WO2011020734A2 - Procédé et dispositif pour nettoyer des substrats - Google Patents

Procédé et dispositif pour nettoyer des substrats Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011020734A2
WO2011020734A2 PCT/EP2010/061557 EP2010061557W WO2011020734A2 WO 2011020734 A2 WO2011020734 A2 WO 2011020734A2 EP 2010061557 W EP2010061557 W EP 2010061557W WO 2011020734 A2 WO2011020734 A2 WO 2011020734A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
air
nozzle
washing machine
water
air compressor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2010/061557
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2011020734A3 (fr
Inventor
Vadivelan Krisnamoorthi
Kirtan Shravan Kamkar
Amit Sah
Rudra Saurabh Shresth
Original Assignee
Unilever Nv
Unilever Plc
Hindustan Unilever Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Unilever Nv, Unilever Plc, Hindustan Unilever Limited filed Critical Unilever Nv
Publication of WO2011020734A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011020734A2/fr
Publication of WO2011020734A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011020734A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B5/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use of air flow or gas flow
    • B08B5/02—Cleaning by the force of jets, e.g. blowing-out cavities
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
    • B08B3/02—Cleaning by the force of jets or sprays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
    • B08B3/02—Cleaning by the force of jets or sprays
    • B08B3/026—Cleaning by making use of hand-held spray guns; Fluid preparations therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a process and a device for cleaning substrates.
  • the invention relates to an air-water jet device coupled to the motor of a conventional washing machine.
  • Washing of fabric articles is a commonly used process throughout the world.
  • a specific problem with all machine wash processes is that machine washing processes do not always removal stains on fabric articles.
  • special attention can be provided for stains, but in washing machines this attention is absent.
  • One way of making sure that stains are removed is the application of a pre- treatment composition onto a stain prior to the start of the washing process.
  • Sprays are generally defined as either high speed liquids e.g. water or a combination of water and air have generally been used to clean hard and non-porous surfaces e.g. cleaning automobiles, walls of buildings, metal vessels.
  • US4787404 (IBM, 1988) disclosed a low flow-rate pressure atomizer device which is so dimensioned and operated as to accelerate a gas to substantially sonic velocity and cause it to break up a cleaning liquid also input at a high pressure into small droplets and accelerate these droplets to at least half the velocity of said gas to create shear stress at a surface adjacent the exit end of said device, thereby to remove the contaminants or the like from said surface.
  • FR-B-1108989 discloses a process to clean a substrate by subjecting the substrate to an air-water spray generated by a spraying means comprising an air passage and a water passage.
  • US 2002/189641 discloses a device for cleaning a soiled surface, the device comprising a feed water container and an air compressor in communication with the spray nozzle comprising a water passage and an air passage.
  • Both of the above mentioned devices provide an air water spray that is mixed inside the device.
  • the disadvantage of such system is that the water flow cannot be reliably regulated because the air pressure goes against the water flow direction. This is especially problematic when a low water to air ratio (for instance in watenair ratios of less than 1 :9) is required or a low water flowrate.
  • the nozzles of the prior art are not suitable for this purpose.
  • PCT/EP2009/050869 (published as WO2009/103595), is the use of an air-water jet to remove a stain from a fabric article.
  • the air-water jet device as described comprises of a nozzle design for the external mix of air and water and a compressor for providing the required air.
  • the drawback of this system and all other air-water spray devices is that such air compressors and the required motor drives are very expensive.
  • Washing machines are usually equipped with a fairly strong motor drive that is very suitable to power the compressor of an air-water jet device.
  • air-water jet devices such as the device described in PCT/EP2009/050869, are very suitable for spot cleaning of stains on fabric articles, an integrated washing machine comprising an air-water jet device.
  • washing machine motor can be utilised for either washing, or using the air-water jet device
  • a washing machine comprising a motor having a shaft; a washing machine drum; an air compressor; and a coupling system characterised in that the coupling system is connected to the washing machine motor shaft and to both the washing machine drum and the air compressor, wherein the coupling system is disengageably engageable with at least one device with the rotating motor shaft.
  • the invention provides a coupling system connected to the washing machine motor shaft and to both the washing machine drum and an air compressor.
  • the coupling system may be any kind of coupling system capable of engaging at least one device with a rotating motor shaft.
  • Commonly available coupling systems such as mechanical or magnetic couplings, preferably disc clutch, combined conical disk clutch, magnetic clutch, pneumatic coupling, are suitable for this purpose. Magnetic couplings are the most preferred.
  • the coupling system is a double or multiple coupling system, which means that not one, but two or more devices are simultaneously connected to the motor shaft and wherein the devices may be engaged individually or at the same time. It is preferred not to engage both devices at the same time.
  • the couplings may be connected to the motor shaft or to the device shaft.
  • the motor is preferably connected to a device by a pulley and belt system.
  • the coupling device may be made of any metal, or plastic. Clutches are preferably made of ferromagnetic material. For example, bronze, mild steel, iron etc. Clutch surfaces are covered with friction material in order to engage after gear change and to avoid slip. Friction materials that can be used are ceramic, sintered bronze and moulded graphite. Air-water jet device
  • the air-water jet device comprises two nozzles wherein a first nozzle is in fluid communication with a feed water source; and a second nozzle connected to a source of compressed air.
  • the water source may be any water source, either provided to the air-water jet device straight from the water mains, through a pump, through a pressured container holding the water or by any other means, or even by gravity (i.e. by placing the water reservoir above the height of use of the air-water jet.
  • the air source may be any air source, either provided through a compressor, separate from or built into the device, or through a compressed air line, such as often available in hospitals.
  • Both the first nozzle (water nozzle) and the second nozzle (air nozzle) are positioned relative to an imaginary central axis (NOR).
  • the first nozzle is positioned at an angle ( ⁇ ) of between 1 and 60° relative to the central axis, preferably 10° to 30°; and the second nozzle is at an angle ( ⁇ ) of between 1 and 45° relative to the central axis, preferably 15° to 30°.
  • the mouth of the second nozzle is positioned more forward in the direction of the flow along the direction of the central axis than the mouth of the first nozzle, wherein the offset (OS) distance between the mouth of the first nozzle and the second nozzle is between 0.5 and 5 mm in said direction, preferably 1 -3 mm.
  • the first nozzle has an opening of between 0.05 and 10 mm 2 , preferably even at least 0.2 mm 2 , and not more than 7 mm 2 , more preferably not more than 5 mm 2 or even less than and 3 mm 2 .
  • the opening of the second nozzle is preferably between 0.2 and 3 mm 2 .
  • the scope of the present invention further includes configurations comprising two or more water nozzles directed at a single air nozzle. Although this adds to the complexity of the device, which is generally not preferred, it provides the additional benefit of point of action mixing or reacting different or incompatible ingredients.
  • the diameter of the first nozzle is preferably between 0.25 and 3.5 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm, but preferably not more than 3 mm, more preferably not more than 2.5 mm, or even less than 3 mm; while the diameter of the second nozzle is preferably between 0.5 and 2 mm.
  • the present invention derives its performance from the positioning of the nozzles relative to the imaginary axis and the offset of the water nozzle (first nozzle) relative to the air nozzle (second nozzle). Because of this positioning, the water coming from the water nozzle forms a film around the air nozzle and because of this gives a finer spray at a lower water to air ratio (i.e. using less water).
  • the air flow from the air nozzle is thought to create a local under pressure that ensures that the water is driven in the direction of the air nozzle along the air nozzle tip regardless of in which direction the nozzle is pointed. Furthermore, the water flow is not affected by the the air pressure, due to the separation of the air and water nozzle openings, which is a common problem with internal mix nozzle designs.
  • the water : air ratio is between 10:90 and 1 :9999, more preferably less than 5:95, still more preferably less than 4:96, even more preferably less than 3:97, less than 2:98 or even less than 1 :99, while the ratio is preferably higher than 3:9997, more preferably higher than 5:9995.
  • this distance is preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm, or even less than 0.5 mm. It is most preferred that the opening of the water nozzle is touching the air nozzle.
  • the air nozzle does not co-axially surround the water passage. It is also preferred that the water nozzle does not co-axially surround the air nozzle
  • the air pressure of the air source preferably has a pressure in the range of 1 to 4 bar.
  • the air preferably has a velocity of greater than 80 m/s at the exit of the nozzle (the nozzle opening), preferably greater than 120 m/s, more preferably greater than 180 m/s, most preferably greater than 250 m/s are preferred.
  • the air speed is less than the speed of sound (i.e. less than 334 m/s).
  • the airflow rate is preferably between 3 and 50 l/min, preferably more than 5 l/min or even more than 10 l/min.
  • the air flow rate is preferably less than 40 l/min, more preferably less than 30 l/min or even less than 25 l/min.
  • the water flow rate is typically between 2 and 50 ml/min, preferably more than 5 ml/min or even more than 10 ml/min, while the water flow rate is preferably less than 40 ml/min, preferably less than 30 ml/min or even less than 25 ml/min.
  • the air and/or water sources may be incorporated into the device, or be fit in a separate unit.
  • a separate unit comprising a compressor, a compressed air cartridge or cylinder or another source of air and/or a water reservoir optionally connected to the water mains is provided that is connected to a hand held device by means of a tubing as air line and/or water line.
  • the compressor preferably provides at least 1 bar pressure and not more than 5 bar, preferably less than 4 bar.
  • very low power compressors typically in the range of 0.05 to 1 HP, can be used to achieve the above specifications.
  • the pressure at the air nozzle will preferably be in the range of 1 to 4 bar, preferably 2 to 3 bar.
  • a device with a means to set the pressure is also contemplated; in this case the user is for instance able to choose between soft, medium and hard cleaning.
  • a vessel for storing compressed air may be included between the compressor and the air jet device. When a vessel is used, a compressor generating a higher pressure (e.g.
  • Water The water source may be the water mains, i.e. directly connected to the faucet, or be in the form of a separate reservoir.
  • the water pressure for use with the device may be relatively low, preferably at least 0.05 bar, more preferably at least 0.1 bar, but preferably not more than 3 bar, more preferably less than 2.5 bar, still more preferably less than 2 bar.
  • a separate reservoir When a separate reservoir is used as water source, said reservoir may be filled with water only, or a detergent composition. It is understood that in the context of this invention, terms like “water source”, “water reservoir” and “water nozzle” are not limited to water, but include also detergent compositions, preferably aqueous detergent compositions.
  • the water reservoir may be placed above the level of use of the cleaning device, such as to provide pressure, or may be pressured separately. When pressured separately, it is especially preferred that the reservoir is pressurised with compressed air from the compressed air source.
  • Figure-1 is a schematic drawing of a washing machine motor, coupling device, compressor and washing machine drum.
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic drawing of the air-water jet nozzles
  • Figures 3 and 4 show 3-D drawings of the air-water jet nozzles in different embodiments.
  • Figure 1 shows an integrated washing machine, comprising a motor drive (4), connected by a belt which is connected to the drum coupling (1 ), connected to a drum.
  • the motor drive is also connected to a belt connected to a compressor coupling (2) connected to a compressor (3).
  • the air line (A) of the air-water jet device is connected to the compressor (3).
  • the water line (W) of the air-water jet is connected to a water reservoir and control device (5)
  • Figure 2 shows a configuration wherein, the nozzle (N) has the outlet port for liquid (OPW) positioned away from the substrate relative to the outlet port for air (OPA), offset by a distance (OS).
  • the angle of incidence of the outlet port for liquid with respect to the substrate (FS) is defined by the angle ⁇ .
  • the angle of incidence of the outlet port for air with respect to the substrate (FS) is defined by the angle ⁇ .
  • the dashed line NOR represents an imaginary line which is normal to the surface of the substrate. As is apparent, in this embodiment of the nozzle the angle ⁇ is greater than the angle ⁇ .
  • Figure 3 shows a 3-D view of the configuration of Figure 2
  • Figure 4 shows a 3-D view of a configuration with 1 air nozzle and 2 water nozzles.

Landscapes

  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un dispositif pour nettoyer des substrats. En particulier, l'invention concerne un dispositif à jet d'air-eau couplé au moteur d'une machine à laver classique. Un objet de la présente invention est de proposer des moyens de couplage pour utiliser le moteur de la machine à laver pour actionner un compresseur d'air et de proposer une machine à laver et un dispositif à jet d'air-eau intégrée. Étonnamment, il a été observé qu'un dispositif de couplage raccordé à l'arbre du moteur de la machine à laver pour entrer en prise alternativement avec le compresseur d'air d'un dispositif à jet d'air-eau et avec le tambour de la machine à laver, répond au moins à l'un des objets ci-dessus.
PCT/EP2010/061557 2009-08-19 2010-08-09 Procédé et dispositif pour nettoyer des substrats WO2011020734A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IN1904MU2009 2009-08-19
IN1904/MUM/2009 2009-08-19

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011020734A2 true WO2011020734A2 (fr) 2011-02-24
WO2011020734A3 WO2011020734A3 (fr) 2011-05-26

Family

ID=43478027

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2010/061557 WO2011020734A2 (fr) 2009-08-19 2010-08-09 Procédé et dispositif pour nettoyer des substrats

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AR (1) AR077938A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2011020734A2 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8685174B2 (en) 2009-08-19 2014-04-01 Conopco, Inc. Process for cleaning hard surfaces
US8800089B2 (en) 2009-08-19 2014-08-12 Conopco, Inc. Process for cleaning teeth
US8910889B2 (en) 2009-08-19 2014-12-16 Conopco, Inc. Process and a device to clean substrates

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1108989A (fr) 1954-07-10 1956-01-19 Procédé de lavage du linge et machine pour sa mise en oeuvre
US3108465A (en) 1962-10-29 1963-10-29 Gen Electric Clothes washing machine having vibration isolating means
US4787404A (en) 1987-06-12 1988-11-29 International Business Machines Corporation Low flow rate-low pressure atomizer device
US20020189641A1 (en) 2001-06-18 2002-12-19 Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd. Substrate cleaning apparatus and method
WO2009103595A1 (fr) 2008-02-21 2009-08-27 Unilever Nv Procédé et dispositif pour nettoyer des substrats

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1094132A (fr) * 1954-03-01 1955-05-13 Prolongateur formant diffuseur à projection dirigée pour pistolets pulvérisateurs
US3021702A (en) * 1960-06-23 1962-02-20 Gen Electric Treating agent dispenser system for laundry machines
EP0059216B1 (fr) * 1980-09-06 1985-01-16 Guido Oberdorfer Dispositif pour nettoyage d'objets par pistolet pulverisateur
EP0140505B1 (fr) * 1983-08-15 1989-03-15 Generale de Mecanique et Thermique Procédé de nettoyage d'éléments industriels et système de jet pour la mise en oeuvre de ce procédé
WO2003102289A1 (fr) * 2002-06-03 2003-12-11 Steiner-Atlantic Corp. Procedes et dispositifs permettant de laver des textiles et d'empecher les faux plis
US20080295864A1 (en) * 2005-11-30 2008-12-04 Turner John C Scavenging cleaning system
DE202005019242U1 (de) * 2005-12-05 2006-07-27 Posth, Tassilo Kombinierbares Gerät zum Verteilen von Reinigung- und Pflegemitteln

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1108989A (fr) 1954-07-10 1956-01-19 Procédé de lavage du linge et machine pour sa mise en oeuvre
US3108465A (en) 1962-10-29 1963-10-29 Gen Electric Clothes washing machine having vibration isolating means
US4787404A (en) 1987-06-12 1988-11-29 International Business Machines Corporation Low flow rate-low pressure atomizer device
US20020189641A1 (en) 2001-06-18 2002-12-19 Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd. Substrate cleaning apparatus and method
WO2009103595A1 (fr) 2008-02-21 2009-08-27 Unilever Nv Procédé et dispositif pour nettoyer des substrats

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8685174B2 (en) 2009-08-19 2014-04-01 Conopco, Inc. Process for cleaning hard surfaces
US8800089B2 (en) 2009-08-19 2014-08-12 Conopco, Inc. Process for cleaning teeth
US8910889B2 (en) 2009-08-19 2014-12-16 Conopco, Inc. Process and a device to clean substrates

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AR077938A1 (es) 2011-10-05
WO2011020734A3 (fr) 2011-05-26

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