Air washing device
The washing device addresses high water consumption and health risks by using an air compressor to create a foam for cleaning, achieving efficient and safe vehicle washing with minimal water usage.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022009233
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-14
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-09-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle washing methods, such as high-pressure cleaners and automatic brush washing gantries, consume large amounts of water and require significant financial investments for water recycling systems, which are not fully effective and pose health risks.
A washing device utilizing an air compressor, injector, foaming device, and outlet orifice to inject washing solution into compressed air, creating a foam for cleaning, supplemented by a rinsing phase and drying phase using minimal water, with optional secondary lines for brushes and guns.
Reduces water consumption to less than two liters per vehicle wash cycle, minimizing wastewater treatment needs and avoiding health risks associated with high-pressure water jets.
Smart Images
Figure 00000018_0000
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Air washing device
[0001] The present invention relates to a washing device, in particular for a motor vehicle.
[0002] The invention further relates to an associated washing method and washing station.
[0003] To clean a vehicle, it is possible to use a high-pressure cleaner, commonly called Karcher ®, equipped with a high-pressure pump, in particular for washing a surface.
[0004] Cleaning a car with a system of this type generally requires between 60 and 90 liters of water.
[0005] Another possibility is to use an automatic brush or high-pressure washing gantry. However, for such a gantry, water consumption varies between 150 and 400 liters.
[0006] Thus, such cleaning consumes a lot of water.
[0007] A water recycling system is proposed for automatic brush washing stations.
[0008] However, such a water recycling system represents a significant financial investment, in particular through the installation of water recovery and settling tanks, the corresponding civil engineering and the associated equipment, which is likely to be greater than the investment for the installation of the brush washing gantry. In addition, during use, additional costs are to be expected, in particular for the destruction of the settling sludge, general maintenance, treatment products, monitoring of the recycling system and turbidity risks.
[0009] However, water treatment only covers up to about 70% of needs and not all wastewater can be fully recycled.
[0010] Thus, a gantry equipped with such a recycling system is difficult to make profitable.
[0011] Furthermore, such a water recycling system is excluded for high pressure washing because of possible health problems, such as nosocomial diseases, due to water droplets at the outlet of the high pressure jets.
[0012] An aim of the invention is therefore to propose a water-saving and inexpensive washing device.
[0013] To this end, the invention relates to a washing device of the aforementioned type, comprising an air compressor, an injector, a foaming device and an outlet orifice, the injector comprising a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet, the first inlet of the injector being connected to the air compressor, the second inlet of the injector being connected to a supply source of washing product, the injector being configured to inject the washing product into the compressed air of the air compressor, the injector outlet feeding the foaming device, the foaming device being capable of feeding the outlet orifice.
[0014] According to other advantageous but optional characteristics of the invention, taken in isolation or in any technically admissible combination:
[0015] - the foaming device comprises an intermediate nozzle and a nozzle tail, the nozzle tail being arranged directly downstream of the intermediate nozzle, the intermediate nozzle having a narrowing from upstream to downstream, the nozzle tail having a widening downstream,
[0016] - the intermediate nozzle extends between an upstream end and a downstream end, the nozzle tail comprising an upstream cone, a central portion and a downstream cone, the upstream cone having a decreasing dimension from an upstream end of the nozzle tail to the central portion, the downstream cone having an increasing dimension from the central portion to a downstream end of the nozzle tail, the downstream end of the intermediate nozzle being inserted into the upstream cone of the nozzle tail, the second cone forming the widening,
[0017] - the washing product supply source is connected to the injector by through a conduit having a flow limiting device,
[0018] - the washing device comprises at least one blowing turbine, the at least one blower turbine being configured to expel air at the outlet port,
[0019] - the washing device comprises a rinsing source comprising a solution of rinsing, the rinsing source being capable of supplying the outlet orifice, so that the rinsing solution is expelled at the outlet orifice,
[0020] - the washing device comprises a spray nozzle, the foaming device being configured to feed the projection nozzle, the projection nozzle delimiting or being arranged upstream of the outlet orifice, the projection nozzle comprising two lateral orifices arranged to form a Venturi effect in the projection nozzle,
[0021] - the washing device comprises at least one additional outlet orifice connected to the air compressor via the foaming device or an additional foaming device connected to the air compressor,
[0022] - the at least one additional outlet orifice is delimited by a brush having a passage opening forming the additional outlet orifice and / or the at least one additional outlet orifice is delimited by a gun having a stop trigger and an additional outlet nozzle, the device advantageously comprising a pressure switch between the air compressor and the gun.
[0023] The invention further relates to a method for washing an object, in particular a motor vehicle, by a washing device of the preceding type, the method comprising a washing phase comprising the injection by the injector of a washing solution from the washing product supply source into compressed air. supplied by the air compressor, the passage of the mixture of the washing solution and the compressed air into the foaming device and then the exit of the mixture at the outlet port.
[0024] According to other advantageous but optional characteristics of the invention, the method comprises a rinsing phase comprising the injection of a rinsing solution into compressed air supplied by the air compressor and then the outlet of the mixture of the rinsing solution and the compressed air at the outlet orifice, and / or a drying phase comprising the activation of at least one blowing turbine, the at least one blowing turbine expelling air at the outlet orifice.
[0025] The invention further relates to a washing station comprising a washing track provided with a washing device of the preceding type, the washing station has drainage towards a central collector provided with gratings, the central collector being provided with an absorbent fabric for hydrocarbons and a discharge pipe towards the sewer.
[0026] The invention will be better understood and its advantages will appear in the light of the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawing, in which:
[0027] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of an example of a washing device according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0028] An example of a washing device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in [Fig.l].
[0029] The terms “upstream” and “downstream” are understood in the usual sense in relation to the circulation of fluids in the washing device.
[0030] The washing device 10 is, for example, a washing device for a motor vehicle, more particularly for a car.
[0031] In the example shown, the washing device 10 comprises a main line 12 and at least one secondary line 14, 16.
[0032] The washing device 10, more particularly the main line 12, comprises an air compressor 18, an injector 20, a foaming device 22 and an outlet orifice 24.
[0033] The air compressor 18 is, for example, a dry twin-cylinder compressor, i.e. without a tank or reserve.
[0034] The air compressor 18 is capable of taking air from its environment to compress it.
[0035] The air compressor is capable of compressing air to a pressure greater than 3 bars, more particularly here to a pressure equal to 6 bars.
[0036] The air compressor is capable of compressing air with a flow rate greater than 50 liters per minute, more particularly here equal to 100 liters per minute.
[0037] The air compressor is further provided with an air filter on the air inlet.
[0038] This allows in particular that the compressed air does not include objects and to protect the compressor.
[0039] The air compressor 18 is furthermore, for example, provided with an automatic pressure safety valve, for example provided to open a valve when the pressure becomes higher than a threshold and / or a thermostatic safety.
[0040] The air compressor 18 includes an outlet for compressed air.
[0041] The injector 20 comprises a first inlet 26, a second inlet 28 and an outlet 30.
[0042] The first inlet 26 of the injector is connected to the air compressor 18, more particularly to the outlet, and the second inlet 28 of the injector is connected to a supply source 32 of washing product, here washing solution.
[0043] The injector 20 is configured to inject the washing product into the compressed air coming from the air compressor.
[0044] The first inlet 26 and the second inlet 28 of the injector are each advantageously provided with a non-return valve.
[0045] This makes it possible in particular to protect the air compressor, by preventing any rise in products.
[0046] The first inlet 26 of the injector is connected to the air compressor 18 via a valve 34, more particularly a solenoid valve.
[0047] The conduit or hose connecting the air compressor 18 and the first inlet 26 is here provided with at least one, here one, sampling point 35.
[0048] A portion of the compressed air leaving the air compressor 18 is taken at the sampling point and is not injected into the first inlet 26 of the injector 26.
[0049] This portion of the air is between 25% and 35% of the compressed air.
[0050] The supply source 32 comprises a reservoir 36 or a supply of washing solution.
[0051] The washing solution is, for example, a mixture comprising, more particularly consisting of, demineralized or softened water and an alkaline base with or without surfactant and, optionally, a perfuming agent.
[0052] The washing solution is capable of removing the static film on the surfaces to be cleaned, of degreasing, of cleaning, of decontaminating, of descaling, and of dissolving dirt, pollutants and insects.
[0053] The washing solution is, for example, pre-diluted or is, for example, automatically diluted as in the example shown.
[0054] In the example shown, the device comprises an inlet for demineralized or softened water, a reservoir for concentrated washing product and a pump capable of pumping the concentrated washing product into the demineralized or softened water inlet pipe. Said mixture is then injected into the reservoir 36 or forms the solution supply washing and is directly distributed to the pump described below.
[0055] In a particular embodiment, the power source 32 is adapted so that the washing solution is heated. The reservoir 36 and / or the concentrated washing product reservoir is or are, for example, heated. Alternatively, the water from the water inlet is heated.
[0056] The device comprises a pump 38 capable of pumping the washing solution from the supply source 32, here from the reservoir 36, to the second inlet 28.
[0057] The pump 38 is, for example, capable of injecting the washing solution at a pressure of between 15 and 18 bars.
[0058] The pump 38 is, for example, capable of injecting the washing solution at a flow rate less than or equal to 2 liters per minute.
[0059] The pump 38 is, for example, a micro-pump.
[0060] The power source 32 is, furthermore, connected to the injector 18 via a conduit, more particularly a flexible pipe, having a flow rate limiting device.
[0061] The flow limiting device is, for example, a feed nozzle 40. Alternatively, it is a needle valve.
[0062] The flow rate limiting device is arranged downstream of the pump 38, more particularly at the outlet of the pump 38.
[0063] The flow rate limiting device makes it possible to limit the solution injection rate, advantageously to a rate lower than the rate of the pump 38, for example to approximately 15 centiliters per minute.
[0064] The flow limiting device is calibrated so that the outlet solution has a constant flow rate and pressure.
[0065] The output 30 of the injector feeds the foaming device 22.
[0066] The compressed air pushes the injected washing solution into an inlet of the foaming device 22.
[0067] The foaming device 22 is capable of generating an overrun, an emulsion and / or a foam from its supply.
[0068] The foaming device 22 is here capable of generating a compact foam containing millions of microbubbles from the washing solution injected into the compressed air.
[0069] The foaming device 22 comprises an outlet, allowing the generated foam to exit the foaming device.
[0070] The foaming device 22 comprises, for example, between its inlet and its outlet, an intermediate nozzle and a nozzle tail, the nozzle tail being arranged directly downstream of the intermediate nozzle, the intermediate nozzle having a narrowing from upstream to downstream.
[0071] The intermediate nozzle extends between an upstream end and a downstream end.
[0072] The nozzle tail has a widening downstream of the intermediate nozzle.
[0073] The nozzle tail comprises an upstream cone, a central portion and a downstream cone.
[0074] The upstream cone has a decreasing dimension from an upstream end of the nozzle tail to the central portion.
[0075] The central portion has a constant dimension from upstream to downstream.
[0076] The downstream cone has an increasing dimension from the central portion to a downstream end of the nozzle tail.
[0077] The downstream end of the intermediate nozzle is inserted into the upstream cone of the nozzle tail.
[0078] The second cone then forms the widening.
[0079] The intermediate nozzle is, for example, made of stainless steel.
[0080] The nozzle tail is, for example, made of brass or treated steel.
[0081] An internal depression occurs when the air mixed with the washing solution passes. Suction is created at the nozzle tail, after widening.
[0082] The foaming device 22 further comprises, here, a compressed air inlet 42, the compressed air inlet 42 being supplied by the portion of the compressed air taken from the sampling point 35.
[0083] The conduit or hose connecting the sampling point 35 to the compressed air inlet 42 is provided with a non-return valve.
[0084] The compressed air inlet 42 is capable of feeding the natural suction in the upper part of the foaming device 22.
[0085] The foaming device 22, more particularly its outlet, is capable of supplying the outlet orifice 24.
[0086] The washing device here comprises at least one blowing turbine 44, the at least one blowing turbine being configured to expel air at the outlet orifice 24 of the washing device 10.
[0087] The at least one blowing turbine 44 comprises an air inlet, advantageously provided with an air filter, for example of the automobile type.
[0088] The at least one blowing turbine 44 has, for example, a power greater than or equal to 1000 W.
[0089] The at least one blowing turbine 44 is, for example, a motor-fan turbine with a power greater than or equal to 1000 W or two motor-fan turbines with a power greater than or equal to 1000 W or a turbine with a power between 2 kW and 4 kW.
[0090] This allows in particular that the foam obtained is projected at high speed at the outlet orifice.
[0091] The air outlet speed is greater than or equal to 100 km / h.
[0092] The sprayed foam then adheres to the surface to be washed.
[0093] More particularly here, the washing device comprises a blowing sheath 46.
[0094] The blowing duct 46 is connected on the one hand to the at least one turbine 44, di directly or via one or more pipes or hoses, and also has an outlet, here forming the outlet orifice 24. Alternatively, the outlet of the blowing duct surrounds the outlet orifice.
[0095] The blowing duct 46 comprises a tip portion 47 of conical shape having a diameter decreasing from upstream to downstream.
[0096] The conical tip here defines the outlet orifice 24.
[0097] The conical tip is here made of rubber.
[0098] The washing device here comprises a spray nozzle 48, the spray nozzle 48 being arranged at or upstream of the outlet orifice 24.
[0099] The projection nozzle 48 is supplied by the foaming device 22.
[0100] The projection nozzle 48 is here arranged upstream of the outlet orifice 24, further away particularly at a distance of between 10 and 20 centimeters from the outlet orifice 24.
[0101] The projection nozzle 48 comprises, for example, two lateral orifices forming a Venturi effect in the projection nozzle 48.
[0102] The Venturi effect helps to increase the speed of foam projection.
[0103] The washing device comprises, here, a pipe 49 connecting the outlet of the generator of foam and having an outlet provided with the projection nozzle 48.
[0104] The pipe 49 has a diameter greater than that of the enlargement.
[0105] The pipe 49 extends into the blowing duct 46.
[0106] The pipe 49 is, for example, surrounded on a portion by an intermediate tube 45, outside the portion surrounded by the blowing duct.
[0107] The blowing sheath 46 is fitted onto the intermediate tube 45, here in a hermetic manner.
[0108] The intermediate tube is, for example, provided with a gripping means.
[0109] The gripping means is, for example, an angled handle.
[0110] This makes it easier to hold the assembly provided with the outlet orifice.
[0111] More particularly here, the pipe 49 is surrounded, from upstream to downstream, by a flexible hose, the intermediate tube 45, then the blowing sheath 46. The hose, the intermediate tube 45, and the blowing sheath 46 are here fitted one after the other, here in a hermetic manner.
[0112] The turbine 44 feeds any one of the hose, the intermediate tube and the blowing duct, so that the air from the turbine 44 is expelled at the outlet orifice 24.
[0113] The projection nozzle 48 is here fixed in the middle of the outlet of the intermediate tube, more particularly using a grille placed at the outlet of the intermediate tube at to which the projection nozzle 48 is welded.
[0114] Thus, the blowing sheath 46 surrounds the projection nozzle 48.
[0115] The projection nozzle 48 is capable of projecting directly into the conical tip 47.
[0116] The projection nozzle 48 is arranged at a distance of between 10 and 20 centigrade. timers of the outlet of the blowing duct 46, which here forms the outlet orifice.
[0117] In the embodiment shown, the washing device 10, more particularly the main line 12, further comprises a rinsing source 50 comprising a rinsing solution.
[0118] The rinsing solution comprises, more particularly, a mixture of mineralized or softened water and a drying wax suitable for obtaining a hydrophobic effect and, optionally, a perfuming agent.
[0119] The rinsing source 50 is, for example, similar to the supply source 32, except for the solution contained, more particularly here the concentrated product corresponding here to concentrated drying wax.
[0120] In a particular embodiment, the rinsing source 50 is adapted so that the rinsing solution is heated. The reservoir and / or the concentrated product reservoir is or are, for example, heated. Alternatively, the water from the water inlet is heated.
[0121] The rinse source 50 is provided with a pump similar to the pump 38 for pumping the rinse solution.
[0122] The rinsing source 50 is capable of supplying the outlet orifice 24, here via a rinsing pipe 52, so that the rinsing solution is expelled at the outlet orifice 24.
[0123] The flushing pipe 52 extends partially into the blowing duct 46.
[0124] Here, the rinsing pipe 52 extends, from upstream to downstream, in the flexible tube, the inter tube intermediate 45, then the blowing duct 46.
[0125] The rinsing pipe 52 then extends in parallel with the pipe 49.
[0126] The rinsing pipe 52 has an outlet fixed parallel to the projection nozzle 48, more particularly fixed to the grid.
[0127] The outlet of the rinsing pipe is calibrated so as to limit the injection flow rate of the rinsing solution, here to a flow rate lower than the flow rate of the pump pumping the washing solution, for example to a flow rate equal to 30 centiliters per minute. The rinsing solution is, for example, injected at a pressure of between 4 and 8 bars, here directly into the conical tip.
[0128] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the washing device further comprises at least one secondary line 14, 16.
[0129] The or each secondary line 14, 16 comprises at least one additional outlet orifice 54, 56 connected to the air compressor, more particularly via the foaming device or an additional foaming device connected to the air compressor.
[0130] In a first alternative, shown in [Fig.l], the secondary line 14, 16 separates from the main line 12, and possibly from the other secondary lines 14, 16, directly at the outlet of the air compressor 18.
[0131] The air compressor 18 then has at its output an interface comprising an inlet and the desired number of outlets, equal to the number of lines 12, 14, 16. Here, the interface has a cross shape comprising an inlet and three outlets. Each outlet is here equipped with a solenoid valve 34, 62, 64 to select the outlets supplied by the air compressor 18.
[0132] The or each secondary line 14, 16 then comprises an additional foaming device 58, 60 similar to the foaming device 22 described with respect to the main line.
[0133] The additional foaming device 58, 60 has a compressed air inlet capable of feeding the natural suction in the upper part of the additional foaming device 58, 60, via a sample taken from the secondary line upstream of the additional injector, as described with regard to the foaming device 22.
[0134] The or each secondary line 14, 16 comprises, for example, a valve 62, 64, more particularly a solenoid valve between the air compressor 18 and the additional foaming device 58, 60.
[0135] Similarly, the or each secondary line 14, 16 comprises an additional injector 66, 68 adapted to inject washing product into the compressed air circulating in the secondary line, from a washing product supply source.
[0136] The power source is, for example, distinct from the power source of the main line. The power source is, for example, similar to the power source of the main line. Alternatively, the power source is the same.
[0137] In a particular embodiment, the or each secondary line power source is adapted so that the corresponding rinsing solution is heated, as described previously with respect to the main line.
[0138] According to a first example, shown on the secondary line 14, the at least one additional outlet orifice is delimited by a brush 70 having a passage opening forming the additional outlet orifice.
[0139] The brush 70 is connected to the additional foaming device by a flexible hose 72.
[0140] This makes it possible to manipulate the brush 70, in particular to allow brushing a bodywork or a surface.
[0141] The hose 72 is provided with an automatic winding mechanism and / or a bracket for dispensing the hose.
[0142] According to a second example, shown on the secondary line 16, the at least one additional outlet orifice 56 is delimited by a product application gun 74, having a stop trigger 76 and an additional outlet nozzle 78.
[0143] This makes it possible, in particular, to clean car interiors with foam using a quick and precise jet.
[0144] The gun 74 is connected to the additional foaming device 60 by a hose 80.
[0145] This allows easy handling of the gun.
[0146] The hose 80 is provided with an automatic winding mechanism and / or a bracket for dispensing the hose.
[0147] The device advantageously comprises a pressure switch 82.
[0148] The pressure switch 82 is adapted to close at least one secondary line 14, 16 when the pressure exceeds a given value. This makes it possible to automatically stop the secondary line when the user is not using the corresponding secondary line 14, 16, for example if the user closes the trigger 76 of the gun or does not use the brush 70.
[0149] More particularly, the pressure switch 82 is here adapted to automatically and selectively stop each of the secondary lines 14, 16.
[0150] The pressure switch 82 is not suitable for acting on the main line 12.
[0151] In the example shown, the pressure switch 82 is arranged upstream of each of the valves 62, 64 of the secondary lines 14, 16 on which it acts. More particularly here, the pressure switch 82 is arranged upstream of each of the valves 62, 64 of the secondary lines 14, 16.
[0152] More particularly here, the pressure switch 82 is arranged on an upstream part common to the secondary lines 14, 16, but not to the main line 12. More particularly, the main line 12 separates from the secondary lines upstream of the common upstream part, and the secondary lines 14, 16 separate downstream of the common upstream part.
[0153] More particularly, the pressure switch is adapted to automatically stop the washing product supply pump and / or to close the corresponding valve 62, 64.
[0154] Alternatively, the pressure switch is arranged on a single secondary line, so that it is adapted to automatically shut off said secondary line only.
[0155] Alternatively, in a variant not shown, one or more secondary lines separate from the main line downstream of the foaming device 22. The corresponding secondary line(s) then do not include an additional foaming device, and here an additional injector.
[0156] The secondary line(s) separate from the main line upstream of the turbine 44.
[0157] According to the first example, the secondary line then includes the brush and the hose connecting the brush to the foaming device.
[0158] According to the second example, the secondary line then comprises the gun and the hose connecting the gun to the foaming device. The secondary line advantageously comprises a pressure switch, as described previously, between the foaming device and the gun.
[0159] In the example shown, the washing device 10 comprises a main line 12 and two secondary lines 14, 16 of different types. However, this is likely to vary. The washing device is likely to comprise a single main line, for example such as the main line 12, or alternatively such as one of the two secondary lines 14, 16. Alternatively, the washing device comprises a variable number of secondary lines of the first type and / or the second type. Additionally or alternatively, the washing device comprises several lines such as the main line 12.
[0160] Furthermore, in an embodiment not shown, the main line 12 comprises a plurality of outlet ports.
[0161] More particularly, at the outlet of the foaming device 22, the main line 12 comprises several hoses supplied by the foaming device, each hose connecting the outlet of the foaming device 22 to a respective outlet orifice by a respective outlet channel.
[0162] Each respective outlet path is arranged as described previously, that is to say with at least one turbine 44 and a blowing duct 46.
[0163] The outlet orifices are, for example, arranged around the perimeter of a washing gantry, more particularly with at least one outlet orifice on each lateral side and at least one outlet orifice in the upper part of the gantry facing the roof of a vehicle passing through the gantry.
[0164] In a particular embodiment, the washing device is capable of being carried on board, more particularly in a backpack. The washing device then operates, for example, on battery.
[0165] This makes it possible in particular to use the washing device directly where it is needed, for example to decontaminate a place or an object directly on site.
[0166] A method of using the washing device will now be described.
[0167] A washing device 10 as previously described is provided.
[0168] The method comprises phases which take place automatically, for example after pre-selection of a program at the level of an automaton or with an electronic card.
[0169] Alternatively, the phases are selected using a remote control or by manipulating a button on an automaton or on the device.
[0170] A vehicle is arranged opposite the outlet(s), here the line main 12.
[0171] More particularly, in the context of a gantry, the vehicle is advanced to the gantry.
[0172] The method comprises a washing phase comprising the injection by the injector 30 of a washing solution from the supply source 32 into compressed air supplied by the air compressor 18, the passage of the mixture of the washing solution and the compressed air into the foaming device 22 and then the outlet of the mixture at the outlet orifice 24.
[0173] More particularly, during the washing phase, the at least one air turbine 44, the pump 38 and the air compressor 18 start. More particularly, the at least one air turbine 44 starts, then the pump 38 starts to inject washing product at the injector 20, then the air compressor 18 starts and drives the washing product through the foaming device 22.
[0174] The foaming device 22 causes the foaming of the washing product pushed by the compressed air.
[0175] The mixture, in the form of foam, is propelled by the air from the air turbine 44 to the outlet orifice.
[0176] More particularly, the foam is ejected by the projection nozzle 48, and is driven to the outlet orifice by the air turbine 44.
[0177] The application is effective, even in the event of external disturbances, for example wind or rain, up to a distance of at least 50 centimeters between the outlet orifice and the surface to be washed, in particular by the air propulsion of the turbine.
[0178] The rinse solution pump is deactivated here.
[0179] The washing phase has a duration of between 2 and 5 minutes, here three minutes.
[0180] The washing solution injection rate being, for example, 15 centilitres per minute, 45 centilitres of washing solution are used during the entire washing phase.
[0181] The method here further comprises a rinsing phase.
[0182] The rinsing phase is carried out after the washing phase.
[0183] The rinsing phase comprises injecting a rinsing solution into the compressed air supplied by the air compressor 18 and then discharging the mixture of the rinsing solution and the compressed air at the outlet orifice 24.
[0184] More particularly, during the washing phase, the at least one air turbine 44, and the rinsing solution pump start. More particularly, the at least one air turbine 44 starts, then the rinsing solution pump starts to pump the rinsing solution into the pipe 52.
[0185] The rinsing solution is here propelled by the air from the air turbine 44.
[0186] More particularly, the rinsing solution is ejected at the outlet of the rinsing pipe 52, and is driven to the outlet orifice by the air turbine 44.
[0187] The air compressor 18 and the pump 38 are deactivated here.
[0188] The washing phase has a duration of between 3 and 10 minutes, here five minutes.
[0189] The output flow rate of the rinsing solution being, for example, 30 centiliters per minute, 1.5 liters of washing solution is used during the entire rinsing phase.
[0190] The method here further comprises a drying phase.
[0191] The drying phase is carried out after the washing phase and, where appropriate, after the rinsing phase.
[0192] The drying phase comprises the activation of the at least one blowing turbine 44.
[0193] The propelled air makes it possible to expel any liquid from the bodywork, including joints and corners, rims, bumpers, handles and other areas.
[0194] The air compressor 18, the rinse solution pump and the pump 38 are here deactivated.
[0195] In one embodiment, a fragrance is, for example, diffused into the blowing air from a fragrance reservoir provided with a pump supplying a diffuser mounted on the blowing hose.
[0196] The washing phase has a duration of between 3 and 10 minutes, here seven minutes.
[0197] No liquid is used during this drying phase.
[0198] In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of using secondary washing using one of the secondary lines 14, 16.
[0199] For a secondary line 14, the step comprises using the brush 70 to brush a surface, with washing solution being injected at the additional outlet orifice 54.
[0200] For a secondary line 16, the step comprises using the gun 74 to spray washing solution onto a surface. More particularly, the step comprises pressing the trigger 76 to allow the washing solution to be sprayed through the additional outlet orifice 56 towards the surface to be washed.
[0201] Thus, to wash a vehicle according to a complete cycle including the washing phase, the rinsing phase and the drying phase, less than two liters of liquid are consumed.
[0202] This is particularly water-efficient, especially compared to conventional cleaning methods.
[0203] Furthermore, this also results in a reduced need for wastewater treatment.
[0204] The washing station comprising a washing track equipped with such a washing device has, for example, only drainage towards a central collector equipped with gratings.
[0205] The washing device is, for example, integrated into a washing gantry, the track forming the floor extending under and through the washing gantry.
[0206] The central collector has, for example, reduced dimensions, compared to the sludge tank of a conventional car wash, for example with a depth of less than 50 centimeters. The central collector has, for example, a depth of 20 centimeters and has, for example, a square shape with a side of one meter.
[0207] The central collector is equipped with an absorbent fabric for hydrocarbons and, below, a discharge pipe to the sewer.
[0208] The absorbent fabric allows oils and greases to be absorbed before being discharged into the sewer.
[0209] The absorbent fabric is, for example, changed regularly, for example every six months.
[0210] Such a washing station therefore represents a civil engineering project of a smaller scale compared to a conventional washing station.
Claims
Claims
1. Washing device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising an air compressor (18), an injector (20, 66, 68), a foaming device (22, 58, 60) and an outlet (24, 54, 56), the injector (20, 66, 68) comprising a first inlet (26), a second inlet (28) and an outlet (30), the first inlet (26) of the injector (20, 66, 68) being connected to the air compressor (18), the second inlet (28) of the injector (20, 66, 68) being connected to a washing product supply source (32), the injector (20, 66, 68) being configured to inject the washing product into the compressed air of the air compressor (18), the outlet (30) of the injector (20, 66, 68) supplying the foaming device (22, 58, 60), the foaming device (22, 58, 60) being capable of supplying the outlet orifice (24, 54, 56), the conduit or hose connecting the air compressor (18) and the first inlet (26) being provided with at least one sampling point (35).a portion of the compressed air leaving the air compressor (18) being taken at the sampling point (35) and not being injected into the first inlet (26) of the injector (20). the foaming device (22) further comprising a compressed air inlet (42). the compressed air inlet (42) being supplied by the portion of the compressed air taken at the sampling point (35).
2. A washing device according to claim 1, wherein the foaming device (22, 58, 60) comprises an intermediate nozzle and a nozzle tail, the nozzle tail being arranged directly downstream of the intermediate nozzle, the intermediate nozzle having a narrowing from upstream to downstream, the nozzle tail having a widening downstream.
3. A washing device according to claim 2, wherein the intermediate nozzle extends between an upstream end and a downstream end, the nozzle tail comprising an upstream cone, a central portion and a downstream cone, the upstream cone having a decreasing dimension from an upstream end of the nozzle tail to the central portion, the downstream cone having an increasing dimension from the central portion to a downstream end of the nozzle tail, the downstream end of the intermediate nozzle being inserted into the upstream cone of the nozzle tail, the second cone forming the widening.
4. Washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the washing product supply source (32) is connected to the injector (20, 66, 68) via a conduit having a flow limiting device (40).
5. A washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one blowing turbine (44), the at least one blowing turbine (44) being configured to expel air at the outlet orifice (24).
6. A washing device according to claim 5, comprising a rinsing source (50) comprising a rinsing solution, the rinsing source (50) being adapted to supply the outlet orifice (24), such that the rinsing solution is expelled at the outlet orifice (24).
7. A washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a spray nozzle (48), the foaming device (22, 58, 60) being configured to feed the spray nozzle (48), the spray nozzle (48) delimiting or being arranged upstream of the outlet orifice (24), the spray nozzle (48) comprising two lateral orifices arranged to form a Venturi effect in the spray nozzle (48).
8. A washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least one additional outlet (54, 56) connected to the air compressor (18) via the foaming device or an additional foaming device (58, 60) connected to the air compressor (18).
9. Washing device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one additional outlet orifice (54, 56) is delimited by a brush (70) having a passage opening forming the additional outlet orifice (54) and / or the at least one additional outlet orifice is delimited by a gun (74) having a stop trigger (76) and an additional outlet nozzle (78), the device (10) advantageously comprising a pressure switch (82) between the air compressor (18) and the gun (74).
10. A method of washing an object, in particular a motor vehicle, by the washing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising a washing phase comprising the injection by the injector (20, 66, 68) of a washing solution from the washing product supply source (32) into compressed air supplied by the air compressor (18), the passage of the mixture of the washing solution and the compressed air into the foaming device (22, 58, 60) and then the outlet of the mixture at the outlet orifice (24, 54, 56).
11. A washing method according to claim 10, comprising a rinsing phase comprising injecting a rinsing solution into compressed air supplied by the air compressor (18) and then discharging the mixture of the rinsing solution and the compressed air at the outlet orifice (24), and / or a drying phase comprising activating at least one blowing turbine (44), the at least one blowing turbine (44) expelling air at the outlet orifice (24).
12. Washing station comprising a washing track provided with a washing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, having drainage towards a central collector provided with gratings, the central collector being provided with an absorbent fabric for hydrocarbons and a discharge pipe towards the sewer.