controlled by a radio-controlled capacitive switch.

These means 7 for controlling a quantity of steam can also comprise means for controlling the heating of the boiler controlled by a radio-controlled capacitive switch.

In this embodiment, the device comprises a remote water tank 2′ connected to the first pipe via a flexible pipe 23′ so as to supply the boiler 1′ with water.

We now present, in relation to the , a third embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment, the device for cleaning and disinfecting by steam projection is in the form of a device for destroying Asian hornet nests, which can be used directly by a user.

As with the first embodiment, this device comprises a 1" boiler having a hollow cylindrical body provided with a first inlet end and a second outlet end opposite said first end, and means for heating, as well as steam projection means arranged in the continuity of the second end and connected to this second end, the steam projection means comprising a projection nozzle 20'' configured to project steam in at least one direction . As for the first embodiment, the inlet end is provided with a first water inlet pipe, configured to be connected to a water supply source, and opening inside the boiler 1'', close to said outlet end, the outlet end being provided with a second steam discharge pipe opening inside the boiler, close to the inlet end.

Here too, the 1” boiler is housed inside an at least partially telescopic 8” handle, otherwise known as a pole.

One could also provide an embodiment in which the boiler would be formed around the periphery of the handle.

One could also provide an embodiment in which the boiler is fixed, removably or not, to one end of the handle.

This allows the handle to be adjusted according to the size of the user and also the distance to the nest to be destroyed. Such an 8” telescopic handle thus makes it possible to reach hornet nests located in areas that could otherwise be difficult to access for a user. The ergonomics of the device are thus enhanced.

This 8" telescopic telescopic handle has, as shown, one end carrying the 20" steam projection means and able to be placed opposite the nest to be destroyed.

In this embodiment, the device comprises a remote 2" water tank connected to the first pipe via a flexible conduit 23" so as to supply water to the 1" boiler.

Here, the solution therefore lies in having a 2'' water tank offset from the ground and in conveying the water, using a pump, to the top of the at least partially telescopic handle for the heat using the boiler 1'' located not far from one end of the handle, so as to avoid energy losses, while maintaining a high quality and quantity of steam.

The advantage of this solution is to limit the loss of calories and therefore limit the energy needed to produce such water vapour.

Another advantage of this solution is that the nest is destroyed without the use of pesticides or any other product. The destruction is therefore done in an ecological way, with respect for the environment.

This solution also aims to lighten the telescopic pole by implementing an offset 2” tank, thus avoiding unnecessary efforts and imprecise drilling of nests with the 20” nozzle.

Claims (11)

Steam projection cleaning and disinfection device comprising:

• a boiler (1) having a hollow cylindrical body provided with a first inlet end (E) and a second outlet end (S) opposite said first end (E), and heating means (15)
• steam projection means provided in the continuity of said second end (S) and connected to this second end (S), said vapor projection means comprising a projection nozzle (20, 20', 20'') configured to project steam in at least one direction (D),

said inlet end (E) being provided with a first water inlet pipe (11), configured to be connected to a water supply source, and opening inside said boiler (1) , close to said outlet end (S), said outlet end (S) being provided with a second steam discharge pipe (12) opening inside said boiler (1), close to said inlet end (E). Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said boiler (1) has a level probe (16) making it possible to regulate the arrival of water at the level of the fluid inlet end (E) as a function of a predetermined maximum level of water in said boiler (1). Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises ultraviolet generation means configured to generate ultraviolet radiation in the said at least one direction (D), so as to be placed in the direction of a surface to be disinfected. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises suction means comprising a compartment (3, 3') capable of collecting the elements sucked up by means of a suction ramp (30, 30') capable of generating suction in said at least one direction (D). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of wheels (5) carrying the device and configured to move the device. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a motor configured to move said plurality of wheels (5), said motor being driven by an autonomous control unit (93). Cleaning device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises an electric battery (9) supplying said motor. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a remote water reservoir (2', 2'') connected to said first pipe (11) via a flexible conduit (23', 23''), so as to supply water to said boiler (1', 1''). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said boiler (1', 1'') is arranged inside an at least partially telescopic handle (8', 8''). Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the said telescopic handle has one end carrying the said steam projection means (20', 20'') and capable of being placed facing the said surface to be disinfected, and an opposite end having means (7) for controlling a quantity of vapor leaving said vapor projection means (20', 20''). Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the said means (7) for controlling a quantity of steam comprise steam control means controlled by a radio-controlled capacitive switch.