IE930662A1 - A process for cleaning vertical and horizontal glazed or¹smooth and similar surfaces and an apparatus for its use - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleaning process for vertical and horizontal glazed for smooth surfaces and similar and apparatus for its performance. The process uses: means for emitting a mixture of liquid cleaning admixture and hot water vapour at low pressure causing a physical, chemical and thermal action on said liquid admixture, transforming it, loosening the dirt and dissolving and/or dispersing it instantaneously in a recondensed residual liquid, a tool for diffusing the mixture of water vapour and admixture onto said surface, ensuring in a single pass the evacuation of dirt dissolved and/or dispersed in the residual liquid and the drying of the surface, automatic means for supplying the diffusion tool with water vapour and liquid admixture contained in a case, which may be portable or not, means for controlling the emission of steam, liquid cleaning admixture and other functions of apparatus depending on the type of use. The invention applies to all smooth surfaces such as: glazing and smooth coverings for facades of modern buildings; interior glazing and smooth interior surfaces of the type including wall paintings and ceilings; smooth floors, tiling and synthetic coverings for offices, workshops and various buildings; industrial sheet steel structures, bodies and windscreens of various vehicles.

Description

APPLICATION Co.

A PROCESS FOR CLEANING VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL GLAZEDQR .SMOOTH AND SIMILAR SURFACES AND AN APPARATUS FOR ITS USE The invention relates to a process and apparatus for performing the process for the instantaneous cleaning of panes of glass and other vertical and horizontal similar smooth surfaces, such as glazing, smooth outer coverings, floors (tiled and smooth), ceilings, wall paintings, paintwork on different vehicles etc.

At present is known a first type of apparatus which projects water vapour at low or medium pressure onto the surface to be cleaned and a second type of apparatus which projects a cleaning product having a detergent action or similar onto said surface. These two types of apparatus are used with a pull-type hand-held squeegee either with a scraper brush which entrains the dirt and the residual liquid, or also comprising a sponge, or furthermore at least one stationary or rotary brush, or directly with the jet of steam. Certain appliances comprise means for recovering the cleaning liquid by aspiration, in which the dirt is dissolved. This apparatus does not enable the removal of resistant, dried and hardened dirt which normally exists after a first pass either of steam or of detergent. The wetting ability of the steam is mediocre. The wetting ability of cleaning products at ambient temperature is slow. It is therefore necessary to have recourse to an additional mechanical action for the removal of this dirt which is resistant to steam and to the cleaning products.

The drawbacks displayed by these techniques and apparatus of incomplete performance make them ineffective, even unusable for a quantitative optimal operation (speed of cleaning) and a qualitative optimal operation (absence of residual dirt and traces). fcfe 8 3 0 6 6 2 The present method of working of a washer comprises two mechanical operations A (dissolving and/or dispersing the dirt) and B elimination of dissolved and/or dispersed dirt) and two constraints C (obligation to produce a perfect result) and D (permanent safety obligation).

A Dissolving and/or dispersing the dirt present on the surface to be cleaned, be it glazed or not: The washer washes the pane of glass with soap and brushes it with a moistening brush impregnated with water and liquid admixture.

The superficial wetting action is approximately 30 mN/m and the detergent action is used. The dirt is totally dissolved and dispersed in a non-instantaneous manner.

The cleaning dilution progressively wets and loosens the dried dirt deposits or incrustations by the action of the surface agents present in the product. It penetrates them by acting at the level of their contact with the pane of glass or other surface. The surface agents and the solvents authorised by legislation, which are used for cleaning panes of glass or other surfaces, do not act quickly enough, and therefore require a complementary mechanical brushing action on these deposits to detach them more quickly. This phase is long.

B Final elimination of the dirt dissolved and/or dispersed by entrainment and drying simultaneously by the action of a flexible lip. The duration of this action is very close to zero. Cleaning is efficient, coupled to phase A, but long.

The washer moves a bar known as a pull bar or squeegee over the surface entraining the mixture containing the dirt and simultaneously drying the surface. The pane of glass is even cleaner if stage A is performed carefully (chemical and mechanical action).

C Obligation to produce a sparkling result: The washer must not leave traces which opacify the pane of glass or alter the surface cleaned.

D Permanent safety and legality obligation: The products used must not have a harmful action on the health of the washer or on the environment. They must neither flood nor damage the floor coverings by their untimely flow.

.*· Present attempts for the omission of stage A by using a squeegee, classified in four groups: 1. Apparatus combining rotary brushes, liquid cleaning admixture and squeegee: Drawing a squeegee over a pane of glass takes just a fraction of a second. Despite the speed with which the brushes operate, they do not have time to perform correctly their function when compared with the speed of the movement of the washer (fraction of a second). The operator is obliged to perform a number of passes until the dirt becomes detached. The cleaning time is long, but a good result is achieved. 2. Apparatus combining a mixture of water and liquid admixture under high pressure and squeegee: This combination results in catastrophic flooding, in particular in the case of glazing, vertical walls or ceilings in the presence of a floor covering of the fitted carpet type. For cleaning floors and floor coverings, 9306624 cleaning is not instantaneous despite the pressure. There is a high consumption of product. It is very badly adapted for cleaning vertical surfaces. 3. The apparatus combining a pulverised liquid cleaning admixture with a squeegee, phase B, (patent RIGGERS DEA-2,913,367 for example): The superficial tensions of the water/detergent mixture are approximately 30 mN/m, which represents a low wetting tendency resulting in a mediocre result, as the detergent action has very little effect because of the absence of contact time. The cleaning is inefficient. 4. The apparatus combining the. diffusion of hot water vapour and a squeegee: The wetting action of the steam, 60 mN/m, is even more mediocre than that of the authorised cleaning products. The detergent action is absent. Of course there is a thermal action, but it does not allow the evaporation of certain smears and the softening of solid incrustations, but they are not eliminated in the absence of detergent action. The result is even less convincing and cleaning is inefficient.

Self-cleaning products require a relatively long wait to detach the dirt and require thorough rinsing and/or wiping.

The problem which has not been resolved by the abovementioned processes and means therefore consists of obtaining instantaneous, total and sparkling cleaning results by using legal and safe products, in a single fast pass at more than 2 m/sec, without any mechanical scraping or brushing action, with a very manoeuvrable hand tool having a short handle.

For the removal of dirt a preliminary mechanical action, vigourous brushing or scraping is normally required after soaking with a liquid detergent. A large amount of time is consequently lost. This dirt withstands a prolonged action of steam, as its wetting power is inadequate despite its thermal action. The wetting and detergent action of the cleaning products on the market is not fast enough to carry out cleaning in a single pass.

The object of the present invention is to resolve completely the problem posed above by the total instantaneous dissolution and/or dispersion of the dirt and/or spots present on the surfaces to be cleaned, to remove them and to dry said surface. 4.j.· The process for cleaning panes of glass or other smooth surfaces according to the invention simultaneously uses on a surface to be cleaned: - the combined use of an emission of liquid admixture having a cleaning action and of an emission of hot, lowpressure water vapour, producing a physical, chemical and thermal action on the liquid admixture and transforming it, the effects of this combination causing the loosening, instantaneous dissolution and/or dispersion of the dirt present on this surface, - a lip which is flexible in action, mounted on a tool, which evacuates the cleaning liquid containing the dissolved and/or dispersed dirt, and drying the surface.

The hot water vapour produces a double change of state of the liquid admixture by transforming it into a gaseous mixture formed of vapours, and into charged micro-droplets, during the following phases: - a vaporisation phase of a part of the material which have a boiling point which is lower than or equal to that of the water vapour, * 9 3 0 6 β - a nebulising phase of the liquid part of the admixture into charged spherical micro-droplets having a geometrically optimal contact surface increasing the wetting action of the process, - a thermal action phase of the water vapour on the charged micro-droplets thus formed, which drastically optimises the potential of the physical-chemical surface action of the surfactants and of the solvents, further increasing their exceptional wettability, cleaning and degreasing action, - an agitation phase of the charged micro-droplets, caused by thermal convection currents produced by the hot water vapour.

Itfthen uses said gaseous mixture of vapours and the microdroplets, as well as the flexible lip, during the following phases: a phase having exceptional wetting, cleaning and degreasing action, the vapours of solvent and the microdroplets having their effects greatly optimised on the dirt present on the surface to be cleaned, - an instantaneous vaporisation phase of the volatile oils and fats, - a propagation phase caused by the agitation of the microdroplets, acting on the dirt, at the level of the contact zone with the surface, by fragmenting them, loosening them, dissolving them and dispersing them in order to be able to entrain them by the flexible lip, - an optimisation phase for the entrainment of the dirt by the partial recondensation of the water vapour and of the vaporised solvents, because of the large difference in temperature between the gaseous mixture and the surface to be cleaned, - an entrainment phase for the residual liquid containing the dirt in suspension, and a drying phase by the action of the flexible lip. i HU9 3 0 6 6 2 The liquid admixture having a cleaning action has a flowing disposition or has its composition and concentration adapted according to the variety of dirt and degree of soiling present on the surfaces to be cleaned. These relative concentrations of base material are adjusted so that in the presence of hot water vapour there occurs a homogenous nebulisation of the product. The majority of these base materials have emulsifying properties. The said liquid admixture is formed of base materials in the following percentage order: alcohols and glycol ethers 30 % hydrocarbonated long chain unsaturated fatty acid dimethyl amide or other amides > 0.5 % hydrotropic agent 1 % hydrocarbonated surfactants 2 % fluorocarbonated surfactants > 0.5 % sequestering agents 2 % additives 2 % demineralised water to make up The liquid admixture has a high concentration of base materials, and the micro-droplets, present within the gaseous mixture, are very highly charged with nonvaporisable base materials; the vapours of said gaseous mixture expose the base materials of said micro-droplets to a temperature of approximately 100 to 180*.

The charge of the micro-droplets comprises an amino functional fluorocarbonated surface-acting agent depositing on the surface; simultaneously with the dissolution and/or dispersion of the dirt, a regular and homogenous reflective film, spread uniformly by the flexible lip, and the amine function is provided for the physical adsorption of said film on the surface. f|L9306fi2 The reflectance of said film is increased by increasing the concentration of said amino functional fluorocarbonated surfactant. The mechanical characteristics of the reflective film and the regularity of its application are increased, by the association, in the formulation of the liquid admixture, of an amide to the amino functional hydrocarbonated surfactant. The recondensed residual liquid containing the dirt in suspension is aspirated at the moment of the last phase of the process. The flow rate of the liquid cleaning admixture is adjusted with respect to the flow rate of the hot water vapour by regulating the flow rate of the supply means of said admixture.

According to the invention the cleaning process uses the following means: - a means for the emission of a liquid cleaning admixture onto the surface to be cleaned, - a means for the emission of the hot water vapour at low pressure, whether simultaneously or not with the emission of the liquid admixture, a tool (1) for the local emission of the hot water vapour and of liquid cleaning admixture onto said surface, ensuring in a single pass, an evacuation function of the dissolved and/or dispersed dirt from the residual liquid and a drying function of the surface cleaned by means of a flexible lip, a means for storing the liquid cleaning admixture, - means for supplying the emission tool with hot water vapour and liquid cleaning admixture, - means for controlling the emission of hot water vapour and liquid cleaning admixture, - means for the aspiration of the residual liquid.

The automatic means for supplying the tool (1) with water vapour and liquid cleaning admixture are disposed in a portable case, and these means comprise: ^ 93 0 66 2 9 1^93 0 ^2 an electric steam generator heated by a shielded resistor and the internal temperature of which is controlled by an adjustable thermostat and the steam pressure of which is controlled by a pressure gauge, a tank containing a liquid cleaning admixture having a composition and concentration appropriate for the nature of the dirt, pipes for filling the steam generator and the liquid cleaning admixture tank (11), an outlet pipe of the tank connected on an admixture supply pump; a solenoid valve or valves for the admixture, mounted on the pipe and a solenoid valve for monitoring the distribution of steam on the diffusion tool, outlet pipes for the steam and the liquid admixture which are joined at the outlet of the case with the electrical conductors coming from an insulated case for supplying the different appliances with electricity and which are extended by the flexible tubes enclosed in the hose for supplying the diffusion tool, ventilation holes or apertures; an opening attachment means, supporting a large loop of the hose for freedom of movement, enabling the amplitude of the movements by the operator and the use of an extension piece for high operations.

The tool for diffusing the mixture comprises: - a thermally-insulated and extensible short handle, equipped with a frame ending in a support on which is mounted an interchangeable section made of elastomer or similar, comprising a lip, the flexibility of which depends on the nature of the surface to be wiped and to be dried by the evacuation of the very small quantity of residual liquid containing the dirt, is mounted perpendicular on said support, a sheet diffusion nozzle, integral with the support and disposed parallel to the flexible lip and in the vicinity thereof, emitting the mixture of low-pressure hot water ttL93oe«2 vapour and liquid cleaning admixture, over a width slightly less than that of the flexible lip, - means for controlling the automatic supply device of the steam diffusion nozzle and liquid cleaning admixture diffusion nozzle, - opening control means for the emission of steam and the emission of liquid cleaning admixture.

The diffusion of the mixture of steam and of liquid cleaning admixture is performed simultaneously through a single central nozzle, and the emission of admixture and the emission of steam become mixed in the vicinity of the inlet to said nozzle of the tool.

The emission of steam and the emission of liquid cleaning . admixture meet up again and become mixed at the outlet of the case at the inlet to the flexible tube in a single supply hose for the diffusion tool.

The means for the electrical control of the emission of the mixture of liquid cleaning admixture and hot water vapour is situated on the tool or on the carrying means.

The hose for supplying the tool with mixture is given a length which enables the use of an extension piece; the tool is provided with a means for extending the hose for supplying the mixture of water vapour and admixture.

According to the invention, for the cleaning of surfaces having large dimensions of the type including floors, ceilings or walls, the apparatus comprises: - means for automatically supplying the diffusion tool with hot water vapour, liquid cleaning admixture and compressed air and also a means for the aspiration of the residual liquid in which the dirt is dissolved or dispersed, preferably disposed on a truck, the tanks for the water, liquid cleaning admixture and for the recovery '»L93 0 6«2 of aspirated residual liquid having a volume adapted to the dimensions of the surfaces to be cleaned, - a diffusion tool comprising a handle extended for work on the floor according to ergonomic standards, in that said tool is equipped with at least one rotary brush for the disincrustation of dirt present on the porous floors to be cleaned, in that said tool is equipped with a nozzle for the aspiration of the residual liquid, in that said tool is equipped with a compressed air outlet for the rapid drying of the surface cleaned, - electrical means for controlling the emission of hot water vapour and liquid admixture, the diffusion of compressed air and the aspiration of the residual liquid, disposed on the handle of said tool.

The apparatus also applies to the cleaning of bodies and windscreens of various vehicles, and the diffusion tool in this case comprises a shorter flexible lip and also an additional nozzle for the emission of compressed air as a drying aid.

The advantages offered by the process and the means for its performance are as follows: - total, quasi instantaneous cleaning, in a single fast pass at more than 2 m/sec, without reversal, without mechanical action, of the smooth vertical and horizontal surfaces, even when very dirty, comprising dry and hardened deposits and aggregates; no necessity to protect fitted carpets, wallpaper, net curtains and other interior coverings in apartments, offices and different locations because of the total absence of the projection or flow of water or cleaning product; - large time saving with in comparison with known means, at least three times shorter than conventional methods; ’ 9 3 λ « « 2 - economy of liquid admixture having a cleaning action and of water, because the process considerably increases the combined efficiency of these two fluids; - possibility of using much more concentrated liquid cleaning admixtures; - compactness and greater lightness of the apparatus as the process requires less steam volume and less cleaning admixture; - simplicity and ease of use both for professional and domestic uses.

The process applies to all smooth surfaces such as: - glazing and smooth coverings for facades of modern buildings; interior glazing and interior sSiftboth surfaces of the type including wall paintings and ceilings; - smooth floors, tiling and synthetic coverings for offices, workshops and various buildings; industrial sheet steel structures, bodies of various vehicles.

The invention is described in detail in the following text, with reference to the attached drawings, given as nonrestrictive examples, showing: Fig. 1 a perspective view of the use of the apparatus according to the process of the invention, Fig. 2 a diagrammatical sectional view of the portable case in which are disposed the means for supplying the cleaning tool with steam and liquid cleaning admixture; Fig. 3 and 4 a front view and a side view of a first version of the cleaning tool; t!L 9 3 0 6 6 2 Fig. 5 and 6 a front view and a side view of a second version of the tool for diffusing cleaning fluids; Fig. 7 a sectional view along axis AA of Figure 3, of the supply hose of the tool for diffusing cleaning fluids; Fig. 8 and 9 a front view and a side view of a third version of the tool for diffusing cleaning fluids; Fig. 10 a first example of a section of a nozzle for the diffusion of steam and admixture; Fig. 11 a second example of a section of a nozzle for the diffusion of steam and admixture; As is shown in use in Fig. 1, the apparatus comprises a heat-proof diffusion tool 1 having a short handle, held by the operator in his hand, onto whose back is strapped a portable case 2 comprising a hose 3 for supplying the diffusion tool 1 with the mixture of steam and admixture.

The top of the case comprises filling apertures 4 and 5 for the boiler 8 and for the tank containing liquid cleaning admixture.

Fig. 2 shows the automatic means for supplying cleaning fluids contained in the case 2 which can be worn on the back by means of straps; they comprise: - an electric steam generator 8, the water of which is heated by a shielded resistor 9; the temperature is regulated by an adjustable thermostat 10 and the steam pressure by a pressure gauge, liLfl 3 0 6 6 2 - a tank 11 containing a liquid admixture having a composition and concentration adapted to the nature of the dirt present on the surfaces to be cleaned; - pipes 13, 14 for filling the steam generator 8 and the liquid admixture tank 11, an outlet pipe 16 for the tank 11 connected onto an admixture supply pump 18; a solenoid valve or valve 19, 20 for selecting the admixture to be used, mounted on pipe 16, and a solenoid valve 21 for monitoring the distribution of steam on the diffusion tool 1; - a steam outlet pipe 22 and a liquid admixture outlet pipe joined at the base of the case 2 with the electrical conductors 25 coming from a insulated case 26 for supplying different devices 9, 10, 18, 19, 21 with electricity, and extended by flexible tubes enclosed in the hose 3 for supplying the diffusion tool 1; - ventilation holes or apertures 24 provided on the case 2; an opening means of attachment (not shown), to support a large loop of hose 3 for freedom of movement, enabling the amplitude of the movements of the operator and the possible use of an extension piece for high operations. Of course, the apparatus can be connected to the mains by electrical conductors of sufficient length, or connected to a small portable generating set which can be carried on a scooter or similar.

Figs. 3 and 4 show a front view and a side view of an example of a version of the tool 1 for diffusing the cleaning mixture. It is formed by a rigid portion 28 acting as a short handle or grip for close work and designed to receive an extension piece, which may be telescopic, for high work, or again a long handle for cleaning floors. This handle 28 encloses an electric control switch 29, for controlling the opening of the solenoid valves 19 (admixture) and 21 (steam), and of the pump for supplying the tool 1 with liquid admixture. fcLfl 3 0 6 « 2 The ducts 22, 23 are extended in the handle 28 and end respectively at the nozzles for the diffusion of steam 30 and of liquid cleaning admixture 31, integral with a frame 32 ending in a perpendicular support 33 on which is movably mounted a section made of elastomer or similar. This section comprises a relatively flexible lip 34, ensuring the removal of the very small quantity of residual cleaning liquid in which the dirt is dissolved, and the drying of the cleaned surface. The nozzles 30, 31 may be formed by tubes made of metal or heat-resistant plastic material, comprising either a diffusion aperture over its entire length, or successive perforations disposed parallel to the lip 34. The entire tool may be made either cast in light metal alloy or made from injected plastic material. The steam diffusion zone 35 and the admixture diffusion zone 36 are shown a relatively long way from the lip 34.

In Figures 5 and 6 is shown a preferential version comprising a single nozzle 30 for sheet diffusion by a series of very fine holes. The tubular nozzle is represented very close to the lip 34. It may be further away from the lip, like the nozzle 31 in Figure 3. In the different versions of the tool, the tubular nozzles are slightly shorter than the lip 34. This lip 34 may be very long, 45 to 50 centimetres and even more, owing to the fact that it does not have to perform a scraping function and that the admixture comprises an agent enabling this lip to slide over the surface to be wiped and thus only requires a very low pressure on said surface.

In Figure 7 is shown an example of a cross section of the hose 3 along axis AA in Figures 3 and 5.

The ducts for the passage of steam 22 and liquid admixture 23, as well as the electric conductors 25, are duplicate moulded in a soft elastomer. In the third refinement of the diffusion tool 1 in Figures 8 and 9, the sheet diffusion lk.8 3 0 66 2 nozzles 30, 31 have been replaced by a single central diffusion nozzle 40 for the mixture of steam and admixture.

There may also be a sheet diffusion nozzle for one of the cleaning fluids and a central nozzle for the other. It is however preferable to produce the steam/admixture mixture before its diffusion, either at the inlet to the hose 3, at the outlet of the case 2, which makes it lighter as there is only a single hose for the passage of the mixture, or in the vicinity of the central outlet nozzle 30 or sheet diffusion nozzle 40 of the mixture.

In Figure 10 is shown an example of diffuser tube in which the hose 44 for the passage of liguid admixture is enclosed in the hose 45 for the passage of steam. These two hoses are joined on the diffusion side. They are provided laterally with holes 46 and 47 for the outlet of liquid admixture and steam.

Figure 11 shows a refinement of a diffusion nozzle formed by two attached identical sections, which are for example extruded 50, 51, comprising a tubular half-part integral with a plane lug 52, with one resting on the other and joined by gluing or welding. Holes 46, 47 allow the projection of the liquid admixture or of the steam.

As a refinement, the diffusion tool 1 may be equipped with an additional nozzle for the aspiration of liquid residue, particularly for working on the ground, for which the volume of the residual liquid after cleaning may be larger than in the case of cleaning operations on vertical or ceiling surfaces where it is very reduced. This nozzle is connected by a tube to an aspirator disposed either in the portable case or independently, placed on the ground. 0 66 2 For the cleaning of large or very large surfaces of the type including floors, ceilings or walls, in a variety of offices and workshops, the apparatus comprises: - means for automatically supplying the diffusion tool with water vapour and cleaning liquid, compressed air and also a means for the aspiration of the residual liquid in which the dirt is dissolved or dispersed, disposed preferably on a truck, the tanks for the water, liquid cleaning admixture and the recovery of aspirated residual fluid having a volume adapted to the dimensions of the surfaces to be cleaned; a diffusion tool comprising an extended handle for work on the floor according to ergonomic standards, in that said tool is equipped with at least one rotary brush for the disincrustation of the dirt contained in the pores of the floor to be cleaned; - a nozzle for aspirating the residual liquid, added to the diffusion tool; - a compressed air outlet for the rapid drying of the cleaned surface, also disposed on said diffusion tool; - electrical control means, means for the diffusion of steam and liquid admixture, for the diffusion of compressed air and the aspiration of the residual liquid, disposed on the handle of said tool (these means are neither represented nor described as they are all well known to the person skilled in the art); - a covered truck in which are disposed all the automatic means for supplying the diffusion tool with steam and liquid cleaning admixture, and also the means for the aspiration of the residual liquid and the compressed air supply means; the tanks for water, liquid cleaning admixture and the recovery of residual liquid have a volume adapted to the dimensions of the surfaces to be cleaned. The lip for the evacuation of the residual liquid is in this case stronger than for cleaning glazed surfaces. f Bt 8 3 θ $ - 2 When the application is the cleaning of vehicle bodies, the wiping lip is shorter and more flexible to enable the curved surfaces of said bodies to be followed more easily and the diffusion tool comprises an additional nozzle for the emission of compressed air to perfect the drying of the cleaned surface.

The process is performed in the following way: Onto the surface to be cleaned is projected a liquid admixture having a cleaning action and hot, low-pressure steam, acting in a physical-chemical and thermal manner on the liquid admixture by making it undergo partial changes in state for the part containing constituents having a low boiling point and by nebulising the other parti’ into homogenous micro-droplets within a cloud of water vapour. The purpose of this action is to cause detachment, fragmentation and the total and instantaneous dissolution and/or dispersion of the dirt and/or spots. With these projections is associated the mechanical action of tool 1 comprising the flexible lip in order to entrain the suspended and/or dissolved dirt in the residual liquid and to dry the surface simultaneously and very quickly in a single pass, with a perfect result.

This result is obtained even with a high degree of soiling and without the help of a brushing or scraping action to detach as a preliminary the dirt. The superficial wetting action is highly optimised. It is in the order of 20 to 25 mN/m.

It uses products and steam pressures authorised by legislation and/or standards of toxicity and use in force.

The rise in temperature and the thermal agitation around the charged spherical micro-droplets, caused by thermal convection of the hot water vapour, increases by 20 % the 0 662 contact with dirt (fatty deposits, liquids, solid impurities, nicotine, etc), optimises their propagation, their wetting and detergent effects, and the dirt is very rapidly and effectively impregnated, penetrated, and then detached.

The liquid admixture having a cleaning action has a flowing disposition or its composition and concentration is adapted depending on the variety and degree of dirt present on the surfaces to be cleaned. These non-vaporisable relative concentrations of base materials are adjusted so that in the presence of hot water vapour a homogenous nebulisation of the product occurs. This nebulisation is promoted by using: - solvents of the type including glycol ethers and alcohols of which the physical-chemical characteristics of speed, evaporation points, viscosity, ignition point, correspond to warm use. Their hydrophillic and lipophilic balance is adapted to a high solubility of the grease; surface agents selected for their high wetting, detergent and more particularly emulsifying characteristics; - additives: film-forming agents, sequestering agents, dispersants, hydrotropic agents.

Most of these base materials have emulsifying properties.

All these constituents are selected in formulation and have a decomposition temperature which is greater than the temperature of the solvent fumes and of the water vapour and have excellent compatibility with aluminium and its alloys.

Non-restrictive examples of the constituents used in the formulation of the liquid cleaning admixture used are given below: k-93 0 662 ) Isopropyl alcohol very generally available on the market; Solvents: monomethylic ether of propylene glycol, name PM, supplier DOW USA; monomethylic ether of dipropylene glycol, name DPM, DOW USA; - hydrocarbonated long-chain unsaturated fatty acid dimethyl amide or other amides, name DMAD, supplier BUCKMAN, Belgium; - hydrotropic agent: bioterge”* straight-chain sodium sulphonate octane PAS 8SF, supplier STEPAN France; - Hydrocarbonated surfactant, name LAUROPAL X 1205 supplier WITCO, France; - polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol, name LAUROPAL X 1205 supplier WITCO, France - Fluorocarbonated surfactant, ZONYLS family, supplier DUPONT DE NEMOURS, USA Sequestering agent: derivative of nitrilotriacetic acid DISOLVINE A, supplier AKZO CHIMIE BASE, France - Additives: glycolic acid, preservatives, colourings As a non-restrictive example, the said liquid cleaning admixture is formed of base materials in the following percentage order: alcohol and glycol ethers 30 % - hydrocarbonated long-chain unsaturated fatty acid dimethyl amide or other amides > 0.5 % - hydrotropic agents 1 % hydrocarbonated surfactants 2 % - amino functional fluorocarbonated surfactants > 0.5 % - sequestering agents 2 % - additives 2 % - demineralised water to make up Note: No English equivalent for the French word ’'bioterge” could be found. #^930662 The constituents listed above have a good toxicological profile, low toxicity for terrestrial and aquatic organisms, and better biodegradability. They are very favourably classified with respect to the regulations for the control of atmospheric emissions and water pollution. They are suitable for building materials (uprights made from metal and aluminium, marble, even when it is highly polished, fitted carpets, various coverings such as varnish, paints, plastic).

Selection of the constituents and optimisation of their content: - Adapted evaporation speed.

The solvents\have boiling points close to the temperature of the water vapour.

- Synergistic action between glycol ethers and surfactants.

There is a high solubility of the fats accompanied by a systematic breakdown of the organic deposits and dirt; this is thanks to adapted hydrophillic-lipophilic balances.

- Excellent wettability of the surface to be treated (by lowering the surface tension of the mixture to a value less than 23 mN/m).

This characteristic further improves the cleaning properties of the treatment. It allows a complete and uniform dispersion of the product, and assists its application: the tool slides over a perfectly smooth surface.

In an environment at a temperature of roughly 100 to 150*C, in the presence of hydrocarbonated surface-active products, the fluorocarbonated surfactants and the hydrocarbonated long chain unsaturated fatty acid dimethyl amide very considerably amplify the detergent properties of the >i_9 3 0 66 2 product. As a result there is a clear improvement in the wettability, the emulsification and the dispersion of the dirt. This mixture has a very strong detergent action, penetrates and instantaneously detaches the organic deposits and dissolves and/or disperses them in the residual liquid with a perfect result. The level of concentration of the materials of a formulation of liquid admixture depends on the degree and the nature of the dirt present on the surface to be cleaned. The base materials used in the composition of the liquid cleaning admixture become nebulised at temperatures of roughly 100 to 150* under the thermal action of the steam. They have very high percentage concentrations in the formulation. It is thanks to this nebulising action caused by the hot water vapour and its thermal action on the charged micro-droplets that one may obtain such strong and unusual concentrations, which alone are effective.

To clean and dry efficiently in a single passage of a flexible lip having a action speed of more than 2 m/sec on any smooth surface, the product has to act instantaneously on all types and varieties of dirt and according to the temperature of the base material. All these factors modify the speed of evaporation and evaporation point of a liquid which will not be able to clean universally without leaving traces. Moreover, to eliminate deposits caused by nicotine and to clean easily a heavily soiled pane of glass, additives which have a boiling range > 100* have to be used. A product in liquid phase can not meet this technical specification. Furthermore until now it was impossible to concentrate strongly the base materials of the formulations or to use them at temperatures greater than 100* because of evaporation. A very opaque white and/or blue haze systematically remains, after the passage of the flexible lip, because of the dry extracts which have not evaporated. A product in liquid phase can not satisfy this second technical specification either. fc_ 9 3 0 6 6 2 The versatility of action of the process according to the invention (micro-droplets charged with adapted base materials, within a gaseous mixture, withstanding temperatures of more than 100*).

It is the use of an amino functional f luorocarbonated surfactant such as ZONYL FSP (manufactured by DUPONT DE NEMOURS, USA) in the charge of these micro-droplets and undergoing the thermal action of the vapours of the gaseous mixture at above 100* which enables a reflective film which becomes adsorbed to be deposited. The characteristics of the film and the regulation of its application are increased by the addition to the charge of micro-droplets of an amide such as hydrocarbonated long-chain unsaturated fatty acid dimethyl amide of the DMAD type (manufactured by BUCKMAN, Belgium). The flexible lip uniformly spreads the film. The latter has mechanical properties of sturdiness caused by the absorbtion phenomenon. It has particularly good characteristics of biodegradability, and a gentle soaping is possibly enough to remove it immediately. It protects the surface by making it hydrophoric, it becomes fluorocarbophilic, and therefore prepared for a new application which further increases its reflective ability until a apparent, virtual three-dimensional reconstitution pf the objects or countryside optically observed through the pane of glass thus treated is obtained.

Moreover, the tendency for this non-greasy film to retain solid impurities such as dust and tar is clearly retarded. It avoids blooming which can be observed when a window pane has been cleaned with greasy detergent products, especially in winter when it undergoes very large differences in temperature between day and night.

The quantity of liquid admixture formulated and the concentration of its constituents are adapted as.a function of the quantity and of the predetermined temperature of the hot water vapour, in order to obtain the best ( 9. 9 x , ft-flJ 0 eg 2 characteristics of the micro-droplets and of the gaseous mixture.

The use of a microprocessor for monitoring the different parameters of the control of the electric elements and the flow rates of steam and admixture is specified.

Claims (10)

1. A process for cleaning panes of glass or other smooth surfaces, characterised in that it simultaneously uses on a surface to be cleaned: the combined use of an emission of a liquid admixture having a cleaning action and of an emission of hot, low-pressure water vapour, producing a physical, chemical and thermal action on the liquid admixture and transforming it, the effects of this combination causing the loosening, instantaneous dissolution and/or dispersion of the dirt present on this surface, a lip (34) which is flexible in action, mounted on a tool (1), evacuating the cleaning liquid containing the dissolved and/or dispersed dirt, and drying the surface.

2. A cleaning process according to Claim 1, characterised in that the hot water vapour causes a double change of state of the liquid admixture by transforming it into a gaseous mixture formed of vapours, and into charged micro-droplets, during the following phases: a vaporisation phase for a part of the materials which have a boiling point which is lower than or equal to that of the water vapour, a nebulising phase of the liquid part of the admixture into charged spherical micro-droplets having a geometrically optimal contact surface increasing the wetting effect of the process, a thermal action phase of the water vapour on the charged micro-droplets thus formed drastically optimising the potential of the physical-chemical *-030662 surface action of the surfactants and of the solvents, further increasing their exceptional wettability, cleaning and degreasing action, an agitation phase of the micro-droplets caused by the thermal convection currents produced by the hot water vapour.

3. A cleaning process according to Claims 1 and 2, characterised in that it uses said gaseous mixture of vapours and the charged micro-droplets, as well as the flexible lip, during the following phases: - an instantaneous vaporisation phase of the volatile oils and fats, a phase having an exceptional wetting, cleaning and degreasing action, solvent vapourjs and microdroplets having their effects greatly optimised on the dirt present on the surface to be cleaned, a propagation phase caused by the agitation of the micro-droplets, acting on the dirt, at the level of the contact zone with the surface, by fragmenting them, loosening them, dissolving them and dispersing them in order to be able to entrain them by the flexible lip, an optimisation phase for the entrainment of the dirt by the partial recondensation of the water vapour and of the vaporised solvents, because of the large difference in temperature between the vapours and the surface to be cleaned, an entrainment phase for the residual liguid containing the dirt in suspension, and a drying phase by the action of the flexible lip.

4. A cleaning process according to Claims 1, 2 and 3, characterised in that the liguid admixture with a cleaning action has a flowing disposition. ί*-- 9 3 0 6 6 2

5. A cleaning process according to Claims 1, 2 and 3, characterised in that the composition and concentration of the liquid cleaning admixture is adapted depending on the variety of dirt and degree of soiling present on the surfaces to be cleaned, in that these relative concentrations of base material are adjusted so that in the presence of hot water vapour there occurs a homogenous nebulisation of the product, in that the majority of these base materials have emulsifying properties, in that the said liquid admixture is formed by base materials in the following percentage order: alcohols and glycol*ethers 30 % hydrocarbonated long-chain unsaturated fatty acid dimethyl amide or other amides > 0.5 % hydrotropic agents 1 % hydrocarbonated surfactants 2 % fluorocarbonated surfactants > 0.5 % sequestering agents 2 % additives 2 % demineralised water to make up

6. A cleaning process for glazed surfaces according to at least one of Claims 1, 2, 3 and 5, characterised in that the liquid admixture has a high concentration of base materials, in that the micro-droplets, present within the gaseous mixture, are very highly charged with non-vaporisable base materials, in that the vapours of said gaseous mixture expose the base materials of said micro-droplets to a temperature of approximately 100 to 180*. PL930662

7. A cleaning process according to at least one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the charge of the microdroplets comprises an amino functional fluorocarbonated surface acting agent depositing on the surface, simultaneously with the dissolution and/or dispersion of the dirt, a regular and homogenous reflective film, spread uniformly by the flexible lip, in that the amine function is specified for the physical adsorption of said film on the surface, in that the reflectance of said film is increased by increasing the concentration of said amino functional fluorocarbonated surfactant. <

8. A cleaning process according to at least one of Claims 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7, characterised in that the mechanical characteristics of the reflective film and the regularity of its application is increased, by the association, in the formulation of the liquid admixture, of an amide to the amino functional fluorocarbonated surfactant.

9. A cleaning process according to Claims 1 and 3, characterised in that the recondensed residual liquid containing the dirt in suspension is aspirated at the moment of the last phase of the process.

10. A process according to Claims 1, 2 and 3, characterised in that the quantity of liquid admixture formulated and the concentration of materials therein are adapted as a function of the quantity and predetermined temperature of the hot water vapour.