Vehicle washing and / or disinfection facility

Abstract

Title: Vehicle washing and / or disinfection installation The invention relates to an installation (1) for washing and / or disinfecting a bottom of the body and the wheels of a vehicle (2), in particular a truck, comprising: two side walls (4) delimiting a passageway of the vehicle; spray nozzles (61) for a washing and / or disinfection liquid carried by the two side walls (4) and positioned to spray the washing and / or disinfection liquid towards the bottom of the body and the wheels of the vehicle; a base (3) from which the two side walls (4) extend, provided with a system for recovering the washing and / or disinfection liquid Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle washing and / or disinfection installation Technical field

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of an installation for washing and / or disinfecting road vehicles and public works sites, in particular trucks and construction machinery. State of the art

[0002] Within the scope of the invention, fixed vehicle washing and / or disinfection installations are known. These installations conventionally comprise nozzles for spraying a washing and / or disinfection liquid carried by a support, grids on which the vehicle or a part of the vehicle is located to be washed, and means for recovering the sprayed washing liquid.

[0003] Transportable installations such as that described in the patent document published under number FR2858286B1 are also known.

[0004] This installation allows washing and / or disinfection of the underbody and wheels of a road vehicle, in particular a truck. The installation comprises: - two side walls delimiting a passageway for the road vehicle; - nozzles for spraying a washing and / or disinfecting liquid carried by the two side walls and positioned to spray the washing and / or disinfecting liquid towards the underbody and wheels of the road vehicle, - a base from which the two side walls extend, provided with a system for recovering the washing and / or disinfection liquid,

[0005] When using these installations several problems can be observed.

[0006] First of all, the driver of the road vehicle may be confronted with a wall of mist resulting from the spraying of washing and / or disinfection liquids. This results in apprehension when moving the road vehicle forward, and difficulties in quickly or correctly positioning the road vehicle in the installation.

[0007] Furthermore, washing the underbody and wheels can be considered as dirtying the environment of the installation and for the other parts of the road vehicle, with regard to the deposit of suspended particles forming the mist produced by washing and the projection of dirt.

[0008] Finally, these installations result in high water consumption. Technical problem

[0009] The invention aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art.

[0010] More specifically, the invention aims to propose an installation which minimizes or prevents the creation of a fog wall.

[0011] The invention also aims to provide such an installation which limits the pollution of the environment of the installation or of other parts of the vehicle which are not cleaned.

[0012] The invention also aims to provide such an installation which makes it possible to save water. Summary of the invention

[0013] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which has as its subject an installation for washing and / or disinfecting a bottom of the body and the wheels of a vehicle, in particular a truck, comprising: - two side walls delimiting a vehicle passageway; - nozzles for spraying a washing and / or disinfecting liquid carried by the two side walls and positioned to spray the washing and / or disinfecting liquid towards the underbody and wheels of the vehicle, - a base from which the two side walls extend, provided with a system for recovering the washing and / or disinfection liquid, characterized in that each side wall carries: - an upper casing continuously overhanging the spray nozzles and extending upwards in the vicinity of them, - two end casings, each extending downwardly from one end of the upper casing.

[0014] The installation according to the invention makes it possible to reduce or even prevent the creation of a wall of fog.

[0015] As a result, it limits pollution of the environment of the installation and of other parts of the vehicle which are not affected by washing.

[0016] In fact, the upper casings and the end casings limit the propagation of water droplets suspended in the air upwards, as well as forwards and backwards relative to the areas on which the washing and / or disinfecting liquid is sprayed by the spray nozzles.

[0017] The upper casings and the end casings thus form means of containment of a water mist likely to be produced by the spray nozzles.

[0018] The water mist confined by the casings then condenses on the internal faces of the casings or on the side walls of the installation or vehicle located in the confined space to flow towards the bottom.

[0019] This also allows water savings to be made, thanks to the concentration of the washing liquid in the confined area, and its recovery by the recovery system.

[0020] According to a preferred characteristic, the passage corridor has a width of a value LP, and a maximum width of encroachment by a vehicle of a value LME, and in that the casings have an elongation width of a value LE, with LME+2xLE > LP.

[0021] In this way, the effect of minimizing the creation of a fog wall is optimized thanks to the installation.

[0022] According to a preferred design, at least the distal end of the casings, intended to approach or touch the vehicle, is made of deformable material.

[0023] In this way, at least the distal end of the casings can deform when the vehicle comes into contact with this distal end. Thus, the confinement effect is reinforced.

[0024] Indeed, the casings can thus have a length such that the advancement of the vehicle on the installation causes the deformation of the characters and thus the formation of a continuous barrier between the casings and the vehicle.

[0025] Preferably, all of the casings are made of deformable material.

[0026] Thus, damage to the vehicle that comes into contact with the casing is avoided, and the capacity of the casings to achieve lateral and upper confinement during the washing operation is optimized.

[0027] According to an advantageous variant, at least part of the casings takes the form of brushes. Preferably, the entire casing takes the form of a brush.

[0028] Such brushes form an economical solution and are particularly suitable for establishing the necessary containment to avoid the creation of a wall of mist when washing a vehicle.

[0029] Preferably, the recovery system comprises at least one receptacle surmounted by at least one grating.

[0030] According to a preferred characteristic, the recovery system comprises at least two receptacles taking the form of a chute extending longitudinally under a wheel path presented by the bottom.

[0031] These chutes form recovery means extending longitudinally parallel to the areas confined by the casings. In this way, the collection of washing and / or disinfection water is optimized.

[0032] Advantageously, the installation is transportable. Brief description of the drawings

[0033] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of different preferred embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings among which: • [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation, front view, of the installation for washing and / or disinfecting the underbody and wheels of a vehicle; • [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partial schematic representation, seen from side, of a cross-section passing through a chute of a recovery system of the installation; • [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of detail III-III illustrated in [Fig.2]. Detailed description

[0034] With reference to [Fig.l], a washing and / or disinfection installation 1 is shown.

[0035] This installation 1 is designed to allow washing and / or disinfection of the underbody and wheels of a vehicle 2.

[0036] In this case, the vehicle 2 shown is a truck.

[0037] Installation 1 comprises: - a background 3; - two side walls 4 extending from the bottom 3.

[0038] The bottom 3 has a rectangular rolling surface.

[0039] As appears subsequently, during washing, washing water flows and falls onto the bottom 3.

[0040] The bottom 3 is thus provided with a system for recovering the washing and / or disinfection liquid.

[0041] This recovery system comprises at least one receptacle 81 surmounted by at least one grating 82.

[0042] According to the present embodiment, the recovery system comprises two receptacles 81, each taking the form of a chute extending longitudinally under a wheel path presented by the bottom 3.

[0043] The two side walls 4 delimit a passageway for the vehicle 2. This passageway is located above the driving surface.

[0044] According to the present embodiment, the side walls 4 extend lengthwise over the entire length of the bottom 3, as can be seen in [Fig.2].

[0045] As shown in [Fig.l], the side walls 4 each extend orthogonally, or essentially orthogonally to the rolling surface presented by the bottom 3.

[0046] This position assumed by the side walls 4 corresponds to a position of use of the installation 1.

[0047] These side walls 4 are advantageously solid, that is to say not openwork.

[0048] As partially shown in [Fig.2], the installation 1 also comprises an access ramp and an exit ramp from the installation 1.

[0049] According to the present embodiment, the installation 1 is transportable.

[0050] Also, each of the ramps is mounted articulated on the bottom 3. This allows to adapt the angle of the ramp to the relief of the ground on which the installation 1 rests. These ramps allow a vehicle 2 to climb onto the bottom and then descend. This also allows the ramps to be folded, or stored, on the bottom 3 when moving the installation 1.

[0051] Alternatively, the ramps can be removably mounted on the bottom 3.

[0052] In addition, the base 3 is self-supporting. The base 3 can be provided with a base allowing the horizontality of the base 3 to be adapted and adjusted to the relief of the ground on which the base 3 is positioned.

[0053] Furthermore, the side walls 4 can be mounted to rotate on the bottom, between their orthogonal position relative to the rolling surface presented by the bottom 3, and at least one position tilted towards the bottom 3. The installation also comprises means for locking the side walls 4 in their orthogonal position relative to the rolling surface presented by the bottom 3.

[0054] The folding of the side walls 4 onto the bottom 3, and the storage of the ramps facilitates the movement of the installation 1, which can for example be moved by being positioned on a trailer of a truck using a crane.

[0055] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the bottom 3 defines a passage within the passage corridor defined between the side walls 4. This passage has a maximum encroachment width 10 by a vehicle.

[0056] In fact, vehicles which have a width greater than the maximum encroachment width must be considered as oversized, and must not be mounted on the bottom 3.

[0057] To carry out the washing, the installation 1 further comprises spray nozzles 51 for a washing and / or disinfecting liquid carried by the two side walls 4 and positioned to spray the washing and / or disinfecting liquid towards the underbody and the wheels of the vehicle.

[0058] Of course, the installation 1 also comprises means for supplying washing and / or disinfecting liquid to the spray nozzles.

[0059] More precisely, the spray nozzles 51 are carried by a pipe 52 forming a spray ramp 53.

[0060] Each spray bar extends longitudinally along a side wall 4 which carries it, and in height on the side wall.

[0061] The piping 52 has at least one connection end piece allowing its fluid connection to the means for supplying washing and / or disinfection liquid.

[0062] The supply means may be formed by a water source, for example a cistern or a water supply network, associated with a pump designed to pressurize the water, as well as a mixer designed to allow the addition of a washing and / or disinfection product.

[0063] With reference to figures 1 to 3, each side wall 4 carries casings including: - an upper casing 61; - two end casings 62.

[0064] These casings are of course carried on one face of the side walls 4 facing the passage.

[0065] The upper casing 61 continuously overhangs the spray nozzles 51 and extends upwards in the vicinity of the latter.

[0066] According to the present embodiment, each side wall 4 has two series of spray nozzles 51 extending longitudinally along the side wall 4, and with one series, called the upper series, extending above the other series, called the lower series. In this case, the upper casing 61 extends in height in the vicinity of the upper series of spray nozzles 51.

[0067] Preferably, the upper casing 61 extends over the entire length of the side wall 4 which carries it.

[0068] The end casings 62 each extend downwardly from one end of the upper casing. In other words, the two end casings 62 and the upper casing 61 carried by a side wall 4 form an inverted U on the inner face of the side wall 4, as can be seen in FIG. 4.

[0069] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, the casings extend in width orthogonally to the side wall 4.

[0070] According to the present embodiment, the casings are mounted fixed relative to the side walls 4.

[0071] However, it is conceivable that the casings are mounted movably on the side walls 4, between a position of use which would correspond to the position which they assume in FIGS. 1 to 3 and a storage position in which the casings would not project or would project only slightly relative to the side walls 4.

[0072] With reference to Figures 1 and 3: - the passageway presents: • a width of an LP value; • a maximum width of encroachment by a vehicle of an LME value; - the casings each have an elongation width of a value LE; and the following ratio is respected: LME+2xLE > LP.

[0073] According to the present embodiment, at least the distal end of the casings, intended to approach or touch the vehicle, is made of deformable material. In this case, at least the distal end of the casings takes the form of brushes. This makes it possible to establish an at least partially sealed connection at the casing with a vehicle which would come into contact with the casing.

[0074] According to the present embodiment, all of the casings are made of deformable material.

[0075] Also, all the casings are formed by brushes.

[0076] By brush is meant a grouping of bristles of substantially identical length, held together in at least one predefined orientation.

[0077] For example, the brushes can be formed from soft plastic or rubber bristles.

[0078] The bristles of the brushes are held together by being embedded in a longitudinal element 63. The longitudinal element may be a metal profile crimped onto the bristles. The longitudinal element may also correspond to a block overmolded onto the proximal end of the bristles.

[0079] It is conceivable that the casings are formed at least partially by other types of materials such as a flexible membrane, for example rubber.

[0080] According to a possible hybrid embodiment, the distal end of the housings can be formed by a brush while a proximal part is formed by a flexible rubber membrane.

[0081] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the fixing of the casings is described below.

[0082] According to the present embodiment, the housings are coupled to the piping 52.

[0083] In fact, the casings are integral with a plurality of fixing plates 71 adopting an L-shaped profile as seen in [Fig.3]. This fixing plate is for example metallic.

[0084] The fixing plate has a straight part intended to extend parallel to the side wall 4, and a folded part carrying at its distal end one of the casings, in this case the upper casing 61. The straight part of the fixing plate is coupled to the piping by means of flanges which partially surround the piping.

[0085] In this way, the casings are held in position relative to the spray nozzles 51 presented by the piping 52.

[0086] As mentioned previously, it is possible for the casings to be mounted movably on the side walls 4. This movable mounting may, for example, take the form of a hinge at the interface between the straight part and the folded part of the fixing plate.

[0087] The use of installation 1 is described below.

[0088] Firstly, the installation is put into the position of use. This is achieved by placing the bottom on a floor, deploying the access and exit ramps, then positioning the side walls 4 in their orthogonal position relative to the rolling surface presented by the bottom 3.

[0089] A vehicle can now drive up to the bottom 3 using the access ramp.

[0090] The vehicle, for example a road tractor, must be positioned substantially centered in the passageway delimited by the side walls 4.

[0091] If the vehicle has a width equal to the maximum encroachment width, then the casings at least touch the vehicle if they have their minimum elongation width.

[0092] The spray nozzles can then be supplied with washing and / or disinfecting liquid. Thanks to the at least partial confinement permitted by the housings, the suspended liquid particles tend to be better collected and evacuated, and thus not to create a wall of mist.

Claims

Claims

1. Installation (1) for washing and / or disinfecting a bottom of the body and the wheels of a vehicle (2), in particular a truck, comprising: - two side walls (4) delimiting a passageway of the vehicle; - spray nozzles (61) for a washing and / or disinfecting liquid carried by the two side walls (4) and positioned to spray the washing and / or disinfecting liquid towards the underbody and the wheels of the vehicle, - a base (3) from which the two side walls (4) extend, provided with a system for recovering the washing and / or disinfecting liquid, characterized in that each side wall (4) carries: - an upper casing (61) continuously overhanging the spray nozzles and extending upwards in the vicinity thereof, - two end casings (62), each extending downwards from one end of the upper casing (61).

2. Installation (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the passage corridor has a width of a value LP, and a maximum width of encroachment by a vehicle of a value LME, and in that the casings have an elongation width of a value LE, with LME+2xLE > LP.

3. Installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the distal end of the casings, intended to approach or touch the vehicle (2), is made of deformable material.

4. Installation (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that all of the casings are made of deformable material.

5. Installation (1) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that at least part of the casings takes the form of brushes.

6. Installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recovery system 10 comprises at least one receptacle (81) surmounted by at least one grating (82).

7. Installation (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the recovery system comprises at least two receptacles (81) taking the form of a chute extending longitudinally under a wheel path presented by the bottom (3).

8. Installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is transportable.

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