WO2008125659A1

WO2008125659A1 - Washing head for washing a chamber and chamber interior cleaning device fitted with such a washing head

Info

Publication number: WO2008125659A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/054501
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frédéric MICHAUD-GROSBENOIT; Jean Chetail
Original assignee: Mgr Industrie
Priority date: 2007-04-13
Filing date: 2008-04-14
Publication date: 2008-10-23
Also published as: FR2914869B1; EP2205366A1; FR2914869A1

Abstract

This washing head (1) for washing a chamber comprises at least one static washing nozzle (3) which sprays a washing product at pressure into the whole of the chamber. It also comprises a rotary rinsing nozzle (4) which outputs a rinsing liquid, typically water at pressure, the 360° rotation of said rinsing nozzle allowing access to the entire chamber. Both the washing nozzle (3) and the rinsing nozzle (4) communicate with a common chamber situated upstream and supplied with rinsing liquid, typically water at pressure, to which a washing product may if desired be added during the washing phase. A solenoid valve allows the operator to select the appropriate nozzle for the washing phase or rinsing phase.

Description

HEAD FOR WASHING A SPEAKER AND DEVICE FOR CLEANING THE INTERIOR OF AN ENCLOSURE PROVIDED WITH SUCH A WASHING HEAD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a washing head for cleaning the interior of an enclosure, more particularly that defined by the trucks, including the refrigerating type and generally a container.

It also relates to a washing device incorporating such a head, allowing to perform semi-automatically the cleaning, washing, or even disinfection of such a chamber.

PRIOR STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

Increasingly stringent standards have been issued by the competent authorities for washing and disinfecting food storage and transport containers. They apply in particular to refrigerated transport which, besides the respect of the cold chain, must also satisfy hygienic and sanitary conditions.

To date, there is no automated system or device capable of responding effectively to these standards. Most often this cleaning and disinfection is carried out by an operator, using water under pressure, possibly with added detergent, using a water compressor conventionally marketed under the trademark "KARCHER®".

In addition to the fact that despite all the care likely to be implemented by the operator, a number of areas of the enclosure and in particular the cabin are likely to escape washing or disinfection, this operation is consuming time and therefore staff, so it is expensive. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to overcome these disadvantages and to propose a washing head to replace the operator and to ensure access to the washing of the entire cabin. For this purpose, it proposes a washing head of an enclosure comprising at least one washing nozzle and in which:

said washing nozzle is static but diffuses a detergent under pressure throughout the enclosure;

the washing head comprises a rotary rinsing nozzle, from which emanates a rinsing liquid and in particular water under pressure, the rotation of said rinsing nozzle 360 ° allowing access to the entire enclosure ;

- The said nozzles communicate with the same tank located upstream, supplied with water under pressure, if necessary supplemented with a washing product during the washing phase; an electro valve makes it possible to select, depending on the washing or rinsing phase, the appropriate nozzle.

In other words, the invention consists in providing within the same washing head a double member respectively washing and rinsing, fed by the same source of liquid under pressure, facilitating the implementation of this same head washing.

According to the invention, the washing nozzle comprises a simple stream, cone-shaped, allowing the ejection of the liquid washing product throughout the enclosure to be cleaned.

On the other hand, the rinsing nozzle is rotatable and comprises three effective zones for ejecting the rinsing liquid and in this case water, ensuring a 360 ° sweep.

According to an advantageous variant of this washing head, on the one hand, the washing nozzle comprises a liquid ejection zone, positioned at the end of a pipe and designed to project a mist of washing product into the enclosure and, on the other hand, the rotary rinsing nozzle comprises at least two preferably at least three effective areas of ejection of the rinsing liquid, these areas being arranged and designed so that the jets they produce, s intersect at least in part.

According to a particular embodiment, the free end of the rinsing nozzle is a cupola on which are arranged on the at least two preferably at least three ejection zones whose axes converge to a point located inside and on the axis of the dome.

According to an advantageous characteristic of this particular embodiment, the sum of the angles (αab, abc, aca) separating the at least two preferably at least three ejection zones is equal to 360 °, these angles preferably being equal.

According to another advantageous characteristic of this particular embodiment, the angle formed between, on the one hand, the axis of each of the at least two preferably at least three ejection zones, and, on the other hand, a orthogonal plane to the axis of the dome, is between 10 and 50 °, preferably between 15 and 30 °, and more preferably is of the order of 20 ° (eg +/- 3 °).

These advantageous characteristics of the arrangement of the ejection zones allow the jets produced by the rinsing nozzle to be interlaced with one another and thus to increase efficiency, by means of the single rotation of the rinsing nozzle around a single axis.

The detergent or detergent is for example stored in a tank associated with a metering pump, to deliver the required amount of liquid within the tank.

According to the invention, this washing head is mounted either on a mobile carriage in translation, intended to move inside the chamber to be cleaned, or at the end of a telescopic tube, inside. which extends a pipe for supplying water under pressure, and the electric cable or cables necessary for the electrical power supply of the motor rotating the flushing nozzle, said pipe and said cable (s) being mounted on an automatic winder, to allow to release the necessary length according to the needs, and in particular depending on the degree of deployment of the telescopic tube.

The invention also relates to a device for cleaning the inside of an enclosure, and in particular a truck or a container, characterized in that it is provided with a washing head as defined in the present disclosure , this washing head being preferably mounted on a carriage movable in translation, intended to move inside the enclosure to be cleaned.

Preferably, the washing head is mounted at the end of a telescopic tube capable of being deployed inside the chamber to be cleaned, and inside which a inlet pipe for the rinsing liquid, and in particular pressurized water, and the electric cable (s) necessary for the electrical power supply of the motor ensuring the rotation of the rinsing nozzle, said pipe and said cable (s) ) being mounted on an automatic winder, to allow to release the necessary length according to the needs, and in particular depending on the degree of deployment of the telescopic tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The manner in which the invention can be realized and the advantages which result therefrom will emerge more clearly from the exemplary embodiment which follows, given by way of indication and not limitation, in support of the appended figures.

Figure 1 is a schematic representation in perspective of a washing head according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a partial sectional view of this washing head.

Figure 3 illustrates the rotating rinse nozzle mounted on the wash head.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of the rinsing nozzle in perspective.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of the washing nozzle in perspective.

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the washing device of the invention implementing a telescopic tube, respectively in the deployed position and in the folded position.

Figure 7 illustrates this embodiment within a truck cab.

Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of the invention implementing a self propelled carriage on which is mounted said washing head.

Figure 9 schematically illustrates the washing head of the invention, mounted on a support more particularly adapted to the telescopic tube. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of the projection means of the washing head according to the invention.

Figure 11 is a front view of Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view along the sectional plane B-B shown in Figure 12.

Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view along the sectional plane A-A shown in Figure 1 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There is shown in Figure 1, a perspective view of the washing head 1 according to the invention. This basically comprises on its active side, respectively a static washing nozzle 3 and a rotating rinsing nozzle 4. These two nozzles communicate with a volume or tank 6 defined by the cover 2 of the washing head, and described in more detail. detail later.

According to this embodiment, the washing head is mounted at the upper end of a rod 5, which can be folded by means of a hinge system (not shown). According to a variant illustrated in FIG. 9, the washing head is mounted on an L-shaped support. In these two configurations, the washing head is fed with liquid under pressure, and in particular with water.

As can clearly be seen in FIG. 2, showing a schematic sectional view of the washing head 1, the two nozzles respectively of the rinse 3 and the wash 4 communicate with the volume or reservoir 6 defined by the hood. 2 by a respective pipe 9 and 10. The opening or closing of said pipes 9 and 10 is provided by means of a solenoid valve (not shown), depending on the working phase of said head.

According to the invention, the washing nozzle 3 is static. It has also been shown in relation with FIG. 5. It comprises in the example described a single ejection zone 16, emerging from the free end 15 of said head. The flushing nozzle is rotatably mounted, for this purpose, it is mounted on a rotary shaft received in a ball bearing system 12, integrated in the frame of the washing head. This rotary shaft is associated with a toothed pinion 8, which meshes with the driving pinion 11 of an electric motor 7, type 24 volts. This motor is supplied with electrical energy by means of one or more electric cables (not shown), for example passing through the rod 5.

The flushing nozzle 4 also opens into the volume or reservoir 6 via a pipe 10.

The flushing nozzle 4 comprises at its free end 13 three ejection zones proper 14 oriented at 120 ° from each other. In doing so, due in part to the orientation of these nozzles 14 in addition to the rotation of the nozzle 4, it ensures a diffusion of the rinse / wash liquid in the entire enclosure to be cleaned.

Figures 10 to 13 show a particular embodiment of the projection means of the washing head according to the invention. In the following description of Figures 10 to 13, the elements already presented above, in the description of Figures 1 to 5, are identified by the same references to which a zero is added.

As shown in particular in FIGS. 10 and 11, the projection means according to this particular embodiment comprise a box 101 of generally frustoconical shape whose base of larger diameter has a flange 102 in which are formed bores 103 allowing the attachment of the housing 101 on the cover 2 of the washing head 1, so as to define a volume or reservoir 6 as shown in Figure 2. The housing also includes a cover 104 fixed with screws 105 on the body 107 of said housing frustoconical 101.

This housing 101 has on its upper face a static washing nozzle 300 and a rotating rinsing nozzle 400 constituted by a cylindrical trunk 41 surmounted by a dome 42 equipped with three nozzles 43a, 43b, 43c. This static washing head 300 and this rotating rinsing nozzle 400 are disposed on the upper face of the lid 104.

The static washing head 300 has a single ejection zone 160 disposed at its free end 150. As shown in FIG. 12, this ejection zone 160 presents itself in the form of a cylindrical bore having an outer portion of slightly larger diameter but shorter in length than those of an inner portion. This is a nozzle that can be equipped with a central threaded rod carrying a nozzle and allowing the adjustment of the projection of the washing liquid / detergent. Preferably, this projection is carried out in the form of a fog which diffuses throughout the enclosure and which is deposited in particular on all the surfaces which delimit this enclosure. The washing head 300 communicates with the volume or reservoir 6 defined by the cover 2 and the frustoconical housing 101 via a pipe 90 shown in FIG. 12.

The flushing nozzle 400 is rotatably mounted relative to the frustoconical piece 101 and with respect to a central axis 100 that is useful as a duct communicating with the volume 6 and allowing the supply of rinsing / washing liquid, preferably water, to the rotating rinse nozzle 400 (see Figures 12 and 13).

To ensure the sealing of this rotary rinsing nozzle 400, there is provided, on the one hand, an annular seal 106 between the cover 104 of the frustoconical box 101 and the cylindrical trunk 41 of the rotary rinsing nozzle 400, and, on the other hand, an annular ball stop 107 disposed between the head of the pipe 100 formed by an annular rim 100.1 and a shoulder 41.1 of the cylindrical trunk 41 of the rotary rinsing nozzle 400 (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

This cylindrical trunk 41 has at its base, opposite the cupola 42, a toothed pinion 80 which meshes with a driving pinion 110 of an electric motor whose shaft 70 appears in FIG. fixing the toothed pinion 80 on the cylindrical trunk 41 (see FIG. The rotational speed of the nozzle 400 may for example be between 1 and 20 rpm, preferably 5 or 10 rpm.

In this particular embodiment of the projection means of the washing head according to the invention, the rotary rinsing nozzle 400 comprises, for example, three effective ejection zones 140a, 140b and 140c of the rinsing liquid (e.g. water). The latter may also be a washing liquid in the case where the liquid sprayed by the nozzle 400 mixes with the detergent / detergent sprayed by the nozzle 300. These three ejection zones, 140a, 140b and 140c respectively, have Xa, Xb and Xc axes that converge at a point located on the ZZ axis and inside the dome 42. This ZZ axis is also that of the rotating rinse nozzle head 400 and the pipe 100. The nozzles 43a , 43b, 43c and therefore the ejection zones 140a, 140b, 140c respectively form angles αab, abc and aca with each other (see FIG. 11). The the sum of the angles αab, abc and aca is advantageously equal to 360 °. Furthermore, and preferably, as shown in the example of FIG. 11, these angles αab, abc and aca are all equal to 120 °.

Moreover, it appears from FIG. 13 that the axis Xc of the nozzle 43c and of the ejection zone 140c form an angle of 20 °, for example, with the plane P orthogonal to the axis Z-Z. The same applies to the axes Xa and Xb corresponding to the nozzles 43a and 43b (ejection zones 140a and 140b).

It should be noted that according to a variant, the angles Xc / P, Xa / P and Xb / P could be different from each other.

This particular arrangement in space and relatively to each other nozzles 43a, 43b, 43c and their ejection zones 140a, 140b, 140c, allows the jets produced to intersect, that is to say to be at least partly confused. This combination of rinsing / washing liquid jets (for example water) partly combined, associated with the rotation of the rinsing nozzle 400, makes it possible to produce (preferably conical) bundles of rinsing / washing liquid, which give a Optimized and total sprinkling of a part of the floor, the ceiling and the walls of the enclosure. This bet is the one located opposite and within range of the nozzle 400. The displacement of the nozzle makes it possible to cover the whole enclosure.

As also shown in Figure 13, the ejection zone 140c of the nozzle 43c is in the form of a cylindrical bore comprising an outer portion of larger diameter and shorter than the inner portion whose end communicates with the inside the dome 42 and with the pipe 100 for supplying the rinsing / washing liquid (eg water). The same applies to the ejection zones 140a and 140b of the nozzles 43a and 43b of the dome 42 belonging to the rotary rinsing nozzle 400. Like the washing nozzle 300, at least one of the nozzles 43a , 43b and 43c can be equipped with a central threaded rod carrying a nozzle and allowing the adjustment of the projection of the rinsing / washing liquid.

As for the other embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the opening or closing of the pipes 90 and 100 respectively corresponding to the washing nozzle 300 and to the rotary rinsing nozzle 400 is ensured by means of FIG. less a solenoid valve not shown in the drawings. It may be for example a solenoid valve mounted on a liquid inlet pipe (eg water) under high pressure (for example 1 to 150 bar) and comprising a ball capable of moving under the effect of the electromagnet between two positions in each of which the ball obstructs the passage of liquid to the supply pipe 90 or 100 of the washing nozzle 300 or the flushing nozzle 400. This liquid inlet duct (eg water) under high pressure can be arranged in the tank 6. Whatever the projection means, in particular according to FIG. 1 to 5 or according to FIG. 10 to 13, the tank 6 defined by the hood 2 is supplied with liquid under pressure (eg 1 to 150 bars), if necessary with the addition of a detergent, or even a disinfectant, when the washing nozzle is in function . In doing so, at the level of the nozzles, whether it is the washing nozzle 3, 300 or the rinsing nozzle 4,400, a large pressure favoring washing, rinsing and generally cleaning, even the disinfection of the enclosure in question.

This washing head is advantageously mounted on a more general device as shown in relation with FIGS. 6 and 7.

In this first embodiment of the invention, this device consists of a telescopic shaft, consisting of a plurality of elements 20, 21, 22, 23 capable of being deployed or on the contrary of folding, depending on the length required, in this case the truck cab (Figure 7) to clean. This assembly is mounted on a reception platform 26, possibly mounted on vertical telescopic cylinders (not shown) suitable to position it in line with the lower floor of the truck cabin to be cleaned. The platform of reception of this device comprises the elements necessary for the operation of the washing head, and in particular an automatic winder 24, on which is wound the supply pipe of the rinsing liquid and in particular water, as well as than the electric power supply cable of the motor 7, at the level of the washing head 1. The other end of the pipe is connected to a source of pressurized rinsing liquid 25. That of the electric cable or cables is connected to a source of continuous electric power.

In the example described, this pipe and this or these cables extend inside the telescopic elements 20 to 23.

By way of example, the length of the fixed (outermost) telescopic element 23 is 6 meters, the length of deployment of the tube being capable of reaching 13 meters, ie corresponding to the standardized length of the booths. the longest truck.

According to another second embodiment of the invention shown in connection with FIG. 8, the washing head 1 is mounted on a self-propelled carriage 27, capable of moving inside the cabin to be cleaned. This truck is powered by one or more electric motors 24 volts, actuating the wheels and allowing a displacement of this one according to the needs. The carriage 27 is also provided with embedded electric cells, allowing to provide guidance and detection within the enclosure to be cleaned.

Such a carriage is further described in FR 2,885,821, so that there is no need to go into more detail here.

This carriage is shown in relation with FIG. 8 in place on a docking station 28, also adjustable in height, for example by means of telescopic cylinders and provided with access ramps 29 inside the truck.

FIG. 9 shows a washing head mounted on a structure of the type of the telescopic tubes of FIGS. 6 and 7. There is observed thereon the detergent tank 30 connected to the tank 6 of the washing head. This reservoir 30 is associated with a metering pump (not shown), intended to allow to introduce into the reservoir 6 the appropriate amount of detergent, adjustable by the operator depending on the surface to be cleaned or the degree of soiling of the pregnant.

Whether it is the telescopic tube version or self-propelled carriage, the device of the invention allows for continuous washing and rinsing of the enclosure in question.

It is conceivable the interest of the device of the invention to promote the efficiency and speed of treatment, including cleaning and disinfection, an enclosure and more particularly a truck cab.

Claims

1. Washing head (1) of an enclosure comprising at least one washing nozzle (3), characterized in that: said washing nozzle (3) is static but diffuses a washing product under pressure as a whole the enclosure;

in that the washing head (1) comprises a rotating rinse nozzle (4), from which emanates a rinsing liquid and in particular water under pressure, the rotation of said rinsing nozzle (4) by 360 ° (4). allowing access to the entire enclosure; in that said nozzles respectively for washing (3) and for rinsing (4) communicate with a same tank (6) situated upstream, supplied with a rinsing liquid and in particular with pressurized water, where appropriate supplemented with a washing product during the washing phase;

and in that a solenoid valve makes it possible to select, depending on the washing or rinsing phase, the appropriate nozzle.

2. Washing head (1) of an enclosure according to claim 1, characterized in that the washing nozzle (3) comprises a cone-shaped liquid ejection zone, positioned at the end of a pipe to allow access to the entire enclosure to be cleaned.

3. washing head (1) of an enclosure according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the rotary rinsing nozzle (4) has three effective zones of ejection of the rinsing liquid and in this case water, ensuring a 360 ° sweep.

4. Washing head (1) of an enclosure according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the washing nozzle (3, 300) comprises a liquid ejection zone, positioned at the end ( 150) of a pipe 90 and designed to spray a washing product mist into the enclosure and in that the rotary rinse nozzle (4, 400) has at least two preferably at least three effective zones (14,

140a, 148b, 140c) ejection of the rinsing liquid, these areas being arranged and designed so that the jets they produce, intersect at least in part.

5. Washing head (1) of an enclosure according to claim 4, characterized in that the free end (13) of the rinsing nozzle (4, 400) is a dome (42) on which are disposed on the at least two preferably at least three ejection areas (14, 140a, 140b, 140c) whose axes (Xa, Xb, Xc) converge to a point located on the inside and on the axis (ZZ ) of the dome (42).

6. Washing head (1) of an enclosure according to claim 5, characterized in that the sum of the angles αab, abc, aca separating the at least two preferably at least three ejection zones (14, 140a, 140b , 140c) is equal to 360 °, these angles preferably being equal.

7. Washing head (1) of an enclosure according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the angle formed between, on the one hand, the axis (Xa, Xb, Xc) of each of the at least two preferably at least three ejection zones (14, 140a, 140b, 140c), and on the other hand, a plane P orthogonal to the axis (ZZ) of the dome (42), is between 10 and 50 °, preferably between 15 and 30 °, and even more preferably is of the order of 20 °.

8. Washing head (1) of an enclosure according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the detergent or detergent is stored in a reservoir (30) associated with a metering pump, to deliver the quantity required fluid within the reservoir (6).

9. Device for cleaning the inside of an enclosure, including a truck or a container, characterized in that it is provided with a washing head (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, this washing head (1) being preferably mounted on a carriage movable in translation, intended to move inside the enclosure to be cleaned.

10. Device for cleaning the interior of an enclosure according to claim 9, characterized in that the washing head is mounted at the end of a telescopic tube (20, 23) capable of being deployed inside the the enclosure to be cleaned, and inside which extend a pipe for the arrival of the rinsing liquid, and in particular of pressurized water, and the electric cable or cables necessary for the electrical supply of the motor providing the rotation the flushing nozzle, said pipe and said cable (s) being mounted on an automatic winder (24), to allow to release the necessary length as needed, and in particular depending on the degree of deployment of the tube telescopic.