GB2334203A - Method and apparatus for cleaning refuse bins - Google Patents

Abstract

A jet wash device apparatus for cleaning the internal base surface and surface walls of a refuse container with pressurised cleaning fluid comprises a fluid inlet means 710 for receiving the cleaning fluid and a fluid distribution member 702, 703 for positioning inside the container, the member having a plurality of fluid outlet means 711-713 for transmitting the fluid to the internal base and surfaces, wherein at least 2 of the fluid outlets are positioned at substantially different downstream distances from the fluid inlet means. The jet wash device may be mounted on the side of a commercial vehicle such as a truck or a lorry. The plurality of fluid outlet means may comprise nozzles arranged to spray, substantially simultaneously, the fluid onto substantially all of the surface area of the internal surfaces of the refuse containers.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLEANING REFUSE BINS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning refuse bins and is particularly, but not exclusively, related to cleaning refuse bins using apparatus which is mounted on a commercial vehicle.

Background to the Invention Domestic and commercial refuse material is typically collected in a refuse container which may take a variety of forms. A domestic refuse container in widespread use throughout Europe for example is a container having a hinged lid and a wheel at each side and towards the rear of the base of the container, containers of this type generally being known as "wheely bins". Wheely bins are typically made of a plastics material and comprise a lid having a handle.

Commercial refuse containers may also take a variety of forms, but again a container having wheels is becoming a standard container for such use.

Commercial containers of this type generally have four wheels, one wheel being located at each comer of the container and the container generally has a single large hinged lid.

Upon emptying either commercial or domestic containers of the type identified, it is known that residual waste matter adheres to the interior walls and interior base of the container. Over time, the residual waste may become a potential health hazard, the waste having built up and thereafter facilitating bacterial growth. Bacterial growth of this kind represents a considerable health hazard to both an owner of a refuse bin and anyone coming into close contact with the bin and thus systems and apparatus have been developed to facilitate cleaning of these types of containers.

A known system and apparatus for cleaning a refuse container such as a wheely bin is described in GB patent, publication number GB 2283409, generally illustrated in Fig. 1. Bin cleaning apparatus may be mounted in the body of a mobile unit such as a commercial van 101 or as in Fig. 1 a trailer 102 for example. Commercially this system and apparatus has been exploited as a form of "cottage industry". Systems of this type are typically manually operated by a single operator 103 who is required to drive the van (or van pulling a trailer) comprising the required apparatus, to the required premises and wheel a container 104 to the rear 105 of trailer 102 whereafter lifting gear 106 is implemented to substantially support and invert the wheely bin over the intemal base of the van (or trailer) floor. Once a given wheely bin is in place upon the van then the operator is required to typically, by hand operation, a pressurized water hose into the wheely bin so as to clean off the residual matter. The hose 107 is supplied with cleaning fluid from a water tank for example is the base 108 of trailer 102. Following cleaning in this way the operator may be required to further clean the intemal surfaces of the wheelie bin by applying pressure and movement with a hand held cleaning device, such as a cloth. Thereafter the operator may be required to dry the intemal surfaces by hand, again using a cloth. This method is labour intensive and to some extent prone to hazard on the part of the operator since the operator is required to come into close contact with a wheely bin that he or she is currently cleaning. Moreover cleaning a bin in this way is semi-skilled in that a particular operator is required to be able to identify portions of the intemal surfaces which require additional attention. It follows that upon cleaning several tens of bins a given operator's productivity may decline from the repetitive nature of the work together with the fact that it may be considered to be a relatively unpleasant occupation. It therefore follows that the quality associated with a given bin having been cleaned in this way may vary according to a given operator and also being dependent upon the given operator's enthusiasm for cleaning a particular refuse bin. This system incorporates basic steps of applying wash fluid to the interior of a wheely bin so as to displace residual waste material followed by allowing the wash fluid to flow from the container to a fluid collection means. Following fluid collection at least a part of the wash fluid may be passed through a solid separation device for reusing the cleaning fluid for another container so as to form a substantially closed loop for the circulation of the cleaning fluid. A system of this kind is relatively low volume in terms of the number of wheely bins that may be cleaned per hour. Typically the hourly rate may be of the order of 10 to 15 bins per hour.

When compared with the total number of domestic bins which exist in a large city or conurbation such as Greater Manchester in the United Kingdom for example wherein in excess of one million domestic and commercial refuse bins will be in use, then it is clear that an improved system and apparatus is required to deal effectively with cleaning refuse bins.

With increased awareness of environmental hazards and health and safety amongst the general public, there is increasing pressure being placed upon local authorities and central govemments with respect to implementing legislation to improve standards of hygiene and environmental health and safety. In the foreseeable future therefore it is increasingly likely that legislation may be implemented with respect to improving cleanliness of both domestic and commercial refuse containers. With increasing pressure of this kind, there is therefore a need for an improved system and apparatus for cleaning both domestic and commercial refuse containers and in particular there is a need for an improved system and apparatus for cleaning wheely bins. Thus there is a need to maximize the number of wheely bins and commercial refuse bins that may be cleaned within an hour and compared with the known system identified above, it is clear that a system and apparatus is required which will increase the number of refuse containers which may be cleaned by at least, or approximately, a factor of ten. There is also a need for a method and apparatus for cleaning refuse containers which is more uniform and reliable in terms of the quality of cleaning persisting in any given cleaned bin.

A further known apparatus for washing waste bins is described in GB patent publication number GB 2298359, this system having many characteristics in common with the former system, but being directed to properly controlling waste wash water. As with the former system, this system appears to only facilitate a relatively low turn over in terms of number of bins cleaned per hour.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a jet wash device apparatus for cleaning the intemal base surface and surface walls of a refuse container with a pressurised cleaning fluid, the device comprising: fluid inlet means for receiving the cleaning fluid; and a fluid distribution member for positioning inside the container, the member having a plurality of fluid outlet means for transmitting the fluid to the internal base and surfaces, wherein at least two of the fluid outlets are positioned at substantially different downstream distances from the fluid inlet means.

Preferably the fluid distribution member is attached to a rigid base and in a preferred embodiment, during cleaning the member and the container preferably remain in a substantially fixed position with respect to each other.

Suitably, the fluid distribution member comprises: a washer trunk connected to the fluid inlet means, the washer trunk being configured for cleaning the walls of a given refuse container; and washer head connected to the trunk, the head being primarily configured for cleaning the intemal base surface of the given refuse container. Preferably both the trunk and the head each comprise a plurality of outlets.

In the preferred embodiment, during in cleaning, the head may be configured to rotate about the trunk. Suitably the rotating head is configured to rotate due to the flow of the pressurised fluid through an orifice. Alternatively, the member comprising the head and the trunk rotates.

Preferably for each intemal surface of a given refuse container, the member comprises at least one dedicated outlet means and preferably the dedicated direction of the fluid is substantially perpendicular (normal) to the particular plane of each surface.

The plurality of outlet means suitably comprises nozzles arranged to spray, substantially simultaneously, the fluid onto substantially all of the surface area of the intemal surfaces of a given refuse bin. Suitably the nozzles are individually removable and replaceable.

Preferably the jet wash apparatus is adaptable from mounting on the side of a commercial vehicle and suitably the commercial vehicle comprises either a truck or a lorry.

In a preferred embodiment, the jet wash device may receive the cleaning fluid from a connection ring type apparatus, the connection ring being shared with other jet wash devices.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for cleaning the intemal base and surface wall of a refuse container with a cleaning fluid, the method comprising: attaching a jet wash device apparatus to a rigid base; positioning the jet wash device inside the container; receiving the cleaning fluid under pressure and transmitting the fluid to the intemal base and wall surface, wherein in at least two of the fluid outlets are positioned at substantially different downstream distances from the fluid inlet means.

Suitably, at least part of the jet wash device apparatus rotates and preferably the rotation is effected by the flow of the pressurised fluid through an orifice. During operation, the jet wash device preferably remains substantially linearly fixed with respect to its associated container during cleaning of the container. Suitably, the jet wash device apparatus is adaptable for mounting on the side of a commercial vehicle and a suitable commercial vehicle may comprise a truck or a lorry.

The cleaning fluid may comprise a drying agent, a suitable agent being air.

Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprising a plurality of jet wash devices operable on and accessible from both sides of a mobile transportation unit; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates control and cleaning fluid delivery apparatus contained within the mobile transportation unit identified in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a side elevation cross-section through the mobile transportation unit identified in Fig. 2 and in particular illustrates a filtering mechanism contained within the base of the mobile unit; Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an end elevation cross-section through the mobile unit identified in Fig.2, in particular detailing the jet wash apparatus and filtering mechanism identified in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a plan view of the fluid delivery system and plurality of jet wash apparatus identified in Figs. 2 to 5, and in particular illustrates a shared fluid delivery connection ring for delivery of cleaning fluid to the plurality of jet wash devices; Fig. 7 schematically illustrates, in accordance with the present invention, a preferred embodiment of a jet washer device head having a pair of upper arms and a plurality of jet nozzles; Fig. 8A schematically illustrates a plan view of a jet washer device washer arm of the type identified in Fig. 7; Fig. 8B schematically illustrates a side view cross-section through a jet washer device washer arm; Fig. 8C schematically illustrates an end elevation of a jet washer device washer arm, the view representing a cross-section through the right hand end of the washer arm; Fig. 8D schematically illustrates an end elevation cross-section of a washer arm of a jet washer device, the cross-section representing a view at the opposite end of the washer arm to that identified in Fig. 8C; Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a jet nozzle for outletting cleaning fluid from a jet washer device washer arm as identified in Figs. 7 and 8A-D; Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a side elevation cross-sectional view through a washer arm of a jet washer device, and in particular illustrates the intemal profile of jet nozzle identified in Fig. 9; Fig. 1 1A schematically illustrates a plan view of the nozzle identified in Figs.

9 and 10 and identifies a shallow groove passing through the central axis of the nozzle and extending across the head of the nozzle; Fig. 11B schematically illustrates a second plan view of the jet nozzle identified in Fig. 9, the view looking down the central axis and being that inside the threaded mechanism identified in Fig. 9; Fig. 11 C schematically illustrates a side elevation of the jet nozzle identified in Fig. 9; Fig. 12 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of the central portion of the jet wash head device identified in Fig. 7, the embodiment facilitating rotation of the jet washer arms to rotate about a central vertical axis.

Fig. 13 schematically illustrates a jet washer device trunk which comprises a plurality of nozzles of the type identified in Fig. 9 and essentially acts as a connection piece between a rigid base of the mobile transportation unit identified in Fig. 2 and the jet washer device head identified in Fig. 7; Fig. 14 schematically illustrates an insert piece for connecting jet nozzles and a fluid inlet pipe to the jet washer trunk identified in Fig. 13; Fig. 15 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view through the jet washer device trunk identified in Fig. 12 and identifies an insert piece as illustrated in Fig. 13 comprising means for attaching four jet nozzles of the type identified in Fig. 9; Figs. 16A to 16C schematically illustrates the refuse bin handling equipment identified in Fig. 2.

Detailed Description of the Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention There will now be described by way of example the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a mobile unit comprising refuse container cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Mobile unit 201 may be a commercial vehicle such as a lorry or a truck for example. In the particular embodiment illustrated, mobile unit 201 is configured to effect cleaning of refuse bins of the wheely bin type, such as refuse bins 202 and 203. Wheely bin 202 comprises a body 204, a hinged lid 205 having a handle 206 and lid hinge arrangement 207 and wheels 208 and 209 respectively.

Wheels 208 and 209 are located towards the rear of the bin at the base.

Mobile transportation unit 201 comprises a front portion 210 which comprises a cabin for housing the driver during a joumey and an engine for effecting movement of the unit. A rear portion, 211 essentially comprises everything to the rear of front portion 210. In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the mobile transportation unit is essentially a lorry or a truck having a rear portion containing refuse bin cleaning equipment in accordance with the present invention. An altemative embodiment may comprise a form of trailer unit suitable for transporting equipment of the type identified herein.

In accordance with the invention, refuse bin cleaning equipment is provided along at least one side of mobile transportation unit 201. Thus, for example jet wash devices 212, 213, 214 and 215 are located on a first (near) side of mobile transportation unit 201. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, jet wash devices of the type identified are located on both sides of mobile transportation unit 201. Thus, jet wash devices are also located along the far side of the lorry as indicated at 216, 217, 218 and 219 respectively.

Mobile transportation unit 201 may be driven by a particular operator who may then operate the refuse container cleaning equipment to contained in rear portion 211. The driver may require assistance from one or more colleagues to operate the equipment located in portion 211. Each jet wash device 212 to 219, is configured to clean a single wheely bin at a time, in terms of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2. Alternatively each jet wash device may be configured to work in conjunction with neighbouring jet wash device such that two or more jet wash devices may be used simultaneously to clean a particular container, such as for example a commercial four wheeled refuse container of the type commonly used in Europe.

Each jet wash device is configured to receive a cleaning fluid under pressure and to direct the cleaning fluid into a given refuse bin which is suitably located over the jet wash device. The jet wash devices are angled at between 30C to 900 from the horizontal, the preferred angle being approximately, 45 . A wheely bin such as wheely bin 202 for example may be positioned by an operator on to a bin handling device mechanism located at the side of the vehicle. Each jet wash device is associated with a bin handling device and thus bin handling device 220 is associated with jet wash device 212 for example. Similarly jet wash device 215 is associated with bin handling device 221. Bin handling devices 220, 221 may be fully automated using a hydraulic mechanism or altematively may be operated manually. Bin handling device 220, altematively known as lifting gear, is connected to rear portion 211 via hinged 222 located towards the top of device 220 and has handles 223 and 224 to facilitate an operator to invert a given bin inserted upon base 225 of bin handling device 220. Each jet wash device is associated with an enclosed region within rear portion 211 to prevent a particular cleaning liquid being used from being dispersed into the environment. Thus, for example jet wash device 212 is associated with cleaning enclosure 226 and jet wash device 214 is associated with cleaning enclosure 227.

Rear portion 211 additionally comprises equipment which is hidden below panels forming the outside of rear portion 211. Thus, for example behind panel 228 is located an electrical power generator, a compressed air unit, a motor driven pump, a dose pump that is a pump for adding certain cleaning agents, such as detergents and wax for example, a valve for selecting a particular cleaning fluid to be used and a control system for controlling jet wash devices 212 to 219 respectively. The area behind panel 228, or possibly elsewhere on the mobile unit, may additionally comprise any extra valves and controls that may be required for operation of fully or partially automated lifting gear. Towards the centre of portion 211 and substantially located below jet wash devices 212 to 219 is, in accordance with the present invention, located a filtering mechanism for filtering a cleaning fluid currently being used and a mechanism for delivering a cleaning fluid to jet wash devices 212 to 219, substantially simultaneously. Also below the filtering mechanism are a wash tank, an overflow tank and a rinse tank for storing and recycling water used in cleaning.

Operation of jet wash devices 212 to 219, is effected by control means located either in the side portion 210 or somewhere upon rear portion 211 of mobile unit 201. Thus, for example, a control unit may be located behind panel 229 towards the rear of the vehicle, the control means comprising a plurality of levers and switches for selecting and controlling one or more specified jet wash devices on a particular cleaning run. In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a hand held lance for directing a pressurised cleaning fluid into a particular refuse container by traditional manual means. Panel 230 represents an access point for a given operator to retrieve a lance of this kind. By a lance it is meant a manually operated hose connected to the central fluid delivery system for fluid delivery. Finally, the filtering mechanisms and fluid delivery systems are suitably located within lower portion 231 of rear portion 211.

A mobile unit 201 of the type described may comprise additional features such as for example a control mechanism for effecting emergency stops. This may comprise four buttons located on the sides of the vehicle for example, preferably with two buttons to the front and two to the rear.

Additionally, an orange flashing light and an audible reversing alarm may be mounted on the vehicle as an extra safety precaution. A lighting system may also be used to indicate when each jet wash device is in operation. Thus, a green light may be utilised to show the system is currently in use and a red light to indicate when the system is not currently in operation. Lights indicating whether given jet wash devices are currently in use may be positioned on each side of the vehicle in a position associated with each jet wash device.

Unlike in the known systems for cleaning residual matter from the intemal surface walls and intemal base of refuse containers, mobile unit 201 comprises a plurality of refuse bin cleaning devices, each configured to be accessible from the side of a given mobile unit. By facilitating access from the side of the vehicle, a greater number of jet wash cleaning devices may be incorporated on a given mobile unit. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, refuse bin cleaning devices are located on both sides of a given mobile unit 201. Thus, the invention facilitates side loading of refuse containers upon a mobile unit. However, the invention may be operated to clean only a single bin at once, if required. Prior art systems are restricted in that they do not provide mounting of refuse bins from the side of a given vehicle, but only facilitate rear mounting of said refuse bins from the rear (that is the back end) of a vehicle. Furthermore, the prior art systems as described earlier appear to be designed for a relatively small tumover in terms of the number of bins which may be cleaned, this perhaps being due to a maturing culture of cottage industry style businesses being set up to clean refuse containers of the type identified herein. Since the apparatus of the invention comprises relatively large cleaning fluid tanks, the system is substantially self contained during daily operation thus by recycling water the amount of water to be disposed of is minimised and the system may therefore be considered to substantially form a closed loop during operation. At the end of daily operation waste water may be discharged via a foul water discharge point as approved by a local authority for example.

Essentially, the invention comprises apparatus for simultaneously cleaning a plurality of refuse bins, each bin having intemal surface walls and an internal base, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of jet wash devices 212 to 219 mounted on a mobile transportation unit 201, the jet wash devices being mounted along at least one side of the unit; means for substantially inverting and supporting a refuse bin over each jet wash device; means for delivering a pressurised cleaning fluid to the plurality of jet wash devices; and means for outletting the cleaning fluid from each jet wash device.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the overall operation of refuse container cleaning equipment as provided in accordance with the present invention, and which is located in rear portion 211 of mobile transportation unit 201. For illustrative purposes, only two jet wash devices are shown in Fig. 3, these corresponding for example to jet wash devices 212 and 219 identified in Fig.

2. As illustrated, during cleaning of refuse containers jet wash device 212 is placed inside a refuse container 301 and a second refuse container 302 is positioned above jet wash device 219. Each jet wash device 212, 219 etc is connected to a means for simultaneously delivering a cleaning fluid to each jet wash device and the means for simultaneously delivering a cleaning fluid comprises connection ring 303. Cleaning fluid is directed into connection ring 303 from a source of a particular cleaning fluid being employed. In a first wash cycle, the cleaning fluid may comprise water delivered from a wash tank 304. The water delivered from wash tank 304 may or may not comprise additional cleaning agents or other components, provided by dose pump 305.

Fluid from wash tank 304 and/or dose pump 305 is received along connecting pipes 306 and 307 respectively, by valve 308. Valve 308 is controlled by control panel 309, the control panel being operated by a system operator. In response to a system operator's command, valve 308 receives electrical signals along control line 310. In response to the signals received along control line 310 valve 308 is configured to receive a cleaning fluid from either wash tank 304, rinse tank 311 or dose pump 305. Once a particular fluid source has been selected control panel 309 provides a signal to pump 312 via control line 313 to pump 312 whereafter pump 312 effectively draws the selected cleaning fluid from its source along pipes connecting the source to the valve. Similarly rinse tank 311 is connected to valve 308 by connecting pipe 314. Thereafter pump 312 automatically driven by motor 315 delivers the selected cleaning fluid to connection ring 303 via connecting pipe 316.

Following an initial wash cycle utilising fluid from wash tank 304, the control panel 309 may be automatically configured to effect valve 308 to draw rinse water from rinse tank 311 so as to provide rinse water to connection ring 303 and in tum to jet washer devices 212, 219 etc. Upon selection of wash tank water from tank 304, water directed into refuse containers 301 and 307 is simply returned to wash tank 304 via a filter arrangement comprising for example a coarse filter 317 and a medium filter 318. The filtering arrangement may also comprise an additional fine filter 325 insertable below medium filter 318. A fine filter may be required for certain applications or at certain times of the year etc. Thus, for example, in the summer garden waste including grass clippings and soil may be a common waste placed in refuse containers. Incorporation of a fine filter 325 capable of acting as a purifier by mud and sluny adhering to its surface will further enhance the overall cleaning performance. All three filters 317, 318 and 319 are suitably configured to be removable for cleaning and maintenance purposes. In accordance with the present invention, filtering arrangement 317, 318 is essentially to be considered a filter bed arrangement located below jet wash devices 212, 219 etc and essentially comprises an area spread substantially across unit 211. Each filter may comprise a plurality of units - one beneath each jet washer device and the filters are conveniently replaceable. Thus, a given filter below a jet wash device is required to be removable for cleaning whereafter it may be replaced in position or replaced by a new filter for example. Following filtering, used wash water is simply retumed to wash tank 304, wash tank 304 being connected to overflow tank 319. Upon selection of rinse tank 311, refuse bins 301, 302 are effectively rinsed and the rinse water is returned via filtering arrangement 317, 318 to wash tank 304. Following a selection of rinse tank water 311 effecting a second wash cycle, control system 309 may be configured to automatically effect air from compressed air source 320 to be directed into connection ring 303 via air line 321. In this case, control panel 309 will be configured to close valve 308 so as to prevent transmitting of cleaning fluids from tanks 304 or 303 and effect compressed air 320 to be delivered to jet wash devices 212 and 219. Compressed air used as a drying agent in this way essentially represents a mechanism for automatically drying the intemal surfaces of refuse containers 301 and 302 and the length of time any particular fluid is transmitted may be pre-set or controlled, via panel 309, in response to a given operator's requirements. In general, each cycle may be operated for a pre-set time to enhance quality assurance. By cycle it is meant a cleaning cycle and a cleaning cycle may utilise either a liquid or a gas. Finally the whole system may be powered by an electrical power generator 322 for supplying electrical power to control panel 309, motor 315, pump 312, dose pump 305, valve 308 and compressed air supply 320. Thus, for example the electrical power may be directly delivered to motor 315 via power line 323 and may be delivered to control panel 309 via power line 324. For the sake of clarity, not all power lines are shown so as not to unnecessarily obscure t directly behind jet washer devices 212 to 215. The filtering arrangement and washing apparatus is encapsulated in the body of rear unit 211. Thus, wash tank 304, overflow tank 319 and rinse rank 311 are situated on the floor of unit 211. Overflow tank 319 is connected to wash tank 304 by overflow pipe 401. Wash tank 304 may be emptied through outlet pipe 402 and may be refilled with, for example, fresh water from a mains supply through inlet pipe 403. Similarly overflow tank 319 may be emptied through outlet 404 and rinse tank 311 may be emptied through outlet pipe 405 and rinse tank 311 may be refilled through inlet pipe 406. All inlet and outlet pipes may comprise means such as a valve for opening and closing the pipes. Wash tank 304 and rinse tank 311 communicate with a filtering arrangement located above via fluid drainage pipes 407 and 408 respectively.

In a first wash cycle, fluid is directed from wash tank 304 to connection ring 303 via a pipe connection ring 303 with wash tank outlet pipe 409.

Similarly rinse tank 311 is connected to connection ring 303 via rinse tank outlet pipe 410. For the sake of clarity, the fluid connection means between connection pipe 409 and ring 303 and connection pipe 410 and ring 303 are not shown. Depending upon the particular fluid selected in a given wash cycle, fluid is directed to connection ring 303 whereafter fluid is directed to the plurality of jet wash devices 212 to 219 respectively. Connection ring 303 effects simultaneous delivery of a particular selected cleaning fluid to each jet wash devices. Each jet wash device is separated from neighbouring device by a guard rail, such as guard rail 411 separating jet wash devices 214 and 215. Upon a selected fluid being outlet from a given jet wash device into a refuse container positioned above the jet wash device fluid is directed under the force of gravity to the fluid filtering arrangement located below the assembly of jet wash device. Thus, a particular cleaning fluid selected is directed to the intemal walls and base of a given refuse container located above a given jet washer device and thereafter the fluid is returned, under the force of gravity through the filtering arrangement 317, 318 to wash tank 304, via filter outlet pipe 407. During a rinse cycle rinse water from tank 311 may be returned to tank 311 via drainage pipe 408 or altematively by switching off pipe 408 retuming rinse fluid may be instead retumed to tank 304. Whether rinse water is effectively reused or not may be determined by a given service operator or possibly by legislation for example. In the embodiment shown, the filtering arrangement comprises a coarse filter 317 and medium filter 318, each filter effectively comprising a mesh like arrangement configured to remove solid debris carried in the retuming cleaning fluid. In accordance with the present invention, each filter comprises a horizontal mesh like structure which is removable and replaceable. In the preferred embodiment, each mesh like filter may comprise a plurality of sections, each section being associated with a particular jet wash device. Thus, in the example shown, coarse filter 317 comprises four removable filter like meshes, 412, 413, 414 and 415 respectively. Similarly medium filter 318 comprises removable mesh like filter 416, 417, 418 and 419. The coarse and medium filters are suitably separated by spacing members such as spacing members 420 and 421.

Similarly coarse filter 317 is separated from connection ring 303 via spacing members such as spacing members 422 and 423.

Tanks 304, 319 and 311 each comprise one or more baffles for preventing undue movement of cleaning fluids located in each vessel. In the preferred embodiment, tank 311 comprises a pair of baffles 424 and 425, tank 319 comprises a single baffle 426 and tank 304 comprises a pair of baffles 427 and 428. The identified baffles are configured to quench fluid movement within each tank when mobile unit 201 is being driven by an operator between one destination and another.

In addition to the components identified in Fig. 4, in the preferred embodiment, there are provided heating elements 429, 430 and 431 one being located inside each respective tank. Heating elements are provided to heat the cleaning fluid located inside each tank so as to further improve cleaning of refuse containers positioned above each given jet wash device.

The heating elements may for example be heated by heat obtained from the vehicle's cooling system and typically should operate at about 400c to 600c.

Additionally, in winter, the heating elements may be operated so as to prevent freezing of residual fluids left in the tanks and thus prevent cracking of the tanks due to expansions and contractions associated with ice formation.

Finally, following cleaning of a bin, cleaning fluid retuming to wash tank 304 is captured by fluid collection basin 432 fonned by non porous surface 433. Surface 433 is effectively a solid base lying above the tank assembly comprising tanks 304, 311 and 319.

Fig. 5 details the filtering and tank arrangement shown in Fig. 4 from an end elevation of rear unit 211 of mobile unit 201. Positions of refuse containers located about a pair of jet wash devices 301 and 302 are identified by broken line boxes 501 and 502 respectively. Each jet wash device 301, 302 is connected to connection ring 303 via a fluid inlet pipe 503 and 504 respectively. Each refuse bin is held in position with respect to its associated jet wash device via guide rail means. Thus, refuse bin 501 is held in position by guide rail 505 which substantially angles the refuse bin at approximately 45 from the vertical. To prevent refuse bin 501 from effectively falling onto jet wash device 301 a stop 506 is connected to guide rail 505. A similar arrangement comprising a guide rail and a stop is provided for each jet wash device. The remainder of the figure is substantially as described for Fig. 4 herein except that the fluid collection basin 432 created by non-porous surface 433 is slightly raised towards the edges of the figure as indicated at 507 and 508. A preferred embodiment, surface 433 is raised towards the edges as illustrated first to facilitate retum of a particular selected cleaning fluid that is currently being used, the cleaning fluid being returned to wash tank 304 via drainage pipe 407.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a plan view of rear portion 211 of mobile transportation unit 201. The figure is intended to primarily detail a third view of connection ring 303 and its interconnections with jet washer devices 212 to 219 respectively. Connection ring 303 comprises two long side sections wherein, in the preferred embodiment each long section is coupled with four jet wash devices. Additionally, towards the rear of the mobile transportation unit there is a first hose 230 as illustrated in Fig. 2 associated with a first side of mobile transportation unit 201 and a second hose 601 associated with a second side of mobile unit 201.

Each hose 230 and 601 is connected to connection ring 303 via a pipe 602 and 603 respectively which pass through the encapsulating rear wall 604 of unit 211 which forms part of a structure encapsulating connection ring 303.

Each jet wash device is separated from its neighbouring jet wash device by guard rail such as for example a guard rail 411 observed in plan view between jet wash device 214 and jet wash device 215. Towards the front of rear portion 211 of mobile unit 201 the connection ring 303 is encapsulated by an encapsulating wall 605.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, connection ring 303 is monitored by at least one pressure gauge 606 attached to the wall of connection ring 303. A pressure gauge configured for measuring pressure inside connection ring 303 may suitably comprise a pressure transducer which is directly screwed into the pipe wall. In the preferred embodiment, a second pressure transducer 607 is provided on the opposite long side of connection ring 303. Connection ring 303, communicates with wash tank 304 identified in Fig. 3, via a pipe connected between tank 304 and connection ring 303. Tank 304 essentially connects to connection ring 303 via inlet pipe 608. Similarly compressed air source 320 connects with connection ring 303 via air line 321, air line 321 connecting with connection ring 303 via air inlet pipe 609. Thus, inlet pipe 608 is operable during a first wash first phase, utilising water from wash tank 304 and then is operable during a second wash phase utilising water from rinse tank 311.

During the first wash phase additional chemicals may be added to fluid flowing into connection ring 303 via injection by dose pump 305. Suitable chemicals may include detergent etc, and for certain applications of the invention these may be tailored to effect improved cleaning of containers used for particular types of refuse. Similarly during the rinse phase chemicals may be added by dose pump 305 or altematively wax may be added by dose pump 305 so as to facilitate provision of a polished surface of a given refuse container being cleaned. Connection ring 303 may also incorporate pressure release valves 610 associated with pressure gauge 606 and pressure release valve 611 associated with pressure transducer 607. Thus, pressure transducer 606, upon detecting an increase in pressure beyond a desirable or safe level, may be configured to effect opening of pressure release valve 610.

Jet wash devices 212 to 219 each comprise a jet washer head arrangement connected to connection ring 303 via a jet washer trunk arrangement. Thus for example jet washer device 219 comprises jet washer head arrangement 612 and jet washer trunk arrangement 613. In accordance with the present invention, a jet washer head arrangement is further detailed in Fig. 7.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a rotating head arrangement essentially comprising a central portion 701 and first and second washer arms 702 and 703 respectively. Central portion 701 is substantially cylindrical and comprises an outer cylindrical steel casing 704, a brass cylindrical insert structure 705 and an inner steel cylindrical insert piece 706. Brass insert structure 705 is configured to fit inside steel outer casing 704. A tight fit is required between steel casing 704 and brass insert 708 and this may be effected by inserting brass insert 705 into steel casing 704 and then freeze drying. Alternatively, brass insert 705 may be bolted to steel outer casing 704. Steel insert 706 is configured to fit inside brass insert 705, but thereafter the assembly comprising brass insert 705, steel casing 704 and first and second washer arms 702 and 703 respectively are configured to comprise a rotatable unit, rotating about steel insert cylinder 706. Thus, steel insert cylinder 706 effectively remains stationary during operation and thus structure 706 is essentially firmly fixed to a jet washer trunk via suitable attachment means.

Suitable attachment means may comprise welded protrusions from each side of central body steel structure 706, such as for example protrusions 707, 708 and 709. Fluid is delivered from connection ring 303 to the rotatable assembly via fluid inlet pipe 710 which is firmly fixed into steel insert piece 706.

In accordance with the present invention, each washer arm 702 and 703 comprises a plurality of washer spray nozzles (otherwise known as jet washer nozzles or valves). Thus, washer arm 702 comprises jet washer nozzles 711 and 712 on an upper surface configured to clean a base of a given refuse container placed over a given jet wash device and a third jet washer nozzle 713 located on the end surface of the washer arm configured to clean the intemal wall (towards the base) of a given refuse container placed over the jet washer device. Washer arm 703 is configured in exactly the same way as washer arm 702. The exact configuration of washer nozzles upon each washer arm may take a variety of forms in accordance with the present invention, but in the preferred embodiment at least one nozzle on a given washer arm is configured to clean a lower intemal wall of a given refuse container and at least one washer nozzle is configured to clean the base of a given refuse container. Preferably at least two washer nozzles are provided on a given washer arm to clean the internal base of a given refuse container.

Figs. 8A to 8D further detail washer arm 703 identified in Fig. 7. Fig. 8A represents a plan view of washer arm 703, as removed from steel casing 704.

Washer arm 703 comprises an attachment means 801 for attaching washer arm 703 to steel casing structure 704. Attachment means 801 essentially comprises a screw threaded arrangement which is hollow. Passing through the centre of washer arm 703 is a channel 802 which is illustrated by broken lines 803 and 804 respectively. Channel 802 passes along the centre of attachment means 801 and below washer valves 711 and 712. Channel 802 then passes to washer nozzle 713 located at the outer end of washer arm 703, channel 802 effectively linking up with a hole passing through the centre of nozzle 713.

Fig. 8B represents a side view of washer arm 703 again illustrating channel 802 passing along the centre of arm 703. Channel 802 is connected with valve 711 via nozzle inlet 805 and channel 802 connects with nozzle 712 via valve inlet 806 both said inlets being identified by broken lines in this view.

Similarly, valve 713 connects with channel 802 via nozzle inlet 807.

Essentially nozzle inlets 805, 806 and 807 comprise a screw threaded arrangement having a hollow centre which passes from channel 802 up to nozzle head 808, 809 and 810 respectively. Finally washer arm attachment means 801 comprises a pair of grooves 811 and 812 in the screw thread.

Groove 811 is indicated in Fig. 8A where the groove simply comprises an unthreaded portion of attachment means 801. Grooves 811 and 812 are provided for locking the washer arm to steel casing 704 by allowing a locking pin to be inserted and thus jam the washer arm in place.

Fig. 8C represents an end elevation of washer arm 703 from the outer end comprising nozzle 713. In this view, only nozzle head 810 of nozzle 713 at the end of washer arm 703 and nozzle head 809 of nozzle 712 located on the upper surface of washer arm 703 are shown since nozzle 711 is effectively hidden behind nozzle 712.

Fig. 8D details a side elevation of washer arm 703 as viewed along central channel 802 from the end comprising attachment means 801. This view illustrates central channel 802 which passes right along a central axis of washer arm 703 terminates at nozzle 810 and attachment means 801 respectively. Broken lines 813 and 814 represent the internal channel of washer nozzle 808 and these link up with central channel 802 as illustrated.

Broken lines 815 and 816 towards the upper and lower points of attachment means 801 indicate the presence of the hidden grooves 811 and 812 respectively.

Fig. 9 details a washer nozzle of the type identified in Figs. 7 and 8. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a washer nozzle comprises a hexagonal shaped spray head 901 connected to attachment means 902. Attachment means 902 configured for attachment of the nozzle to a washer arm or a jet washer trunk is essentially a cylindrical structure having a screw thread 903 on its outer surface. Hexagonal head 901 comprises side surfaces 904, 905, 906, 907, 908 and 909 which are suitable for insertion into the jaws of a spanner or other suitable tightening device so as to aid insertion of screw threaded portion 902 into a given washer arm or jet washer trunk. Head portion 901 additionally comprises an upper surface formed from two substantially flat regions 910 and 911 separated by a central shallow groove 912. Groove 912 passes from a first side face 907 to a second side face 904, faces 907 and 904 being substantially opposite faces. Groove 911 passes through the central point of the upper surface of hexagonal head 901. At the central point, a rectangular orifice 913 is present in the centre of groove 912 which forms the outlet for fluid passing along threaded portion 902.

Fig. 10 schematically illustrates the attachment of a washer nozzle 1001 to washer arm 703. Fig. 10 represents a cross-sectional view through washer arm 703 and details the intemal structure of a nozzle attached therein. Thus, in this figure the nozzle illustrated in Fig. 9 may be considered attached to washer arm 703. Threaded portion 902 is illustrated as inserted in washer arm 703 and comprises an intemal channel 1002 bounded by a threaded wall 903. Intemal channel 903 is stepped towards the upper end of nozzle head portion 901. Thus, channel 1002 is stepped down in diameter to a slightly smaller diameter channel 1003 and terminates in rectangular orifice 913.

Channel 903 communicates with channel 802 running along the central axis of washer arm 703 or if connected to a jet washer trunk, with a central channel running along the central axis of the trunk.

Figs. 11A, 11B and 11C further detail the washer nozzle identified in Figs. 9 and 10. Fig. 11A represents a plan view of the nozzle illustrated in Fig. 9. Upper portion 901, a hexagonal shaped portion, is shown and as identified in Fig. 9, comprises a central groove 912 running through the central point 1101 of central rectangular hole 913. Broken circular lines 1102 and 1103 correspond to narrower stepped channel 1003 located at the upper end of channel 1002. Threaded wall 903 is indicated between broken circular lines 1103 and 1104.

Fig. II B details a plan view of the washer nozzle illustrated in Fig. 9 and represents a view looking inside threaded portion 902 from its lower end.

Central rectangular orifice 913 is present towards the centre of the figure and circular line 1105 represents the edge of the stepped down diameter channel 1003 which is stepped down from channel 1002.

Fig. 11 C represents a side elevation through the nozzle illustrated in Fig.

9. Because central shallow groove 912 does not necessarily have to pass through the central point of a given side face then groove 912 in this view is offset from the centre of the nozzle. Intemal channel 1002 is represented by broken lines 1106 and 1107 respectively. Stepped down channel 1003 is indicated by broken lines 1108 and 1109 and central rectangular hole 912 is indicated by broken lines 1110 and 1111 respectively. Central channel 1002 terminates at the lower end 1112 of threaded portion 902. In general a washer nozzle of the type described is advantageous in that turbulence within the nozzle is minimised . Minimised turbulence is preferable to enhance the power of the jets of outlet cleaning fluid.

Thus a washer nozzle suitable for insertion in a jet wash device apparatus, is configured for outletting a cleaning fluid during cleaning of a refuse container, the nozzle comprising: a lower screw threaded hollow cylindrical portion; and an upper portion communicating with the lower portion, the upper portion having a substantially flat upper surface, wherein the surface includes a substantially rectangular shaped orifice located in a groove.

Fig. 12 details the preferred embodiment of the present invention with respect to the jet washer arm rotation mechanism essentially comprising outer steel casing 704, inner brass insert cylinder 705 and central fixed inner steel cylinder 706. Cylindrical steel casing 704 comprises a central machined orifice 1201 which is cylindrical about a central axis of passing along the length cylinder 704. Central cylindrical orifice 1201 has a circular diameter substantially less than that of casing 704 and communicates with two further machines orifices 1202 and 1203 respectively. Machined orifices 1203 and 1204 communicate with central orifice 1201 substantially at a point halfway down the sides of steel casing 704. Furthermore, intemal machined orifices 1203 and 1204 are preferably perpendicular to the central axis running along intemal machined cylindrical orifice 1201. Machined orifices 1203 and 1204 are identical and in the case of orifice 1204 for example comprise intemal cylindrical portion 1205 which widens into cylindrical portion 1206, portion 1206 having a slightly wider diameter than portion 1205. Portion 1206 comprises a threaded wall so as to facilitate insertion of a washer arm attachment means 801. Thus orifices 1203 and 1204 are essentially required for attachment of a pair of washer arms. The central orifice 1201 has a closed upper surface 1208 which is flat and a lower open end 1208.

Brass insert cylindrical piece 705 is configured to fit inside central office 1201 of steel casing 704 and is insertable through open end 1208. Thus, brass insert 705 has a slightly smaller circular diameter than does central orifice 1201. Brass insert 705 has a flat upper surface 1207 which fits snugly against the upper surface 1207 of intemal orifice 1201. Brass insert 705 may be considered to comprise 3 portions: upper portion 1210, middle portion 1211 and lower portion 1212. Portions 1210 and 1212 have a slightly larger diameter than middle portion 1211, all being cylindrical. Through the centre of brass insert 705 passes a machined orifice 1213 indicated by broken lines.

Internal orifice 1213 has a uniform circular diameter throughout brass body 705. Central portion 1211 comprises a region wherein the outer walls of insert 705 are thinner than for portions 1210 and 1212. The thinner wall is indicated at 1214 and towards the centre of wall 1214 is provided a first hole 1215 and a second hole 1216. Holes 1215 and 1216 pass into central machined orifice 1213 and are substantially separated by 180 . Holes 1215 and 1216 are configured to be aligned with machined orifices 1203 and 1204 of steel casing 704 When piece 705 is inserted in casing 704. Lower portion 1212 of brass insert 705, is of the same diameter as portion 1210 and comprises a first hole 1217 and a second hole 1218 drilled into the wall of holes 1217 and 1218 communicating with central orifice 1213. Holes 1217 and 1218 are holes having a small diameter relative to central office 1211 and are required for enabling rotation of brass insert 705 about steel insert piece 706 such that cylindrical structures 705 and 704 are prevented during rotation from being displaced from fixed insert cylindrical steel structure 706. Thus holes 1217 and 1218 are configured to contain a locking pin such that during rotation piece 705 is prevented from displacing from piece 706.

Fixed structure 706 is a cylindrical structure having an upper surface 1219. Upper surface 1219 is substantially flat except for a moderately raised central portion 1220 located at the central point of surface 1219. Structure 1220 may comprise a machined "nipple" provided to effect reduced friction when brass insert piece 705 is required to rotate about fixed steel insert piece 706. Thus upon inserting piece 706 inside piece 705, structure 1220 rests against upper intemal surface 1221 of machined channel 1213. Steel insert structure 706 may be considered to comprise an upper portion 1222, a central portion 1223 and a lower portion 1224. Upper portion 1222 is a uniform cylindrical solid structure. Lower portion 1221 is a relatively uniform structure with a first machined intemal channel 1225 communicating with lower end 1226 and a second machined intemal channel 1227 communicating at its lower end with channel 1225. First machined channel 1225 is provided to affix a fluid inlet pipe and is therefore essentially a threaded machined cylinder having a diameter suitable for insertion of a given fluid inlet pipe. In this way, a fluid inlet pipe is required itself to terminate in a threaded portion so as to be inserted in machined fixing means 1225. Machined channel 1227 communicates with attachment channel 1225 and passes upwards through portion 1224 into central portion 1223. Central portion 1223 comprises four holes having substantially the same diameter as central intemal machined channel 1227. With respect to the figure, only three such holes are shown, in holes 1228, 1229 and 1230. The fourth hole lies directly behind hole 1229 and thus is not shown in this figure. Each hole 1228,1229 and 1230 provides a channel drilled through portion 1223 so as to communicate with central machined channel 1227. The holes, such as holes 1229 and 1230 are required to communicate with holes 1215 and 1216 in brass insert piece 705.

Four such holes are provided for reasons pertaining to requirements of rotational dynamics. Central portion 1223 has a slightly smaller diameter than lower and upper portions 1222 and 1224 respectively and thus on fluid flowing along central channel 1227 the fluid passes out of holes 1228, 1229 etc. The nature of the fluid flow is such that a rotation is effected by virtue of central portion 1223 having a slightly smaller diameter than central portion 1211 of brass insert piece 705. Central portion 1223 is bounded at each end by sealing means. Thus, a rubber 'O' ring 1231 is provided for sealing purposes with respect to upper portion 1222 and a rubber '0' ring 1232 is provided for sealing purposes with respect to lower portion 1224. '0' rings 1231 and 1232 effectively rest upon wider portions 1222 and 1223 respectively. With the arrangement detailed in Fig. 12, a rotational movement of the entire washer device head assembly about fixed central steel portion 706 is effected. Finally, as indicated in Fig. 7, fixed steel piece 706 has a plurality of welded attachment bosses 707, 709 etc at the lower end of lower portion 1224. For the sake of clarity only two such bosses are shown. In the preferred embodiment there are four such bosses, spaced around the edge of piece 706, as is generally indicated in Fig. 7.

Holes 1217 and 1218 drilled into brass insert piece 705 are configured to line up with a circular groove 1233 which extends around the outside of lower portion 1224 of fixed steel piece 706. Locking pins are inserted in holes 1217 and 1218 and are required to be of a length which is sufficient to extend partially into groove 1233. In this way brass piece 705 and fixed piece 706 are held together during rotation of piece 705 about piece 706. Alternatively, brass piece 705 and fixed piece 706 may be held together by use of a mechanism employing bearings. Use of bearings may be preferable in that rotational friction will be minimised resulting in less frictional wear on the whole assembly.

The jet wash head assembly detailed in Fig. 7 is required to be attached to a jet washer trunk assembly of the type detailed in Fig. 13. A jet washer head assembly and a jet washer trunk assembly may be considered to collectively comprise a jet washer device.

Jet washer trunk 1301 is substantially an elongate rigid member comprising an intemal hollow 1302 through which a fluid inlet pipe 1303 is inserted. Jet washer trunk 1301 suitably is made of a strong and robust material such as stainless steel. Trunk 1201 has an upper end comprising a plurality of attachment means for attachment to fixed steel structural member 706 of the washer head device detailed in Fig. 7. The attachment means may comprise welded bosses 1304, 1305, 1306 and 1307. Each welded boss has a hole drilled through its centre, the hole being parallel with the length of the fluid inlet pipe. The attachment means 1304 to 1307 are configured to align with the four attachment means such as attachments 707 and 708 located towards the base of structure 706. In this way, jet washer trunk 1301 may be attached to structure 706 by insertion of strong steel bolts through the holes in any pair of aligned attachment means. At the opposite end of trunk 1301 base attachment means are provided for attaching the trunk to a rigid base, such as a floor or other substantial structure located on mobile transportation unit 201. The base attachment means may comprise a welded flange (ie a projecting flat collar) 1308 which is welded to the outer surface at the lower end of trunk 1301. In this way, fluid inlet pipe 1303 is allowed to pass through both ends of trunk 1301. Collar 1308 is suitably drilled in a plurality of positions for affixing trunk 1301 to a firm base. In a preferred embodiment, collar 1308 comprises eight holes for insertion of strong steel bolts. Thus, there may be two holes for each side of square collar 1308, such as holes 1309,1310,1311 and 1312.

Trunk 1301 comprises a plurality of jet wash nozzles located upon four surfaces. A jet washer trunk which is square in cross-section is preferable because it effects direct positioning of jet wash nozzles with respect to each internal surface wall of a given refuse container positioned around the trunk.

Thus, for each intemal surface a member comprising a washer trunk and head comprises at least one outlet for dedicatedly directing the fluid to each surface. By dedicatedly directing, it is meant providing an outlet for specifically cleaning a particular surface. Each jet wash device apparatus is connected to a rigid base and a fluid connection pipe connects a cleaning fluid source and a fluid inlet pipe of the trunk. A fluid source may be a connection ring of the type identified in Figs. 4 to 6 and in this case the trunk fluid inlet pipe will be screwed into the connection ring. Thus, a first face, 1313 of trunk 1301 comprises jet wash nozzles 1314, 1315 and 1316 respectively. Similarly a second face 1317 comprises jet wash nozzles 1318, 1319 and 1320 respectively. The number of jet wash nozzles located on any particular surface of trunk 1301 is dependent upon, for a given type of refuse bin, the nature of the nozzles employed, the particular configuration of jet washer trunk 1301 and the nature of the cleaning fluid employed for example.

In the preferred embodiment, any jet wash nozzle located on a particular face is spaced from a neighbouring nozzle or nozzles by a distance which is substantially the same for any two neighbouring nozzles. In the example shown, nozzles located on face 1313 are configured to substantially direct cleaning fluid at a refuse container wall located directly opposite face 1313 and similarly jet wash nozzles located on face 1317 will be directed towards an internal surface wall of a refuse bin which is substantially perpendicular to that cleaned by nozzles located on surface 1313. Fluid inlet pipe 1303 may be required to be a sectional pipe fitted within jet washer trunk 1301. By having a fitted pipe, a configuration is possible wherein jet wash nozzles 1315, 1316 etc are able to communicate directly with fluid inlet pipe 1303.

Structures 1321 and 1322 represent bolts passing through trunk wall 1317 into a hidden structure which facilitates the attachment of nozzles 1318 and 1314 to fluid inlet pipe 1307. Bolts 1321 and 1322 are suitably made of steel and are configured to pass through trunk 1302 to the opposite side, side 1323. A similar arrangement is provided for nozzles 1319 and 1315 and a similar arrangement is provided for nozzles 1316 and 1320. In each case steel bolts such as bolts 1321 and 1322 pass on either side of fluid inlet pipe 1303 so as not to restrict flow of the cleaning fluid in pipe 1303.

Fig. 14 schematically illustrates an insert piece for fitting inside jet washer trunk 1301 and which facilitates attachment of both a section of sectional fluid inlet pipe 1303 and a plurality of jet wash nozzles located on each side of trunk 1301. Insert piece 1401 is designed to fit inside trunk 1301 and its dimensions are such that it may be easily inserted in trunk 1301.

Upon positioning insert piece 1401 at the appropriate point along the length of trunk 1301 a nozzle may be inserted into a threaded attachment means (associated with each side edge of piece 1401) for holding a nozzle in place.

An upper surface, 1402 of insert piece 1401 comprises a relatively large diameter hole 1403 which is threaded for attachment of a sectional piece of fluid inlet pipe. On the opposing face, face 1404, that is the base of insert piece 1401, there is a similar threaded hole which in effect forms the other end of hole 1403. Thus, a second piece of fluid inlet pipe 1303 may be attached to the lower surface 1404 of insert piece 1401. Insert piece 1401 also comprises four side faces such as side faces 1405 and 1406. Side face 1405 comprises a central hole 1407 having a smaller diameter than hole 1403. Similarly side face 1406 comprises a central hole 1408 of the same dimensions as hole 1407. Both holes 1407 and 1408 are threaded for attachment of a jet wash nozzle such as jet nozzle 1314 and 1318 respectively in Fig. 13. The two remaining side faces, faces 1409 and 1410, hidden in Fig. 14, comprise centrally positioned holes of the type identified for faces 1405 and 1406 respectively. Face 1406 additionally comprises two further holes 1411 and 1412 respectively located at each side of hole 1408 at a slightly higher position than the top of hole 1408. Holes 1411 and 1412 are configured to align with a pair of holes such as holes 1321 and 1322 in trunk 1301, and therefore are configured to allow a steel bolt to passed through a side of trunk 1301 through insert piece 1401 and through an opposite side of trunk 1301. In this way inlet pipe 1303, nozzles 1310, 1314 etc and trunk 1301 are connected together. Holes 1411 and 1412 must be positioned higher than the top of hole 1408 so as not to obstruct nozzle hole 1407 on face 1405 and a corresponding nozzle hole on face 1409.

Fig. 15 illustrates a plan view of insert block 1401 as illustrated in Fig.

14. Thus, in this view central pipe inlet hole 1403 is positioned centrally on upper surface 1402. Jet wash nozzles 1501, 1502, 1503 and 1504 are shown inserted into nozzle attachment holes 1505,1506,1507 and 1508 respectively. Nozzle insertion holes 1505 to 1508 extend from each side surface of insert piece 1402 to central fluid inlet pipe hole 1403 as indicated by broken lines. Additionally, holes are provided for insertion of steel bolts so as to maintain insert piece 1401 in place within jet washer trunk 1301. These holes, holes 1509, 1510, 1511 and 1512 are configured to align with hole 1321 and 1322 and corresponding holes on the opposite side of trunk 1301, that is on rear side 1323, so as to facilitate insertion of the required steel holding bolts. Holes on opposite faces such as holes 1509 and 1512 may extend such that they meet or as shown may only partly penetrate piece 1401.

The invention preferably comprises a jet washer device which at least partly rotates during cleaning of a refuse container. However, the invention may comprise a trunk and head assembly which is wholly rotatable or wholly not rotatable. Having an assembly which does not rotate in any way has advantages in that maintenance requirements will be considerably less involved for example. In essence, the invention may be considered to comprise a jet wash device apparatus for cleaning the intemal base surface and surface walls of a refuse container with a pressurised cleaning fluid, the device comprising: fluid inlet means for receiving the cleaning fluid; and a fluid distribution member (a washer trunk coupled with a washer head) for positioning inside the container, the member having a plurality of fluid outlet means for transmitting the fluid to the internal base and surfaces, wherein at least two of the fluid outlets are positioned at substantially different downstream distances from the fluid inlet means. By downstream distance it is meant the distance in terms of the route taken by the flowing fluid, of a given fluid outlet, from the fluid inlet into the washer trunk. As described a given fluid outlet may be present on a washer trunk or a washer head. By having the fluid outlets position along the trunk and the head, the fluid distribution member may be configured not require to be moved linearly with respect to a given container being cleaned. Thus, a given jet wash device and container being cleaned, may be considered to remain substantially fixed, with respect to each other, during cleaning. However as identified above, a head of a jet wash device apparatus may rotate or alternatively the entire jet wash device apparatus may rotate.

Figs 1 6A to 1 6C respectively, generally illustrates a bin handling mechanism suitable for lifting a refuse bin and supporting and inverting the given refuse bin over a given jet washer device. Bin handling equipment may in general be manually operated or it may altematively be configured to be automatically operated as a hydraulic system. Fig. 16A schematically illustrates a refuse bin 1601 positioned on a bin handling equipment 1602.

Refuse container 1601 may be positioned on bin handling equipment 1602 by an operator simply placing the bin into position on bin handler 1602. The operator is required to effectively fold back the bin lid 1603 so that the bin lid does not prevent insertion of a given jet washer device. Bin handling device 1602 has a base 1604, a back portion 1605 and a hinge arrangement 1606.

Hinge arrangement 1606 is preferably configured to enable bin handling equipment 1602 to invert a container to approximately 450 above the horizontal. Suitably the inversion angle should lie between 30 to 900. This may be effected by a hinged locking handle 1607. Fig. 16B schematically illustrates bin handling equipment 1602 inverted to a position approximately 45" above the horizontal for placing over a jet washer device 1608. Suitably bin handling mechanism 1602 may incorporate equipment 1609 suitable for further positioning a given refuse bin in to position over a given jet washer device 1608. Equipment 1609 may comprise a plate 1610 attached to a spring 1611 such that upon inversion, spring 1611 extends so as to force plate 1610 upon the base of bin 1601 and thus force bin 1601 over jet wash device 1608.

Fig. 16C further details the bin handling equipment 1602 detailed in Fig.

16A and 16B. This figure illustrates a relatively light structure, preferably made of a strong lightweight material such as aluminium, suitable for inversion by a manual operator. Bin handling equipment of this type may effectively comprise a lightweight frame 1612 having lifting handles 1613 and 1614. Bin handling equipment 1602 has a flat base formed from a plate 1604 which at each side preferably comprises slots 1615 and 1616 for locating the wheels of a given wheely bin which is required to be cleaned. Fig. 16C also illustrates that a given bin handling device 1602 comprises a pair of bin inversion devices, 1606 and 1616 respectively. Two such devices are required for any given bin inversion equipment of the embodiment shown so as to effectively provide a stable system which resists rocking from side to side. Bin inversion equipment of this kind may be removable from the sides of a given mobile unit 201 or may incorporate means for firmly attaching such equipment to the side of the vehicle. In the latter case, base plate 1604 may be hinged so that the base plate may be folded into a plane parallel with the main frame 1612.

Bin handling equipment of the type described may be manually operated or alternatively may be fully automated utilising hydraulic mechanisms. Each set of bin handling equipment, that is lifting gear, may additionally comprise a start/stop button and as a safety precaution an emergency stop button.

A mobile transportation unit 1701 suitable for handling commercial wheely bins is detailed in Fig. 17. Mobile unit 1701 comprises a front portion 1702 which comprises a cabin for housing the driver during the joumey and an engine for effecting movement of the unit. A rear portion 1703 comprises everything to the rear of front portion 1702. A commercial wheely bin 1704 typically has a capacity of for example 1100 litres and is made of a high density polyethylene with a counter balanced spring loaded lid 1705. Lid 1705 is rotatable from a closed position to an open position. To open bin 1704 lid 1705 is effectively pushed from the front so that the lid moves backwards by virtue of rotational mechanism 1719. Jet wash devices 1710 and 1711 for example are configured to clean a commercial refuse container 1704 and thus aperture 1720 housing devices 1710 and 1711 will be substantially larger than apertures configured for cleaning wheely bins of the type illustrated in Fig. 2. The exact size of aperture 1720 will depend on the particular types of refuse containers being cleaned and the invention is not to be construed as limited to any particular type or size of refuse container. As illustrated, a commercial refuse container of this type typically has four wheels configured to be operable in any direction in which a refuse container is desired to be moved. Wheels 1706, 1707, 1708 and 1709 are typically located at the corners of the base of refuse container 1705. Containers of this type may vary in capacity and typically capacities range between 660 to 1100 litres. Containers of this type may altematively be made of plastics materials or for example galvanised steel. They may have additional features such as mechanisms operable by the foot for opening the container and a central brake locking mechanism. In certain applications, much larger refuse containers may be suitable, having a capacity up to approximately 5000 litres.

In accordance with the present invention, refuse bin cleaning equipment is provided along at least one side of mobile transportation unit 1701. Thus, for example jet wash devices 1710, 1711, 1712 and 1713 are located on a first (near) side of the mobile transportation unit 1701. In the preferred embodiment, jet wash devices of the type identified are also located on both sides of unit 1701. Thus, jet wash devices are also located along the far side of the mobile unit as indicated at 1714, 1715, 1716 and 1717. Wash, rinse and dry equipment detailed for the mobile transportation unit identified in Fig.

2 is substantially similar for vehicle 1701. Lifting gear suitable for handling commercial refuse containers is provided on mobile unit 1701, such as lifting gear 1718 associated with jet wash devices 1710 and 1711. In the preferred embodiment, lifting gear 1718 is configured to raise and invert a commercial refuse container 1704 over a pair of jet wash devices 1710 and 1711.

Alternatively, lifting gear 1718 may be configured to raise and invert container 1704 over a single jet wash device, in this case the jet wash device being configured on a larger scale. In the preferred embodiment, jet wash devices 1710 to 1717 are configured as detailed in Figs. 7 to 15 described earlier.

Control mechanisms, filtering mechanisms etc described for mobile unit 201 of Fig. 2 are substantially similar for those contained within vehicle 1701, the main difference relating to the exact nature of the lifting gear employed. A commercial refuse container 1704 is not manageable without use of fully automated lifting gear. Lifting gear for commercial bins is known in the art for general emptying of these containers and such equipment may be suitably modified for incorporation upon vehicle 1701. Suitably lifting gear may be configured to operate independently for each aperture or may be configured to operate simultaneously with lifting gear associated with each aperture.

Claims (24)

Claims:

1. A jet wash device apparatus for cleaning the internal base surface and surface walls of a refuse container with a pressurised cleaning fluid, said device comprising: fluid inlet means for receiving said cleaning fluid; and a fluid distribution member for positioning inside said container, said member having a plurality of fluid outlet means for transmitting said fluid to said intemal base and surfaces, wherein at least two of said fluid outlets are positioned at substantially different downstream distances from said fluid inlet means.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said member is attached to a rigid base.

3. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, wherein during cleaning, said member and said container remain in a substantially linearly fixed position with respect to each other.

4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said member comprises: a washer trunk connected to said fluid inlet means said washer trunk being configured for cleaning said walls; and a washer head connected to said trunk, said head being primarily configured for cleaning said intemal base surface.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein both said trunk and said head each comprise a plurality of said outlets.

6. Apparatus according to claims 4 or 5, wherein during cleaning said head rotates about said trunk.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said rotating head rotates due to the flow of said pressurized fluid through an orifice.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said member rotates.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein for each said internal surface, said member comprises at least one dedicated outlet means for dedicatedly directing said fluid to each said surface.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said dedicated direction of said fluid is substantially perpendicular (normal) to the particular plane of each said surface.

11. Apparatus according to of claims 1 to 10, wherein said plurality of outlet means comprises nozzles arranged to spray, substantially simultaneously, said fluid onto substantially all of the surface area of said intemal surfaces of said refuse bin.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said nozzles are individually removable and replaceable.

13. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said jet wash apparatus is adaptable for mounting on the side of a commercial vehicle.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said commercial vehicle comprises a truck or a lorry.

15. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein said jet wash device receives said fluid from a connection ring type apparatus, said connection ring being shared with other jet wash devices.

16. A method of cleaning the intemal base and intemal surface walls of a refuse container with a cleaning fluid, said method comprising: attaching a jet wash device apparatus to a rigid base; positioning said jet wash device inside said container; receiving said cleaning fluid under pressure; and transmitting said fluid to said internal base and wall surfaces, wherein at least two of said fluid outlets are positioned at substantially different downstream distances from said fluid inlet means.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein at least part of said jet wash device apparatus rotates.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein said rotation is effected by the flow of said pressurised fluid through an orifice.

19. A method according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein said jet wash device remains substantially linearly fixed with respect to its associated container during cleaning of said container.

20. A method according to claim 16, wherein said jet wash device apparatus is adaptable for mounting on the side of a commercial vehicle.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein said commercial vehicle comprises a truck or a lorry.

22. A method according to claim 16, wherein said cleaning fluid is a drying agent.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein said drying agent is air.

24. A method according to claim 16, wherein said jet wash device receives said fluid from a connection ring type apparatus wherein said connection ring is shared with other jet wash devices.