GB2570529A

GB2570529A - Part-cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2570529A
Application number: GB1811021.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Maxwell Sands Thomas
Original assignee: Safe Solvents Europe Ltd
Current assignee: Safe Solvents Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2017-12-05
Filing date: 2018-07-04
Publication date: 2019-07-31
Also published as: GB201720218D0; GB201811021D0

Abstract

The parts-cleaning apparatus 1 comprises: a housing 3 defining a cleaning volume 7; an opening 9; a parts-cleaning tool; and a cover 5, larger than opening, which moves between closed and open positions. When closed, the cover sits against the inside of the opening. The cover may be pivot along an arcuate path. A pivoting hinge connector may comprise four linkage members (101, 111, 121, 131, figure 3) and four pivotable connectors (107, 109, 117, 139, figure 3), one of which (107, figure 3) is connected to the cover and one (117, figure 3) is connected to the housing. Two of the pivotable connectors may comprise stops (135, 133, figure 3) to prevent rotation of the cover outside a set path. The opening and the cover may comprise features to keep the cleaning fluid inside the volume, such as hooks (79, 81, figure 4) protrusions (220, figure 10) and skirts (83, figure 4, 222, figure 10). A magnetic connector (63, figure 3) may hold the cover in an intermediate position. The cover may be made of two transparent sections (215, 216, figure 8) with a strengthening member (212, figure 8) that comprises gloves 11.

Description

Part-Cleaning Apparatus [0001] This invention relates to a parts-washing apparatus, such as a parts-washing device.

BACKGROUND [0002] A parts washer, a parts-washing device or a parts-cleaning apparatus is an apparatus used to remove contaminants, for example, dirt, grime, carbon deposits, oil, grease, ink, paint, and corrosion from workpieces. Parts washers are used in manufacturing, maintenance and repair processes. Parts washers may be used in, for example, garages, workshops and factories to clean parts for, for example, assembly, inspection, surface treatment, packaging, re-use and/or distribution.

[0003] During use, many component parts of systems become dirty and require cleaning. Particularly where the component part is a moving component part of the system or where the component part is in close proximity to a moving component part of the system, the component part may become coated or clogged up with foreign matter such as dirt, dust, grime, and/or grease. There exist several methods for cleaning component parts using cleaning agents such as cleaning fluids.

[0004] In one type of cleaning methods the cleaning agent is a chemical solvent (organic solvent or aqueous solvent) which can dissolve the foreign matter. A careful choice of chemical solvent is required to avoid damaging the component part to be cleaned. The component part is exposed to the chemical solvent in order to dissolve and remove the foreign matter from the component part.

[0005] An alternative cleaning method uses a surfactant such as a detergent to combine with the foreign matter on the component part to make the foreign matter more soluble.

[0006] In both of the above cleaning methods, the component part may be rinsed or sprayed with the cleaning agent.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE [0007] In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided a parts-cleaning apparatus for parts-cleaning. The parts-cleaning apparatus comprises a housing defining a cleaning volume for accommodating therein a part to be cleaned. The housing further defines an opening therein for insertion of the part through the opening into the cleaning volume. The housing defining the opening has an inner side facing inwardly into the cleaning volume. The parts-cleaning apparatus further comprises a parts-cleaning tool for cleaning the part using a cleaning fluid when the part is provided in the cleaning volume.

The parts-cleaning apparatus further comprises a cover larger than the opening and configured to move between a first position to close the opening in the housing to substantially prevent passage of the cleaning fluid through the opening when the partscleaning tool is operated and a second position to allow insertion of the part into the cleaning volume through the opening. In the first position, the cover is arranged to be provided against the inner side of the opening.

[0008] Thus, there is provided a particularly neat configuration for a parts-cleaning apparatus. By keeping the cover inside the opening, the cleaning agent which may collect on the cover in use can be kept inside the cleaning volume. Furthermore, by providing the cover against the inner side of the opening in the first position of the opening, this substantially prevents egress of cleaning fluid from the parts-cleaning tool out of the cleaning volume through the opening during operation of the parts-cleaning apparatus.

[0009] The cover may be configured to move along a non-linear path between the first position and the second position. Thus, the cover is not slid directly up or down out of the way, but can be re-oriented when access to the cleaning volume via the opening is required. The non-linear path may be an arcuate path such that a plane of the cover in the first position is angled away from a plane of the cover in the second position. This feature helps reduce the space required for the parts-cleaning apparatus for a given size of opening in the housing for access into the cleaning volume.

[0010] The cover may be pivotably mounted to the housing. Thus, there may be a pivot point between the cover and the housing, such that the cover can pivot relative to the pivot point during movement between the first position and the second position.

[0011] The cover may be pivotably mounted to the housing via a hinge connector comprising a first linkage member connected between the housing and the cover, the first linkage member having a first end pivotably connected to the cover and a second end, opposite the first end and configured for pivotable movement at a plurality of points along an arcuate path. Thus, a pivot arm distance between the first end of the first linkage member pivotably connected to the cover and a pivot point of the first end of the first linkage member relative to the housing may change during movement of the cover between the first position and the second position. Thus, the cover can be moved in such a way as to substantially increase a usable cleaning volume compared to a pivot mechanism with a fixed pivot arm distance during movement between the first position and the second position. In other words, a larger part to be cleaned can be provided in the cleaning volume for a given size of parts-cleaning apparatus. This is particularly advantageous in workshops, factories and other workspaces where parts-cleaning apparatus are typically used, where space is at a premium.

[0012] The arcuate path may have a substantially constant radius of curvature. The arcuate path may be defined in a plane substantially transverse to a plane of the opening and to a plane of the cover in the second position. In other words, the arcuate path is in a substantially vertical plane in use. Thus, the cover may be configured to pivot relative to a substantially horizontal pivot axis.

[0013] The hinge connector may further comprise a second linkage member having a first end pivotably connected to the second end of the first linkage member and a second end pivotably connected to the housing. In other words, the arcuate path of substantially constant radius of curvature may be provided by the first end of the second linkage member. Thus, there is provided a robust and flexible hinge connector which allows the cover to move between the first position and the second position in such a way as to maximise the size of the part which can be provided in the cleaning volume without intersection with the cover during movement of the cover between the first position and the second position.

[0014] The hinge connector may further comprise one or more rotation stops to, for each position of the cover between the first position and the second position, prevent rotation of the cover outside a predetermined rotation range relative to the housing. Thus, the operation of the hinge connector can be constrained such that a user cannot move the cover into some positions during movement between the first position and the second position. In particular, the one or more rotation stops may be configured such that the cover is not movable into positions which would foul the part to be cleaned when in the cleaning volume.

[0015] The rotation stop may comprise a first portion arranged to prevent rotation of the first linkage member relative to the second linkage member beyond a first threshold angle in a first rotational direction. The rotation stop may further comprise a second portion arranged to prevent rotation of the first linkage member relative to the second linkage member beyond a second threshold angle in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

[0016] The rotation stop may be provided at the pivotable connection between the first linkage member and the second linkage member.

[0017] The hinge connector may further comprise a third linkage member having a first end pivotably connected to the first end of the first linkage member and a fourth linkage member having a first end pivotably connected to a second end of the third linkage member and a second end of the fourth linkage member pivotably connected to the second end of the second linkage member. A further rotation stop may be provided at the pivotable connection between the third linkage member and the fourth linkage member.

[0018] The cover may be pivotably mounted to the housing via a hinge connector. The hinge connector may comprise a first linkage member connected between the housing and the cover, the first linkage member having a first end pivotably connected to the cover and a second end pivotably connected to the housing. In the first position of the cover, the second end may be lower than the first end. The housing may comprise an opening bottom portion defining a lower surface of the opening. The opening bottom portion may have an inner shelf extending inwardly into the cleaning volume. The cover may comprise a lower portion to be supported on the inner shelf of the opening bottom portion when the cover is in the first position. Thus, the cover will push outwardly against the opening inner surface and provide a better seal when the cover is in the first position. Furthermore, it is more difficult to accidentally open the cover during use of the parts-cleaning apparatus.

[0019] A mass of the first linkage member may be at least five kilograms. Thus, the mass of the first linkage member makes it more difficult to accidentally open the cover during use of the parts-cleaning apparatus. A pivotable connection between the second end of the first linkage member and the housing may be substantially frictionless. Thus, the cover is free to press against the inner surface of the opening. It will be understood that the term substantially frictionless means that there is little or no resistance to the pivotable movement of the second end of the first linkage member relative to the housing. The inner shelf may be provided with a lip at an inner side thereof to engage with the lower portion of the cover in the first position. Thus, the lower portion of the cover is engaged by the lip in the first position.

[0020] A first rotation axis of a first pivotable connection between the second end of the first linkage member and the housing may be at substantially the same vertical position, or lower than, the lower portion of the cover. Thus, the cover will not extend out of the opening during opening. The first rotation axis of the first pivotable connection between the second end of the first linkage member and the housing may be at substantially the same vertical position.

[0021] The hinge connector may further comprise one or more rotation stops to, for each position of the cover between the first position and the second position, prevent rotation of the cover outside a predetermined rotation range relative to the first linkage member.

[0022] The rotation stop may be configured, in the first position of the cover, to substantially prevent pivotable movement of the cover about a second rotation axis of a second pivotable connection between the first end of the first linkage member and the cover inwardly into the cleaning volume. Thus, when the cover is in the first position, the rotation stop substantially prevents translational movement of the cover inwardly into the cleaning volume. In particular, to move the cover, the cover must be raised upwardly. This prevents accidental opening of the parts-cleaning apparatus during use when the cover is in the first position.

[0023] The rotation stop may be a second linkage member connected between an intermediate linkage portion of the first linkage member and an intermediate portion of the cover. The intermediate portion of the first linkage member may be between the first end and the second end of the first linkage member. The intermediate portion of the cover may be between the lower portion and an upper portion of the cover. The rotation stop may be provided by a strut. The strut may be a variable-length strut. The variable-length strut may be a gas strut.

[0024] The second linkage member may be resiliently biased outwardly, whereby to act to increase an acute angle between the cover and the first linkage member. Thus, the second linkage member can be used to hold the cover up when the cover is in the second position, as well as to push the cover outwardly against the opening of the cleaning volume when the cover is in the first position. A force of the second linkage member may be chosen appropriately, taking into account the mass of the cover.

[0025] The cover may be pivotably mounted to the housing via two hinge connectors. In embodiments, a hinge connector may be provided at each side of the cover for stability. It will be understood that where two hinge connectors are used, any forces may be shared between the two hinge connectors.

[0026] The parts-cleaning apparatus may further comprise a magnetic connector configured to retain the cover in one or more intermediate positions between the first position and the second position by magnetic force. Thus, a non-contact connector can be used to hold the cover in a desired position and substantially prevent unintentional movement of the cover between the first position and the second position. In particular, the magnetic connector can substantially prevent unintentional movement of the cover from the second position to the first position, which could be dangerous. A strength of the magnetic force may be strong enough to hold the weight of the cover in the second position, or in any position between the first position and the second position. The strength of the magnetic force may be weak enough to allow movement of the cover by a hand of a human user.

[0027] The magnetic connector may comprise a first connector portion comprising a permanent magnet for attracting a second connector portion, the first connection portion and the second connector portion together configured to retain the cover in the one or more intermediate positions between the first position and the second position. The first connector portion may be spaced from the second connector portion. Thus, the magnetic connector may be formed from two separate parts, not in physical contact.

[0028] The first connector portion may be provided on the cover. Thus, where a permanent magnet is used, this may be provided as part of the cover. The second connector portion may be provided outside the cleaning volume. Thus, materials not needing to be protected from the cleaning fluid or the operation of the parts-cleaning tool can be used for the second connector portion. In some examples, the magnetic connector may use an electromagnet.

[0029] The second connector portion may comprise a ferrous or ferromagnetic portion mounted to the housing, adjacent the cleaning volume. In embodiments, the ferrous or ferromagnetic portion may be a sheet of ferrous material or a sheet of ferromagnetic material.

[0030] The portion of the housing defining the cleaning volume may be formed from a non-magnetic material. Thus, the portion of the housing defining the cleaning volume need not be magnetic, but could have a ferrous or ferromagnetic material mounted thereto. Advantageously, this provides a far wider materials choice for forming the portion of the housing defining the cleaning volume.

[0031] The housing may comprise an opening top portion defining an upper surface of the opening.

[0032] The cover may comprise an upper portion to be provided substantially adjacent the upper surface of the opening when the cover is in the first position. The upper portion of the cover may comprise a first hook arranged to face outwardly downwards from the cover away from the cleaning volume. The opening top portion comprises a second hook to engage with the first hook and to face inwardly upwards from the housing towards the cleaning volume, whereby to substantially prevent egress of cleaning fluid between the opening top portion of the housing and the upper portion of the cover when the cover is in the first position. Furthermore, the cover can be substantially secured in the first position by engagement between the first hook and the second hook, ensuring a reliable seal.

[0033] In examples, either or both of the first hook and the second hook may be formed to have a substantially resilient engaging surface. In other words, the substantially resilient engaging surface is formed to be slightly pliant such that minor irregularities in either or both of the first hook and the second hook do not significantly reduce the effectiveness of the seal between the first hook and the second hook. Either or both of the first hook and the second hook may be formed to have an outer surface formed from rubber. In some examples, substantially the whole of either or both of the first hook and the second hook may be formed from a resilient material. Thus, a particularly effective seal between the first hook and the second hook can be provided to substantially prevent egress of cleaning fluid between the opening top portion of the housing and the upper portion of the cover when the cover is in the first position.

[0034] The opening top portion may comprise an inner skirt portion extending inwardly within the cleaning volume to substantially shield the upper surface of the opening from cleaning fluid during operation of the parts-cleaning tool of the parts-cleaning apparatus. Thus, at least some of the cleaning fluid which would otherwise have run over an interface between the cover and the opening during operation of the parts-cleaning tool can be diverted away from the opening.

[0035] The inner skirt portion may be arranged to allow run-off of any cleaning fluid thereon into the cleaning volume. Thus, the cleaning fluid will not gather on the skirt portion. The inner skirt portion may comprise one or more openings defined therein to allow drainage of the cleaning fluid through the openings of the inner skirt portion. The openings in the inner skirt portion may be provided inwardly of the opening in the housing, whereby to ensure any cleaning fluid drained therethrough does not drain onto the inner surface of the cover.

[0036] An upper portion of the cover may be provided with an inward protrusion extending inwardly within the cleaning volume when the cover is in the first position. The inward protrusion may be arranged to cause run-off of any cleaning fluid thereon into the cleaning volume instead of outside the cleaning volume. Thus, the cleaning fluid will not leak out of the cleaning volume through the opening when the cover is in the first position. The inward protrusion may comprise one or more openings defined therein to allow drainage of the cleaning fluid through openings of the inward protrusion. The openings in the inward protrusion may be provided inwardly of the inner surface of the cover, whereby to ensure any cleaning fluid drained therethrough does not drain onto the inner surface of the cover and reduce visibility for a user through the cover.

[0037] The cover may further comprise a pair of gloves extending inwardly into the cleaning volume to allow a user outside the cleaning volume to manipulate the partscleaning tool within the cleaning volume using their hands through the gloves. The gloves may be replaceable. For example, the gloves may be secured to the cover using one or more jubilee clips. Thus, the gloves can be easily replaced if desirable, for example if the gloves have become worn or damaged.

[0038] The cleaning fluid may be a liquid.

[0039] The parts-cleaning tool may be at least one of an air tool, a wash tool and a foam tool.

[0040] The parts-cleaning tool may be configured to generate a foam using the cleaning fluid to clean the part to be cleaned. Thus, the application of a foam to the part to be cleaned ensures an extended contact time between a cleaning agent of the cleaning fluid and any foreign contaminants on the part to be cleaned. The parts-cleaning tool may be configured to generate the foam by expression of the cleaning fluid from the parts-cleaning tool under high pressure. In examples, the pressure may be over 300 pound-force per square inch, PSI, (around 2,068,427 pascal, Pa). The pressure may be over 500 PSI (around 3.45 MPa). The pressure may be over 1500 PSI (around 10.34 MPa).

[0041] The parts-cleaning tool may comprise a nozzle having a nozzle angle of between 0 degrees and 35 degrees radially inwardly at a tip relative to an axial direction of the nozzle. The nozzle angle may be between 5 degrees and 30 degrees. The nozzle angle may be between 10 degrees and 20 degrees.

[0042] The parts-cleaning apparatus may further comprise at least one air outlet arranged to output a stream of air across an inner surface of the cover when the cover is in the first position whereby to reduce build-up of the cleaning fluid (or the foam) on the cover. The at least one air outlet may be arranged on the housing. Thus, the at least one air outlet need not move with the cover when the cover moves between the first position and the second position. This may significantly simplify the design and operation of the movable cover of the parts-cleaning apparatus since no complicated air pipes or heavy air compressors need be mounted to the cover. In examples, the at least one air outlet may be arranged on the opening top portion. The at least one air outlet may be arranged on the inner skirt portion.

[0043] The parts-cleaning apparatus may further comprise a compressed air tool arranged to output a stream of compressed air. Thus, the user can direct compressed air onto the part to be cleaned using the compressed air tool to remove some remaining or initial foreign contaminants. Where the parts-cleaning apparatus comprises the compressed air tool and the at least one air outlet to output the stream of air across the inner surface of the cover, the compressed air tool and the at least one air outlet may both be connected to the same source of air. Thus, it is simpler if the at least one air outlet is provided on the housing and not on the movable cover.

[0044] The cover may be formed from a substantially transparent material. Thus, the user can see the part to be cleaned. Further, where the parts-cleaning apparatus further comprises one or more lights to illuminate the part to be cleaned, the substantially transparent material of the cover will not shade the one or more lights when the cover is in the second position and when the one or more lights are positioned on an upper side of the housing defining the cleaning volume.

[0045] An inner surface of the cover, facing inwardly into the cleaning volume in the first position of the cover, may be hydrophobic. Thus, a clear window into the cleaning volume can be provided and maintained even in use of the parts-cleaning apparatus. The inner surface of the cover may be provided with a hydrophobic coating.

[0046] The cover may comprise a first window component and a second window component, separate from the first window component. Each of the first window component and the second window component may be formed from the substantially transparent material. The parts-cleaning apparatus may further comprise a strengthening member provided between the first window component and the second window component. Typically, the strengthening member is of a strength greater than the first window component and the second window component, whereby to substantially prevent damage to the first window component and the second window component during use of the parts-cleaning apparatus.

[0047] The strengthening member may comprise an inner portion extending over a portion of an inner surface of the first window component and a portion of an inner surface of the second window component. The strengthening member may comprise an outer portion extending over a portion of an outer surface of the first window component and a portion of an outer surface of the second window component. In this way, the first window component and the second window component can be sandwiched between the inner portion and the outer portion of the strengthening member. Thus, the strengthening member need not be mounted to the strengthening member by fasteners requiring holes to be formed in the window components. The inventors have realised that this arrangement prevents failure of the window component of the cover through splintering around any holes. There may be one or more seals provided between the strengthening member and the window components to prevent leakage of cleaning fluid out of the cleaning volume through the cover.

[0048] The first window component may be provided at an upper portion of the cover. The second window component may be provided at a lower portion of the cover. In other words, the strengthening member may run substantially horizontally across the cover. The strengthening member may connect from a first lateral side of the cover to a second lateral side of the cover.

[0049] The gloves may be provided at one or more ports defined in the strengthening member. Thus, any forces passed through the gloves during use of the parts-cleaning apparatus may pass to an outer frame of the cover and to the housing of the partscleaning apparatus without passing through the window components. This ensures the window components are not damaged. The window components may be formed from a transparent plastics material.

[0050] The strengthening member may comprise one or more flanges extending transversely away from a laminar plane of the cover. Thus, the strengthening member can provide a significant increase in strength of the cover in bending. The one or more flanges may together extend across the cover.

[0051] The one or more flanges may extend inwardly into the cleaning volume. In other words, the one or more flanges extend from an inner surface of the cover. Thus, any cleaning fluid running down the first window component may be prevented from running onto the second window component by the one or more flanges. In this way, the second window component can be kept clearer than the first window component.

[0052] The one or more flanges may together comprise a plurality of flange portions, arranged in at least two different directions. In other words, the one or more flanges can act to substantially increase the second moment of area of the panel in at least two directions. Thus, the torsional strength of the panel is increased. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the window components during use of the parts-cleaning apparatus.

[0053] The housing may comprise an opening bottom portion defining a lower surface of the opening. The opening bottom portion may have an inner shelf extending inwardly into the cleaning volume. The cover may comprise a lower portion to be supported on the inner shelf of the opening bottom portion when the cover is in the first position. The inner shelf may have one or more openings defined therein to substantially prevent retention of cleaning fluid on the inner shelf. Thus, build-up of cleaning fluid on the lower portion of the cover can be reduced, reducing drips of cleaning fluid from the lower portion of the cover when the cover is moved into the second position after use of the parts-cleaning apparatus.

[0054] The parts-cleaning apparatus may further comprise an extractor outlet for connection to an extraction unit to extract gas from the cleaning volume, wherein the extractor outlet comprises an extractor filter to extract any cleaning fluid from the gas. Thus, any cleaning fluid which impacts on the extractor outlet can be returned to the cleaning volume.

[0055] The parts-cleaning apparatus may further comprise a cleaning fluid storage bath forming a base of the cleaning volume to collect the cleaning fluid output by the partscleaning tool, wherein a cleaning fluid inlet of the parts-cleaning tool is fluidly connected to the cleaning fluid storage bath. The cleaning fluid storage bath may be referred to as a cleaning fluid sump. Thus, the cleaning fluid may operate in a cleaning cycle.

[0056] The cleaning fluid inlet of the parts-cleaning tool may be fluidly connected to the cleaning fluid storage bath via a filter at the cleaning fluid storage bath.

[0057] The filter may be formed from at least one later of mesh and a layer of porous foam. The filter may be formed from a first layer of mesh and a second layer of mesh and a layer of porous foam provided therebetween. A porosity of the foam may be greater than 8 pores per square inch. A porosity of the foam may be less than 50 pores per square inch. In examples, the porosity of the foam is between 25 and 35 pores per square inch.

[0058] A filter outlet of the cleaning fluid storage bath may be provided substantially 70 percent by volume of the way down the cleaning fluid storage bath from a normal fill level thereof. In this particular example, the filter outlet of the cleaning fluid storage bath is provided at least 10 centimetres downwards from the normal fill level thereof. The filter outlet of the cleaning fluid storage bath may be provided at least 15 centimetres downwards from a normal fill level thereof. Thus, the filter outlet is arranged to prevent ingress of foam therein. Viewed another way, the parts-cleaning apparatus can be operated for a reasonable length of time without drawing foamed cleaning fluid into the filter outlet.

[0059] The fluid storage bath may be configured to be covered by a grill member to support the part to be cleaned out of the fluid storage bath. The grill member may be in the form of a tray having a plurality of openings defined therein to allow cleaning fluid to drain therethrough into the cleaning fluid storage bath.

[0060] The fluid storage bath may comprise a draining outlet for draining the fluid storage bath. The parts-cleaning apparatus may comprise a container holding region defining a container recess for receiving cleaning fluid containers. The container holding region may comprise a waste fluid outlet fluidly connected to the draining outlet of the fluid storage bath. The draining outlet may be arranged to be provided substantially above the waste fluid outlet of the container holding portion in use, whereby to allow draining of cleaning fluid from the fluid storage bath by gravity. A valve may be provided in fluid communication between the draining outlet and the waste fluid outlet to substantially only allow draining of cleaning fluid from the fluid storage bath to the waste fluid outlet by operation of the valve.

[0061] The cleaning fluid storage bath may comprise a base portion having a recess defined therein for receiving a particulate collection receptacle. The particulate collection receptacle may be for collecting particulate draining to a bottom of the cleaning fluid storage bath, in use. The base portion may comprise an angled portion arranged to direct particulate, on a portion of the base portion away from the recess, towards the particulate collection receptacle.

[0062] The parts-cleaning apparatus further comprises one or more holsters for holding one or more respective cleaning tools in the cleaning volume. The one or more holsters may comprise a first part of a magnetic connector. Thus, where the portion of the housing defining the housing is formed of a ferrous or a ferromagnetic material, or backed with a ferrous or ferromagnetic material, the holsters can be easily re-positioned in the cleaning volume as required for different tasks and users. The ferrous material may be iron or steel. The ferrous material may be carbon steel.

[0063] The present disclosure extends to a kit of parts for forming the parts-cleaning apparatus.

[0064] The term “parts cleaning apparatus” is to be understood to mean any apparatus suitable for cleaning one or more component parts of a system, or any other workpieces, for example an engine block, a brake assembly, etc. In some cases, the parts-cleaning apparatus is an apparatus capable of cleaning multiple parts concurrently.

[0065] The term “cleaning bath” will be understood to mean any reservoir for containing the cleaning fluid, for example a sump.

[0066] It will be understood that the cover may sometimes be referred to as a door selectively providing a barrier to the cleaning volume.

[0067] It will be understood that the part to be cleaned may be a machine part, such as a component part of a system. Typically, the part to be cleaned will be a workpiece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0068] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A to 1C are illustrations of a parts-cleaning apparatus shown in different operating positions;

Figures 2A to 2C are illustrations showing positions of the cover of the partscleaning apparatus;

Figure 3 is an illustration showing a hinge connector of the parts-cleaning apparatus;

Figure 4 is an illustration showing a portion of the housing of the parts-cleaning apparatus

Figure 5 is an illustration showing a further portion of the housing of the partscleaning apparatus;

Figure 6 is an illustration showing the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 of a partscleaning apparatus 1;

Figures 7A to 7C are cross-section illustrations showing positions of a further example of a cover for a parts-cleaning apparatus;

Figure 8 is a cross-section illustration showing an inner surface of the cover of Figures 7A to 7C;

Figure 9 is a further cross-section illustration showing an internal structure of the cover of Figures 7A to 8;

Figures 10 and 11 are cross-section illustrations showing an upper portion of the cover of Figures 7A to 9; and

Figures 12 and 13 are cross-section illustrations showing a lower portion of the cover of Figures 7A to 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0069] Figures 1A to 1C are illustrations of a parts-cleaning apparatus 1 shown in different operating positions. It will be understood that Figure 1C shows the parts-cleaning apparatus 1 from a different angle than Figures 1A and 1B. The parts-cleaning apparatus 1 comprises a housing 3 and a cover 5. The housing 3 defines a cleaning volume 7 for accommodating therein a part to be cleaned. The housing 3 also defines an opening 9 for insertion of the part therethrough into the cleaning volume 7. It can be seen in Figures 1 A, 1B and 1C that the region of the housing 3 defining the opening 9 has an inner side facing inwardly into the cleaning volume 7. The parts-cleaning apparatus 1 further comprises a parts-cleaning tool (not shown in Figures 1A to 1C) for cleaning the part when the part is provided in the cleaning volume 7. The parts-cleaning tool is for cleaning the part using a cleaning fluid. The cover 5 is larger than the opening 9 and is configured to move between a first position, as shown in Figure 1A, to a second position, as shown in Figure 1C. The position of the cover 5 shown in Figure 1B is a position of the cover 5 during movement of the cover 5 between the first position and the second position. The first position, shown in Figure 1A is such that the cover 5 is arranged to close the opening 9 in the housing 3. In particular, the cover 5 is provided against the inner side of the opening 9 in the first position. In this way, the cover 5 substantially prevents passage of the cleaning fluid through the opening 9 out of the cleaning volume 7 when the parts-cleaning tool is operated. The second position, shown in Figure 1C is such that the cover 5 allows insertion of the part into the cleaning volume 7 through the opening 9. In the second position, the cover 5 does not block access to the cleaning volume 7 through the opening 9. In the second position, the part can be removed from the cleaning volume 7 through the opening 9.

[0070] In this example, the cover 5 is larger than the opening 9 in every direction when the cover 5 is provided in the first position. In this way, when the cover 5 is provided against the inner side of the opening 9, there is no direct path for the cleaning fluid to leak out from the cleaning volume 7. The cover 5 is formed from a transparent material, for example glass or a transparent plastics material, such that a user can see what is happening within the cleaning volume 7 when the cover 5 is in the first position and is arranged to close the opening 9. In this example, the cover 5 is formed from polycarbonate. Furthermore, when the cover is in the second position, the transparent cover 5 ensures that any lights provided to illuminate the cleaning volume 7 and provided on an upper surface of the cleaning volume 7 can continue to illuminate the cleaning volume 7 through the cover 5 when the cover 5 is provided in the second position.

[0071] As can be seen, the cover 5 in this example further comprises a pair of gloves 11. The gloves 11 extend inwardly into the cleaning volume 7 to allow a user outside the cleaning volume 7 to manipulate the parts-cleaning tool or the part within the cleaning volume 7 using their hands through the gloves 11. In this example, each of the gloves 11 extends from a port 13 defined in the cover 5. In this example, the gloves 11 are removably attached to the cover 5, and are therefore replaceable. The gloves 11 are attached to the cover 5 with jubilee clips which act to clamp each of the gloves in place over a support member (not shown) provided on the cover. In this way, the gloves can be easily replaced if desirable, for example if the gloves have become worn or damaged, or if a different person is to use the parts-cleaning apparatus 1.

[0072] In an example, an inner surface of a transparent portion of the cover 5 is hydrophobic. The inner surface of the transparent portion of the cover 5 is facing inwardly into the cleaning volume 7, and is the side of the cover which will come into contact with fluid from the parts-cleaning tool of the parts-cleaning apparatus 1 during use. The inner surface of the transparent portion of the cover 5 in this example is provided with a hydrophobic film coating. It will be understood that other techniques can be used to achieve the desired effect of the inner surface of the transparent portion of the cover 5 being hydrophobic.

[0073] As will be explained further below with reference to Figures 2A to 2C, the cover 5 is configured to move along a non-linear path between the first position and the second position. In this particular example, the cover 5 is pivotably mounted relative to the housing, such that the cover 5 is arranged to rotate during movement from the first position to the second position. In this way, the cover 5 can be rotated into a compact position arranged substantially horizontal in the second position. This ensures that access to the cleaning volume 7 is provided but that the cover 5 does not take up too much space in the second position. The cover 5 is further provided with a handle in the form of two protrusions 15 arranged at a lower portion of the cover 5 and extending outwardly from the cover away from the cleaning volume 7 when the cover 5 is in the first position. The two protrusions 15 can be used by a user to initiate and aid movement of the cover 5 between the first position and the second position.

[0074] The opening 9 is defined in a front side 17 of the housing 3. The housing 3 further comprises a container holding region on the front side 17 defining a container recess 19. The container recess 19 is for receiving a cleaning fluid container (not shown) therein. In this example, the container recess 19 is arranged below the opening 9 such that the cleaning fluid container will be provided below the cleaning volume 7. As will be described further hereinafter, the cleaning fluid container can provide either or both of a source of cleaning fluid and a waste receptacle for receiving used cleaning fluid.

[0075] The parts-cleaning apparatus 1 further comprises a control panel 21 for controlling operation of the parts-cleaning apparatus 1 as will be described further hereinafter.

[0076] As will be described further hereinafter, the housing 3 further defines an extractor outlet 23. The extractor outlet 23 is arranged to output gas to be extracted from the cleaning volume 7. In this example, the extractor outlet 23 is provided at an upper end of the housing 3, in particular in a top side 25 of the housing 3. It will be understood that the parts-cleaning apparatus 1 may comprise a dedicated extractor fan (not shown), or may instead be connected to an external extractor fan to cause extraction of gasses from the cleaning volume 7 through the extractor outlet 23.

[0077] Figures 2A to 2C are illustrations showing positions of the cover 5 of the partscleaning apparatus 1. Figures 2A to 2C each show a cross-section through the partscleaning apparatus 1, providing a side-on view of the cleaning volume 7. Figure 2A shows the cover 5 in the first position. Figure 2B shows the cover 5 in a position between the first position and the second position. Figure 2C shows the cover 5 in the second position, but is viewed from the opposite side to Figures 2A and 2B. The cleaning volume 7 is defined by a cleaning volume first side 27, a cleaning volume second side 29, a cleaning volume rear side 31, a cleaning volume upper side 33, a cleaning volume front side 35 and a cleaning volume lower side 37 of the housing 3. As can be seen, a cleaning fluid storage bath 39 is provided and forms a base of the cleaning volume 7. In this example, the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 is arranged to extend downwardly from the cleaning volume lower side 37. The cleaning fluid storage bath 39 is to collect the cleaning fluid from the parts-cleaning tool. The cleaning fluid storage bath 39 in this example also provides a store of the cleaning fluid for use by the parts-cleaning tool. In this example, the cleaning volume front side 35 provides the inner side of the opening 9.

[0078] The cleaning fluid storage bath 39 comprises a particulate receptacle 57 provided in a recess defined in a base surface 61 of the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 for receiving particulate foreign contaminants from the part to be cleaned. In use, the particulates heavier than the cleaning fluid sink through the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 and collect in the particulate receptacle 57. In this example, a base surface 61 of the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 is angled downwards towards the particulate receptacle 57 to promote particulate collection in the particulate receptacle 57. In this example, the angle is less than 5 degrees. The particulate receptacle 57 can be removed from the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 for removal of the particulates collected therein from the cleaning fluid storage bath 39.

[0079] The cover 5 is pivotably connected to the housing 5 via a hinge connector 41 which will be described further with reference to Figure 3 hereinafter. In this example, the hinge connector 41 is such that a distance between a mounting point of the cover 5 to the hinge connector and a mounting point of the hinge connector 41 to the housing 3, and in particular to either of the cleaning volume first side 27 and the cleaning volume second side 29 changes during movement of the cover 5 between the first position and the second position. In particular, the distance between the mounting point of the cover 5 to the hinge connector and the mounting point of the hinge connector 41 to the housing 3, and in particular to either of the cleaning volume first side 27 and the cleaning volume second side 29 decreases from the first position to a third position, between the first position and the second position and then increases to the second position. In this way, the cover 5 can be moved smoothly between the first position and the second position in a space-efficient way, whilst still remaining within the cleaning volume 7. By the cover 5 remaining within the cleaning volume 7 during movement between the first position and the second position, any droplets of cleaning fluid on the cover 5 will remain within the cleaning volume 7 and will not be dripped outside the cleaning volume 7, for example onto an external surface of the housing 3 or onto an external environment of the parts-cleaning apparatus 1.

[0080] In this example, the cleaning volume first side 27, the cleaning volume second side 29, the cleaning volume rear side 31, the cleaning volume upper side 33, the cleaning volume front side 35 and the cleaning volume lower side 37 of the housing 3 are each formed from a stiff material which is not a ferrous material and not a ferromagnetic material.

[0081] Figure 2C shows the cleaning volume second side 29 which comprises one or more tool holsters. In this example, the one or more tool holsters are in the form of an air gun holster 43, a wash gun holster 45 and a foam gun holster 47. The tool holsters are for holding a parts-cleaning tool when the parts-cleaning tool is not in use. In this example, the tool holsters are magnetically attached to the cleaning volume second side 29. The cleaning volume second side 29 has applied to a rear side thereof a ferrous or ferromagnetic material. Thus, the ferrous or ferromagnetic material need not be in direct contact with the cleaning volume 7 and the cleaning fluid used therein. When the one or more tool holsters are magnetically connected to the housing 3, the one or more tool holsters can be moved or rearranged as required, depending on the tool to be used with the respective holster or the part to be cleaned.

[0082] The air gun holster 43 is for holding an air gun tool (not shown). The air gun tool is to output a stream of air from an air gun nozzle thereof in order to remove or dislodge foreign contaminants from an accessible surface of the part to be cleaned. The air gun tool is connected to a source of compressed air. In this example, the air gun tool is fluidly connected to an air compressor to supply compressed air to the air gun nozzle of the air gun tool. It will be understood that examples of suitable air gun systems and air compressors would be known to the skilled person.

[0083] The wash gun holster 45 is for holding a wash gun tool (not shown). The wash gun tool is to output a stream of cleaning fluid from a wash nozzle thereof in order to remove or dislodge foreign contaminants from an accessible surface of the part to be cleaned. The wash gun tool is connected to the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 via a filter 55 therein and a wash pump (not shown). Thus, on operation of the wash pump, cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 is pumped out of the wash gun tool and can be used to wash the part to be cleaned in the cleaning fluid.

[0084] The foam gun holster 47 is for holding a foam gun tool (not shown). The foam gun tool is to output a stream of foamed cleaning fluid from a foaming nozzle thereof in order to promote the removal and breakdown of foreign contaminants from an accessible surface of the part to be cleaned. The foaming nozzle defines an internal nozzle angle of approximately 15 degrees in this example. That is, the foaming nozzle narrows from a nozzle inlet to a nozzle outlet at a narrowing angle of approximately 15 degrees. The foam gun tool is connected to the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 via the filter 55 therein and a high pressure foam pump (not shown). In this example, the high pressure foam pump is configured to generate a pressure of over 1500 PSI (around 10.34 MPa). The present inventors have found that foam can be generated in a cleaning fluid pumped through a restricted nozzle under sufficient pressure. In some fluids, foam may be generated at pressures above 150 PSI, above 300 PSI, above 500 PSI, above 1,000 PSI, above 1,500 PSI or even higher. After use, the foamed cleaning fluid naturally returns to a liquid state and re-enters the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 for re-use. In some examples, the fluid may take a number of minutes to fully return to the liquid form. This can result in a layer of foam on top of the cleaning fluid in the liquid form in the cleaning fluid storage bath 39.

[0085] Although in this example the foam gun tool and the wash gun tool are both fluidly connected to the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 via the same filter 55, it will be understood that separate filters could instead be used.

[0086] The filter 55 comprises a first mesh layer and a second mesh layer. A porous foam is provided between the first mesh layer and the second mesh layer. The porosity of the porous foam is approximately between 15 pores per square inch and 30 pores per square inch. The first mesh layer and the second mesh layer are each formed from metal and sized to have a mesh small enough to substantially prevent passage therethrough of particles which would damage or reduce the performance any pumps connected to the filter 55. In this way, a majority of the foreign contaminants washed off the part into the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 are retained in the fluid storage bath 39, improving the function/operational life of the pumps connected to the filter 55. The inlet to the filter 55 is provided in a lower region 59 of the cleaning fluid storage bath 39. Thus, where the foam gun tool is used, the filter 55 is arranged to take in cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 which is no longer in the foam phase. In other words, the foam cleaning fluid has returned to a fully liquid state before the cleaning fluid is drawn into the filter 55. In this example, the filter 55 is arranged at least 10 centimetres down from a normal fill level of the cleaning fluid storage bath 39.

[0087] In this example, the filter 55 extends inwardly into the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 due to space constraints in the housing 3.

[0088] The lower region 59 of the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 further comprises a cleaning fluid supply inlet 67 to be connected to the source of cleaning fluid in the form of the cleaning fluid container when the cleaning fluid container is provided in the container recess 19. The cleaning fluid supply inlet 67 is fluidly connected to the cleaning fluid container via a supply pump operable to pump cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid container into the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 through the cleaning fluid supply inlet 67. The cleaning fluid supply inlet 67 is provided in the lower region 59 of the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 to substantially prevent foaming of the cleaning fluid during filling of the cleaning fluid storage bath 39.

[0089] The lower region 59 of the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 further comprises a fluid overflow inlet 69. The fluid overflow inlet 69 is fluidly connected to an overflow valve (not shown) of the high pressure foam pump used to generate the foam in the foam gun tool. In this way, any overflow fluid from the high pressure foam pump can be returned into the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 via the fluid overflow inlet 69. The fluid overflow inlet 69 is provided in the lower region 59 of the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 to substantially prevent foaming of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 when cleaning fluid is input into the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 through the fluid overflow inlet 69.

[0090] The lower region 59 of the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 further comprises a draining outlet 71 for draining the fluid storage bath 39. The draining outlet 71 is in fluid communication with a waste fluid outlet of the container holding region (not shown). In this way, waste cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 can be drained to a fluid storage container provided in the container recess 19. In some examples, the same container may be used once for supply and again for the waste cleaning fluid. In this example, the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 can drain out through the draining outlet solely by gravity. In other words, no fluid pump is needed to drain the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid storage bath 39. The draining outlet 71 is defined in the base surface 61 of the cleaning fluid storage bath 39.

[0091] As can be seen in Figure 1 as well as Figures 2A to 2C, the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 is covered by a support in the form of a grill member 89 to support the part to be cleaned out of the fluid storage bath 39. The grill member 89 has defined therein a plurality of openings to allow cleaning fluid to drain through the grill member 89 into the cleaning fluid storage bath 39. The grill member 89 is movable to allow access to the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 as necessary, for example to use the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 as a soak tank, or to change any of the components therein, such as a filter 55. In this example, the grill member 89 is removable from the cleaning volume 7.

[0092] In this example, the cleaning fluid to be used is a liquid and is an aqueous cleaning composition. The aqueous cleaning composition may comprise at least one surfactant. The surfactant may be present in an amount of 1 to 20 weight %, for example, 2 to 10 weight %, preferably 3 to 8 weight % based on the total weight of the composition.

[0093] Suitable surfactants include non-ionic surfactants and anionic surfactants. In some examples, the composition comprises anionic surfactant(s) and non-ionic surfactant(s).

[0094] The non-ionic surfactant may be an alkoxylate surfactant, for example, an ethoxylate surfactant. A blend of two or more alkoxylates, for instance, ethoxylates may be employed. Where employed, the total amount of alkoxylate surfactant(s) in the composition may be 1 to 20 weight %, for example, 2 to 10 weight %, preferably 3 to 8 weight % based on the total weight of the composition.

[0095] Any suitable anionic surfactant may be employed. Examples include linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, alcohol ether sulphates, secondary alkane sulphates and alcohol sulphates. Other examples include sulfosuccinates, for instance, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate. Other examples include sarcosinates, for instance, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate. The anionic surfactant, when present, may be used in an amount of 0.1 to 5 weight %, preferably 1 to 3 weight % of the composition.

[0096] The cleaning composition comprises water. Water may be present in an amount of at least 50 weight %, preferably at least 60 weight %, more preferably at least 70 weight %, and yet more preferably at least 75 weight % or 80 weight % of the composition.

[0097] The cleaning composition may further include an organic co-solvent, for example, a glycol ether or alcohol co-solvent. However, where an organic co-solvent is used, the organic co-solvent is used in an amount of less than 15 weight %, preferably less than 10 weight %. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition comprises 0 to 10 weight % of a glycol ether solvent.

[0098] Other optional components of the cleaning composition may include a chelating agent, a biocide and/or a solubilizing agent.

[0099] Each of the cleaning volume first side 27 and the cleaning volume second side 29 further comprise a cover guide member 51 arranged to substantially restrict movement of the cover 5 during movement between the first position and the second position. In particular, the cover guide member 51 comprises a first portion arranged to substantially restrict movement of the cover 5 in a horizontal direction directly away from the opening 9 in the housing 3. The cover guide member 51 further comprises a second portion arranged to substantially restrict movement of the cover 5 in a diagonal direction from an upper front portion of the cleaning volume 7 towards a lower rear portion of the cleaning volume 7. Thus, the cover guide member 51 ensures that the cover 5 does not encroach more than necessary into the cleaning volume 7. In this way, the cover 5 is substantially prevented from contacting the part to be cleaned when the part is in the cleaning volume.

[00100] The cleaning volume 7 further comprises an opening top portion 53, the features and purpose of which will be described further with reference to Figure 4 hereinafter.

[00101] The cover 5 is provided with a first connector portion 63 of a magnetic connector at a lower portion of the cover 5. The structure and operation of the magnetic connector will be explained further with reference to Figure 3 hereinafter.

[00102] The cleaning volume rear side 31 is provided with a retaining member 65 towards an upper end thereof. The retaining member is configured to engage with one or more protrusions extending away from an inner surface of the cover 5 to retain the cover 5 in the second position. In this example, the retaining member 65 takes the form of an upwardly protruding lip which functions to hook the one or more protrusions whereby to substantially retain the cover 5 in the second position.

[00103] Figure 3 is an illustration showing a close-up view of the hinge connector 41 of the parts-cleaning apparatus 1. The cover 5 is pivotably mounted to the housing 3 via the hinge connector 41. In particular, the hinge connector 41 is pivotably mounted to the cover 5 and to the cleaning volume first side 27. The hinge connector comprises a first linkage member 101. The first linkage member 101 comprises a first end 103 and a second end 105 opposite the first end 103. The first end 103 is pivotably connected to the cover 5 via a cover pivotable connection 107. The second end 105 is configured for pivotable movement about a first linkage pivotable connection 109. The second end 105 is configured for movement along an arcuate path. In this way, the cover pivotable connection 107 can be provided in a range of positions, and is not limited to pivotable movement relative to a fixed point. When the arcuate path is a portion of an arc of a circle, as in this example, the cover pivotable connection 107 can be moved closer or away from a centre of the circle. In this example, the movement of the cover pivotable connection 107 along an arcuate path is provided by a second linkage member 111. The second linkage member 111 comprises a first end 113 and a second end 115, opposite the first end 113. The first end 113 of the second linkage member 111 is pivotably connected to the second end 105 of the first linkage member 101 via the first linkage pivotable connection 109. The second end 115 of the second linkage member 111 is pivotably connected to the cleaning volume first side 27 of the housing 3 via a housing pivotable connection 117. It will be understood that the housing pivotable connection 117 is provided at the centre of the circle described hereinbefore. In this way, the hinge connector 41 allows pivotable movement of the cover 5 relative to the housing 3 whilst also allowing freedom of movement for the cover 5 to move laterally away from the opening 9 in the housing, inwardly into the cleaning volume 7, to ensure the cover 5 remains within the cleaning volume 7 during movement between the first position and the second position.

[00104] In this example, the hinge connector 41 further comprises a third linkage member 119 and a fourth linkage member 121 substantially similar to the first linkage member 101 and the second linkage member 111 respectively. In particular, the third linkage member comprises a first end 123 pivotably connected to the first end 103 of the first linkage member 101 at a third linkage pivotable connection 139. The fourth linkage member 121 has a first end 125 pivotably connected to a second end 127 of the third linkage member 119. The fourth linkage member 121 further comprises a second end 129 pivotably connected to the second end 115 of the second linkage member 111.

[00105] The hinge connector 41 in this example also comprises one or more rotation stops 131, 133. In this example, the hinge connector 41 comprises a first rotation stop 131 and a second rotation stop 133. The first rotation stop 131 is configured to, for each position of the cover between the first position and the second position, prevent rotation of the cover 5 outside a predetermined rotation range relative to the housing 3. In particular, the first rotation stop 131 is provided at the first linkage pivotable connection 109 and is configured to prevent rotation of the first linkage member 101 relative to the second linkage member 111 outside the predetermined rotation range. The first rotation stop 131 comprises a first portion 135 arranged to prevent rotation of the first linkage member 101 relative to the second linkage member 111 beyond a first threshold angle in a first rotational direction. The first rotation stop 131 further comprises a second portion 137 arranged to prevent rotation of the first linkage member 101 relative to the second linkage member 111 beyond a second threshold angle in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction. In particular, the first portion 135 and the second portion 137 are formed to provide a physical barrier preventing rotation of the first linkage member 101 relative to the second linkage member 111 outside the predetermined rotation range. It will be understood that the exact size and shape of the first rotation stop 131 can vary depending on the predetermined rotation range in which the first linkage member 101 and the second linkage member 111 are to be allowed to move.

[00106] The second rotation stop 133 is substantially similar to the first rotation stop 131, but is provided at the third linkage pivotable connection 139 and is configured to precent rotation of the third linkage member 119 relative to the fourth linkage member 121 outside the predetermined rotation range.

[00107] As described previously, it will be understood that the cover 5 is connected to two substantially similar hinge connectors 41, one at each side of the cover 5. This ensure the smooth and stable movement of the cover 5 between the first position and the second position.

[00108] In use, when the cover 5 is moved inwardly into the cleaning volume 7 and towards the housing pivotable connection 117, both of the first linkage pivotable connection 109 and the third linkage pivotable connection 139 are configured to move outwardly relative to each other, thus allowing the cover 5 to move closer to the first linkage pivotable connection 109. As shown in Figure 2B, this movement allows the cover 5 to be moved between the first position and the second position without the cover 5 moving out of the cleaning volume 7 through the opening 9.

[00109] As described with reference to Figures 2A to 2C hereinbefore, each of the cleaning volume first side 27 and the cleaning volume second side 29 are provided with the cover guide member 51 to prevent the cover 5 coming into contact with the part to be cleaned, when the part is provided in the cleaning volume 7, during movement between the first position and the second position.

[00110] In this example, the cover 5 comprises an inwardly extending protrusion 73 arranged to substantially prevent movement of the third linkage member 119 relative to the cover 5 beyond a predetermined rotational amount by contact between the inwardly extending protrusion 73 and the third linkage member 119.

[00111] Figure 3 also shows the first connector portion 63 of the magnetic connector as described briefly with reference to Figures 2A to 2C hereinbefore. The magnetic connector is configured to retain the cover 5 in one or more intermediate positions between the first position and the second position. In this example, the first connector portion 63 is provided on the cover 5 and comprises one or more permanent magnets 75, 76 for attracting a second connector portion (not shown in Figure 3). The second connector portion is provided by a portion of ferrous material mounted at one or both of the cleaning volume first side 27 and the cleaning volume second side 29. It will be understood that the cover 5 may comprise first connector portions 63 at each side of the cover 5, to magnetically engage with second connector portions provided at each of the cleaning volume first side 27 and the cleaning volume second side 29. In this example, the portion of ferrous material is mounted on an outer side of the cleaning volume first side 27 and the cleaning volume second side 27, such that the portion of ferrous material does not directly define the cleaning volume 7. In this example, the portion of ferrous material is a sheet of material backing substantially the whole of the cleaning volume first side 27 and the cleaning volume second side 29. In other examples, the portion of ferrous material may only extend over an expected range of movement of the first connector portion 63 of the cover relative to the cleaning volume first side 27 and the cleaning volume second side 29.

[00112] It will be understood that although in this example the first connector portion 63 is described as comprising one or more magnets, instead the second connector portion may be formed at least partially from a magnetic material, and the first connector portion 63 may be formed from a ferrous material. Further, the one or more magnets may be electromagnets.

[00113] It will be understood that the magnetic connector may instead be a mechanical connector or any other connector to retain the cover 5 in one or more intermediate positions between the first position and the second position.

[00114] Figure 4 is an illustration showing a portion of the housing 3 of the parts-cleaning apparatus 1. In particular, Figure 4 shows a close-up view of a cross-section through the opening top portion 53 of the housing 3 and the interaction of the opening top portion 53 with an upper portion 77 of the cover 5. In this example, the opening top portion 53 defines an upper surface of the opening 9. The upper portion 77 of the cover 5 is provided substantially adjacent the upper surface of the opening 9 when the cover 5 is in the first position (as is shown in Figure 4). The upper portion 77 of the cover 5 comprises a first hook 79. The first hook 79 is arranged to face outwardly downwards from the cover 5 away from the cleaning volume 7. The opening top portion 53 comprises a second hook 81 configured to engage with the first hook 79. The second hook 81 is arranged to face inwardly upwards from the housing 3 towards the cleaning volume 7. In this way, the engagement between the first hook 79 and the second hook 81 substantially prevents egress of cleaning fluid from the cleaning volume 9 between the opening top portion 53 of the housing 3 and the upper portion 77 of the cover 5 when the cover 5 is in the first position.

[00115] In examples, either or both of the first hook 79 and the second hook 81 are formed to have a substantially resilient engaging surface. In other words, the substantially resilient engaging surface is formed to be slightly pliant such that minor irregularities in either or both of the first hook 79 and the second hook 81 do not significantly reduce the effectiveness of the seal between the first hook 79 and the second hook 81. Either or both of the first hook 79 and the second hook 81 may be formed to have an outer surface formed from rubber. In some examples, substantially the whole of either or both of the first hook 79 and the second hook 81 may be formed from a resilient material. Thus, a particularly effective seal between the first hook 79 and the second hook 81 can be provided to substantially prevent egress of cleaning fluid between the opening top portion 53 of the housing 3 and the upper portion 77 of the cover 5 when the cover 5 is in the first position.

[00116] In this example, the opening top portion 53 comprises an inner skirt potion 83 extending inwardly within the cleaning volume 7 to substantially shield the upper surface of the opening from cleaning fluid during operation of the parts-cleaning tool of the partscleaning apparatus 1.

[00117] The parts-cleaning apparatus 1 further comprises at least one outlet 85a, 85b, 85c, 85d, 85e, 85f, 85g, 85h. In this example, there are eight outlets 85a, 85b, 85c, 85d, 85e, 85f, 85g, 85h, each defined in a portion of the housing 3, in particular in a region of the inner skirt portion 83. Each outlet 85a, 85b, 85c, 85d, 85e, 85f, 85g, 85h is arranged to output a stream of fluid across an inner surface 87 of the cover 5 when the cover 5 is in the first position. In this way, the outlets 85a, 85b, 85c, 85d, 85e, 85f, 85g, 85h together can operate to reduce build-up of cleaning fluid on the inner surface 87 of the cover 5. In this example, the outlets 85a, 85b, 85c, 85d, 85e, 85f, 85g, 85h are air outlets configured to output a stream of air. This ensures a user of the parts-cleaning apparatus 1 can continue to see through the cover 5 even when the parts-cleaning tools are in operation for a long period of time.

[00118] Figure 5 is an illustration showing a further portion of the housing 3 of the partscleaning apparatus 1. In particular, a rear side of the housing 3 has been hidden, and the cleaning volume rear side 31 has been shown transparent to show an internal structure of the cleaning volume upper side 33. As described previous with reference to Figures 1A, 1B and 1C, the extractor outlet 23 is arranged to output gas to be extracted from the cleaning volume 7 and is defined in the top side 25 of the housing 3. The extractor outlet 23 is in fluid communication (not shown) with a cleaning volume extractor outlet 91 such that gas from the cleaning volume 7 can be extracted from the cleaning volume 7 through the cleaning volume extractor outlet 91 and onwards through the housing extractor outlet 23. In this example, a extractor filter 93 is provided in the fluid path from the cleaning volume 7 to the housing extractor outlet 23 for collecting any cleaning fluid from the gas. In this example, the extractor filter 93 is provided at the cleaning volume extractor outlet 91.

[00119] The cleaning volume upper side 33 is further provided with a light 95 for illuminating the cleaning volume 7.

[00120] Figure 6 is an illustration showing the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 of a partscleaning apparatus 1. The cleaning fluid storage bath 39 is as described previously but shown from another angle to better illustrate the configuration of the cleaning fluid storage bath 39. In particular, it can be seen that the filter 55 extends inwardly into the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 from a side wall 96 of the cleaning fluid storage bath 39. The particulate receptacle 57 is covered by a lower grill member 97. The lower grill member 97 is provided with a plurality of openings therein to allow the passage of particulates in the cleaning fluid into the particulate receptacle 57. In Figure 6, both the lower grill member 97 and the filter 55 are shown as transparent so structure within can be seen. It will be understood that the internal structure of the filter 55 is not shown in Figure 6 but is as described hereinbefore.

[00121] A rear side of the housing 3 has defined therein an access hatch (not shown) for access within the housing 3, for example for maintenance and repair. The access hatch in this example is covered by a removable panel.

[00122] Thus, there is provided a parts-cleaning apparatus 1 suitable for cleaning a part to be cleaned, for example a workpiece.

[00123] In use of the parts-cleaning apparatus 1 to clean a part, the cover 5 is first moved into or provided in the second position. The part to be cleaned is inserted into the cleaning volume 7 through the opening 9 and supported on the grill member 89. The cover 5 is moved from the second position to the first position. Hands of a user are inserted through the ports 13 into the gloves 11 to allow manipulation of the part to be cleaned and the parts-cleaning tool in the cleaning volume 7 when the cover 5 is in the first position. The parts-cleaning tool is operated by the user to clean the part using cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid storage bath 39. Prior to operation of the parts-cleaning tool, the cleaning fluid is supplied to the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 through the cleaning fluid supply inlet 67 from a cleaning fluid container provided in the container recess 19 via the supply pump. Once the part is cleaned, the cover 5 is moved from the first position to the second position to allow access to the cleaning volume 7. The part is then removed from the cleaning volume 7 through the opening 9. After use, the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 can be drained into the or a further cleaning fluid container in the container recess 19 via the draining outlet 71. Particulates in the cleaning fluid storage bath 39 will collect in the particulate receptacle 57, which can be removed and emptied as necessary.

[00124] Figures 7A to 7C are cross-section illustrations showing positions of a further example of a cover for a parts-cleaning apparatus. The cover 205 is substantially similar to the cover 5 of described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 hereinbefore apart from the hereinafter described differences. The cover 205 is pivotably mounted to the housing 206 via a hinge connector 201. The hinge connector 201 comprises a first linkage member 202 connected between the housing 206 and the cover 205. The first linkage member 202 has a first end 203 pivotably connected to the cover 205 and a second end 204 pivotably connected to the housing 206. Figure 7A shows the cover 205 in the first position in which the opening 209 is closed by the cover 205. In the first position shown in Figure 7A, the second end 204 of the first linkage member 202 is lower than the first end 203 of the first linkage member 202. As will be described further in relation to Figures 12 and 13, the housing 206 comprises an opening bottom portion defining a lower surface of the opening 209. A lower portion of the cover 205 is supported on an inner shelf at the opening bottom portion when the cover 205 is in the first position.

[00125] In this example, a first rotation axis of a first pivotable connection between the second end 204 of the first linkage member 202 and the housing 206 is at substantially the same vertical position as the lower portion of the cover 205. The hinge connector 201 further comprises a rotation stop 208 in the form of a second linkage member 208. The second linkage member 208 prevents rotation of the cover 205 outside a predetermined rotation range relative to the first linkage member 202. In particular, the second linkage member 208, in the first position of the cover 205, prevents rotation of the cover 105 about a second rotation axis of a second pivotable connection between the first end 203 of the first linkage member 202 and the cover 205 inwardly into the cleaning volume 207. The second linkage member 208 is connected to the cover 205 between an intermediate linkage portion of the first linkage member 202 and an intermediate portion of the cover 205. The intermediate linkage portion of the first linkage member 202 is between the first end 203 and the second end 204 and the intermediate portion of the cover 205 is between the lower portion and an upper portion of the cover 205. The second linkage member 208 is resiliently biased outwardly to act to increase an acute angle between the cover 205 and the first linkage member 202. Therefore, in the first position of the cover 205, the cover 205 can be pressed against the inner side of the opening 209. In this particular example, the second linkage member 208 is in the form of a gas strut 208 having an outward force set such that the cover 205 is supported in the cleaning volume 207 when the cover 205 is in the second position, as described further in relation to Figure 7C hereinafter.

[00126] Figure 7B shows a position of the cover 205 during movement from the first position to the second position. As can be seen, the first linkage member 202 is pivotably rotated such that an upper portion of the cover 205 is positioned inwardly into the cleaning volume 207. The second linkage member 208 is partially extended such that an acute angle between the first linkage member 202 and the cover 205 is increased from in the first position of the cover 205. At all positions between the first position and the second position of the cover 205, the lower portion of the cover 205 remains within the cleaning volume 207, being within the opening 209. As will be understood, the cover 205 comprises a handle 210 at an outer surface of the cover 205, for example at the lower portion of the cover 205, for use by a user to move the cover 205 between the first position and the second position.

[00127] Figure 7C shows the cover 205 in the second position in which a part can be inserted into the cleaning volume 207 through the opening 209. The second linkage member 208 is in a fully extended position, such that the acute angle between the first linkage member 202 and the cover 205 is larger than in the first position or in the position shown in Figure 7B. The first linkage member 202 is pivotably rotated further than in the position shown in Figure 7B. The outward force on the gas strut 208 is sufficient to hold the cover 205 in a raised position in the cleaning volume 207 to allow access into the cleaning volume 207 for a user inserting or removing a part.

[00128] Although only a single hinge connector 201 is shown in Figures 7A to 7C, it will be understood that the parts-washing apparatus typically includes a hinge connector 201 at each of the two opposing sides of the cover 205, as with other examples herein.

[00129] Figure 8 is a cross-section illustration showing an inner surface 211 of the cover 205 of Figures 7A to 7C. The inner surface 211 is hydrophobic to increase visibility into the cleaning volume through the transparent panels of the cover 205 during use of the partscleaning apparatus. The inner surface 211 can be provided with a hydrophobic coating, for example, a hydrophobic film applied thereon.

[00130] The cover 205 comprises a strengthening member 212 between the upper portion and the lower portion of the cover 205 for providing enhanced rigidity to the cover 205. The strengthening member 212 is formed to have a strength greater than a strength of portions of the cover 205 connecting the strengthening member 212 to either of the upper portion and the lower portion of the cover 205. Typically, the strengthening member comprises a plurality of flanges 214a, 214b, 214c, 214d, 214e, 214f, 214g extending transversely away from a surface of the cover 205, in this example inwardly from the inner surface 211 of the cover 205 into the cleaning volume 207 when the cover is in the first position. The plurality of flanges 214a, 214b, 214c, 214d, 214e, 214f, 214g are arranged in a plurality of flange portions 214a, 214b, 214c, 214d, 214e, 214f, 214g in at least two different directions. In this way, the strengthening member 212 provide resistance to bending of the cover 205 in a plurality of different directions. Furthermore, the strengthening member 212 also provides resistance to torsional twisting of the cover 205. In addition, the flanges 214a, 214b, 214c, 214d, 214e, 214f, 214g each direct any cleaning fluid running down the inner surface 211 of the cover 205 onto the flanges 214a, 214b, 214c, 214d, 214e, 214f, 214g away from the inner surface 211 below the flanges 214a, 214b, 214c, 214d, 214e, 214f, 214g, thereby ensuring that the user can maintain good visibility through at least a portion of the cover 205 below one or more of the flanges 214a, 214b, 214c, 214d, 214e, 214f, 214g during operation of the parts-cleaning apparatus. The strengthening member 212 comprises port components 213 for attachment of gloves, as described hereinbefore, to allow manipulation of a part within the cleaning volume 207. As will be described further in relation to Figure 9 hereinafter, the cover 205 comprises a first window component 215 and a second window component 216. The first window component 215 and the second window component 216 are each formed from a substantially transparent material to allow viewing by a user through the cover 205 into the cleaning volume 207 when the cover 205 is in the first position. In this example, the first window component 215 and the second window component 216 are formed from plastics material, such as polycarbonate.

[00131] Figure 9 is a further cross-section illustration showing an internal structure of the cover of Figures 7A to 8. In particular, Figure 9 shows the first window component 215 and the second window component 216 each connected to the strengthening member 212. The strengthening member 212 comprises an inner portion 217 in the form of an inner component 217 and an outer portion 218 in the form of an outer component 218. An edge of each of the window components 215, 216 is sandwiched between the inner component

217 and the outer component 218 of the strengthening member 212. The inner component 217 is affixed to the outer component 218 via a plurality of fasteners 219. The fasteners 217 are located away from a boundary of the window components 215, 216. Therefore, the window components 215, 216 need not have openings formed therein to allow passage of the fasteners 217 therethrough which has been found to reduce splintering and breakage of the window components 215, 216 of the cover 205. A lateral extent of the inner component 217 in a plane along the inner surface of the cover 205 substantially matches a lateral extent of the outer component 218. The outer component 218 comprises the port components 213 described hereinbefore.

[00132] Figures 10 and 11 are cross-section illustrations showing an upper portion of the cover of Figures 7A to 9. The upper portion of the cover 205 is provided with an inward protrusion 220. The inward protrusion 220 extends inwardly within the cleaning volume 207 when the cover 205 is in the first position. Functionally, the inward protrusion 220 is arranged to cause run-off of any cleaning fluid on the inward protrusion 220 into the cleaning volume 207 instead of outside the cleaning volume 207 when the cover 205 is in the first position. In this particular example, the inward protrusion 220 has defined therein one or more openings 221, in particular a plurality of openings 221, at an inner portion of the inward protrusion to cause run-off of cleaning fluid away from an inner surface of the window components 215, 216 of the cover 205. Thus, any cleaning fluid falling onto the skirt portion 222 of the housing 206 drains onto the inward protrusion 220 and thereafter back into the cleaning volume 207 without falling onto the window components 215, 216, improving visibility for a user during operation of the parts-cleaning apparatus.

[00133] Figures 12 and 13 are cross-section illustrations showing a lower portion of the cover of Figures 7A to 11. The housing 206 comprises the opening bottom portion 223 defining a lower surface of the opening 209. The opening bottom portion 223 comprises an inner shelf 224 extending inwardly into the cleaning volume 207. In the first position, the lower portion of the cover 205 is supported on the inner shelf 224. The inner shelf 224 also defines a lip portion 225 to aid in location of the lower portion of the cover 205 on the inner shelf 224 in the first position of the cover 205. As can be seen in Figure 13, the lower portion of the cover 205 has defined therein one or more cover openings 226. The inner shelf 224 also has defined therein one or more shelf openings 227. The one or more shelf openings 227 are arranged to substantially align with the one or more cover openings 226. Therefore, any cleaning fluid running off the cover 205 when the cover is in the first position, or collecting on the inner shelf 224, can drain away. This reduces any drips of cleaning fluid from the lower portion of the cover 205 when the cover 205 is moved away from the first position towards the second position after use of the parts-cleaning apparatus.

[00134] In summary, there is provided a parts-cleaning apparatus (1) for parts-cleaning. The parts-cleaning apparatus (1) comprises: a housing (3) defining a cleaning volume (7) for accommodating therein a part to be cleaned. The housing (3) further defines an opening (9) therein for insertion of the part therethrough into the cleaning volume (7). The housing (3) defining the opening (9) has an inner side facing inwardly into the cleaning volume (7). The parts-cleaning apparatus (1) further comprise a parts-cleaning tool for cleaning the part using a cleaning fluid when the part is provided in the cleaning volume (7). The parts-cleaning apparatus (1) further comprises a cover (5) larger than the opening (9) and configured to move between a first position to close the opening (9) in the housing (3) to substantially prevent passage of the cleaning fluid through the opening (9) when the parts-cleaning tool is operated and a second position to allow insertion of the part into the cleaning volume (7) through the opening (9). In the first position, the cover (5) is arranged to be provided against the inner side of the opening (9).

[00135] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[00136] Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A parts-cleaning apparatus for parts-cleaning, the parts-cleaning apparatus comprising:

a housing defining a cleaning volume for accommodating therein a part to be cleaned, the housing further defining an opening therein for insertion of the part therethrough into the cleaning volume, the housing defining the opening having an inner side facing inwardly into the cleaning volume;

a parts-cleaning tool for cleaning the part using a cleaning fluid when the part is provided in the cleaning volume; and a cover larger than the opening and configured to move between a first position to close the opening in the housing to substantially prevent passage of the cleaning fluid through the opening when the parts-cleaning tool is operated and a second position to allow insertion of the part into the cleaning volume through the opening, wherein in the first position, the cover is arranged to be provided against the inner side of the opening.

2. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover is configured to move along a non-linear path between the first position and the second position.

3. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cover is pivotably mounted to the housing.

4. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cover is pivotably mounted to the housing via a hinge connector comprising a first linkage member connected between the housing and the cover, the first linkage member having a first end pivotably connected to the cover and a second end, opposite the first end and configured for pivotable movement at a plurality of points along an arcuate path.

5. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the arcuate path has a substantially constant radius of curvature.

6. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the arcuate path is defined in a plane substantially transverse to a plane of the opening and to a plane of the cover in the second position.

7. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 5 or claim 6 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the hinge connector further comprises a second linkage member having a first end pivotably connected to the second end of the first linkage member and a second end pivotably connected to the housing.

8. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the hinge connector further comprises one or more rotation stops to, for each position of the cover between the first position and the second position, prevent rotation of the cover outside a predetermined rotation range relative to the housing.

9. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 8 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the rotation stop comprises a first portion arranged to prevent rotation of the first linkage member relative to the second linkage member beyond a first threshold angle in a first rotational direction.

10. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 9, wherein the rotation stop further comprises a second portion arranged to prevent rotation of the first linkage member relative to the second linkage member beyond a second threshold angle in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

11. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the rotation stop is provided at the pivotable connection between the first linkage member and the second linkage member.

12. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim when dependent on claim 7, wherein the hinge connector further comprises a third linkage member having a first end pivotably connected to the first end of the first linkage member and a fourth linkage member having a first end pivotably connected to a second end of the third linkage member and a second end of the fourth linkage member pivotably connected to the second end of the second linkage member.

13. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cover is pivotably mounted to the housing via a hinge connector comprising a first linkage member connected between the housing and the cover, the first linkage member having a first end pivotably connected to the cover and a second end pivotably connected to the housing, wherein, in the first position of the cover, the second end is lower than the first end, wherein the housing comprises an opening bottom portion defining a lower surface of the opening, the opening bottom portion having an inner shelf extending inwardly into the cleaning volume, wherein the cover comprises a lower portion to be supported on the inner shelf of the opening bottom portion when the cover is in the first position.

14. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 13, wherein a first rotation axis of a first pivotable connection between the second end of the first linkage member and the housing is at substantially the same vertical position, or lower than, the lower portion of the cover.

15. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the hinge connector further comprises one or more rotation stops to, for each position of the cover between the first position and the second position, prevent rotation of the cover outside a predetermined rotation range relative to the first linkage member.

16. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 15, wherein the rotation stop is configured, in the first position of the cover, to substantially prevent rotation of the cover about a second rotation axis of a second pivotable connection between the first end of the first linkage member and the cover inwardly into the cleaning volume.

17. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the rotation stop is a second linkage member connected between an intermediate linkage portion of the first linkage member and an intermediate portion of the cover, the intermediate linkage portion of the first linkage member being between the first end and the second end and the intermediate portion of the cover being between the lower portion and an upper portion of the cover.

18. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 17, wherein the second linkage member is resiliently biased outwardly, whereby to act to increase an acute angle between the cover and the first linkage member.

19. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim when dependent on claim 3, wherein the cover is pivotably mounted to the housing via two hinge connectors.

20. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a magnetic connector configured to retain the cover in one or more intermediate positions between the first position and the second position by magnetic force.

21. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 20, wherein the magnetic connector comprises a first connector portion comprising a permanent magnet for attracting a second connector portion, the first connector portion and the second connector portion together configured to retain the cover in the one or more intermediate positions between the first position and the second position.

22. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 21, wherein the first connector portion is provided on the cover.

23. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 22, wherein the second connector portion is provided outside the cleaning volume.

24. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 23, wherein the second connector portion comprises a sheet of a ferrous material mounted to the housing, adjacent the cleaning volume.

25. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any of claims 20 to 24, wherein the portion of the housing defining the cleaning volume is formed from a non-magnetic material.

26. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises an opening top portion defining an upper surface of the opening and wherein the cover comprises an upper portion to be provided substantially adjacent the upper surface of the opening when the cover is in the first position, and wherein the upper portion of the cover comprises a first hook arranged to face outwardly downwards from the cover away from the cleaning volume, and wherein the opening top portion comprises a second hook to engage with the first hook and to face inwardly upwards from the housing towards the cleaning volume, whereby to substantially prevent egress of cleaning fluid between the opening top portion of the housing and the upper portion of the cover when the cover is in the first position.

27. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises an or the opening top portion defining an or the upper surface of the opening, and wherein the opening top portion comprises an inner skirt portion extending inwardly within the cleaning volume to substantially shield the upper surface of the opening from cleaning fluid during operation of the parts-cleaning tool of the parts-cleaning apparatus.

28. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 27, wherein the inner skirt portion is arranged to cause run-off of any cleaning fluid thereon into the cleaning volume.

29. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein an upper portion of the cover is provided with an inward protrusion extending inwardly within the cleaning volume when the cover is in the first position arranged to cause run-off of any cleaning fluid thereon into the cleaning volume instead of outside the cleaning volume.

30. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the cover further comprises a pair of gloves extending inwardly into the cleaning volume to allow a user outside the cleaning volume to manipulate the parts-cleaning tool within the cleaning volume using their hands through the gloves.

31. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the parts-cleaning tool is configured to generate a foam using the cleaning fluid to clean the part to be cleaned.

32. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one air outlet arranged to output a stream of air across an inner surface of the cover when the cover is in the first position whereby to reduce build-up of the cleaning fluid on the cover.

33. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 32, wherein the at least one air outlet is arranged on the housing.

34. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the cover is formed from a substantially transparent material.

35. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 34, wherein an inner surface of the cover, facing inwardly into the cleaning volume in the first position of the cover, is hydrophobic.

36. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the cover comprises a first window component and a second window component, separate from the first window component, wherein each of the first window component and the second window component are formed from the substantially transparent material, and wherein the partscleaning apparatus further comprises a strengthening member provided between the first window component and the second window component.

37. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 36, wherein the strengthening member comprises an inner portion extending over a portion of an inner surface of the first window component and a portion of an inner surface of the second window component and an outer portion extending over a portion of an outer surface of the first window component and a portion of an outer surface of the second window component, whereby to sandwich the first window component and the second window component between the inner portion and the outer portion of the strengthening member.

38. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 36 or claim 37, wherein the first window component is provided at an upper portion of the cover and the second window component is provided at a lower portion of the cover.

39. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 38, when dependent on claim 30, wherein the gloves are provided at one or more ports defined in the strengthening member.

40. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any of claims 36 to 39, wherein the strengthening member comprises one or more flanges extending transversely away from a laminar plane of the cover.

41. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 40, wherein the one or more flanges extend inwardly into the cleaning volume.

42. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 40 or claim 41, wherein the one or more flanges together comprise a plurality of flange portions, arranged in at least two different directions.

43. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises an opening bottom portion defining a lower surface of the opening, the opening bottom portion having an inner shelf extending inwardly into the cleaning volume, wherein the cover comprises a lower portion to be supported on the inner shelf of the opening bottom portion when the cover is in the first position, and wherein the inner shelf has one or more openings defined therein to substantially prevent retention of cleaning fluid on the inner shelf.

44. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising an extractor outlet for connection to an extraction unit to extract gas from the cleaning volume, wherein the extractor outlet comprises an extractor filter to extract any cleaning fluid from the gas.

45. The parts-cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a cleaning fluid storage bath forming a base of the cleaning volume to collect the cleaning fluid expressed by the parts-cleaning tool, wherein a cleaning fluid inlet of the parts-cleaning tool is fluidly connected to the cleaning fluid storage bath.

46. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 45, wherein the fluid storage bath is configured to be covered by a grill member to support the part to be cleaned out of the fluid storage bath.

47. The parts-cleaning apparatus of claim 45 or claim 46, wherein the fluid storage bath comprises a draining outlet for draining the fluid storage bath and wherein the partscleaning apparatus comprises a container holding region defining a container recess for receiving cleaning fluid containers, the container holding region comprising a waste fluid outlet fluidly connected to the draining outlet of the fluid storage bath, and wherein the draining outlet is arranged to be provided substantially above the waste fluid outlet of the container holding portion in use, whereby to allow draining of cleaning fluid from the fluid storage bath by gravity.

48. A kit of parts for forming the parts-cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim.