Patent Application
20210107606
The present invention relates to a cleaning system. In particular, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a cleaning system for cleaning of window surfaces of a ship.
Further, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning a surface of an object. In particular, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for cleaning of window surfaces of a ship.
Additionally, the present invention relates to a use of a cleaning system. In particular, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a use of a cleaning system in connection with cleaning of window surfaces of a ship.
Different cleaning systems for cleaning of surfaces are commonly known. Some known cleaning systems are designed for cleaning of surfaces such as window surfaces of ships. Cleaning of window surfaces of ships is not only required for visibility and safety reasons but instead or in addition for passenger experience. In these days e.g. passenger vessels and cruise ships are often equipped with complex window structures such as domes or other similar structures which have to be regularly cleaned.
Three-dimensional window structures of ships are typically cleaned utilizing manually operated pressure cleaners. The pressure cleaners operate with high pressure, typically with 15 bar or more water pressure. The pressure may be, for example 100 bar or 200 bar.
For planar window structures different devices for cleaning have been developed so far. Document DE 3538078 A1, for example, discloses a cleaning apparatus for cleaning of planar window surfaces of passenger ships having several rows of windows which are arranged one above the other and extend along the side walls of the ship. The apparatus has a sliding carriage which rolls on rails provided on the ship and is moved along the side walls of the ship. A frame which carries the sliding carriage includes one or more spray devices to which several spray nozzles are fastened. The spray nozzles are arranged opposite to the windows and clean them with high pressure.
In view of the foregoing, it would be beneficial to provide a cleaning system for cleaning of surfaces of an object, for example for cleaning of window surfaces of a ship. In particular, it would be beneficial to provide a cleaning system for cleaning of complex three-dimensional window structures of a ship.
The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning system comprising a first guiding configured to be coupled to an object, a second guiding configured to be coupled to the object such that the second guiding is arranged at a distance from the first guiding, a first part movably coupled to the first guiding, a second part movably coupled to the second guiding, wherein the first part is movable relative to the second part, and wherein the system further comprises at least a first drive system configured to simultaneously move the first part and the second part along the first guiding and the second guiding.
Various embodiments of the first aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for cleaning a surface of an object, the method comprising coupling a first guiding to an object, coupling a second guiding to the object such that the second guiding is arranged at a distance from the first guiding, coupling a first part movably to the first guiding, coupling a second part movably to the second guiding, simultaneously moving the first part and the second part along the first guiding and the second guiding by at least a first drive system, wherein the first part is movable relative to the second part.
Various embodiments of the second aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a cleaning system in accordance with any one of claims 1-13 in connection with cleaning of a surface of a ship or building. According to a certain embodiment, the use is directed to cleaning of a window surface of a ship, for example a curved surface of a dome, a planar surface or any other structure.
Considerable advantages are obtained by means of certain embodiments of the present invention. A cleaning system, a method for cleaning a surface of an object and a use of a cleaning system are provided.
According to certain embodiments, the cleaning system is capable of cleaning window surfaces of complex three-dimensional structures such as domes or other structures. The cleaning system is particularly useful for cleaning of curves surfaces. Cleaning of the cleaning surface takes place utilizing fresh water and cleaning elements which are brought in contact with the cleaning surface.
Parts of the cleaning system are allowed to move relative to each other, and thus guide rails of the system do not have to be fixedly attached exactly parallel to each other. Consequently, installation of the system can be carried out quickly and cost-efficiently.
According to certain embodiments, the cleaning system can be connected to a standard fresh water supply system of a ship. Increasing of water pressure by a pump is not required. Fresh water is guided to the water outlets of the cleaning system, and thus to the cleaning area. The window is cleaned by moving the cleaning system with its cleaning elements along the cleaning area.
An environment-friendly window cleaning system is provided as no cleaning agents have to be added to the supplied fresh water. However, specific cleaning agents may be provided according to certain embodiments.
According to certain embodiments, the cleaning system may be remotely controlled by an operator. According to certain other embodiments, the cleaning system may automatically carry out a preset program. According to even further embodiments, the cleaning system may be controlled by a control unit.
In
The cleaning system 1 comprises a first guiding 2 configured to be coupled to the object 3. Additionally, the cleaning system comprises a second guiding 4 configured to be coupled to the object 3 such that the second guiding 4 is arranged at a distance from the first guiding 2. According to this embodiment, the first guiding 2 and the second guiding 4 are ideally arranged parallel to each other. However, the first guiding 2 and second guiding 4 are typically not exactly parallel arranged to each other due to the substantial length of the ship and/or curved outer surfaces of the ship. In fact, the first guiding 2 and the second guiding 4 are typically arranged only substantially parallel to each other. Arrangement of the first guiding 2 and the second guiding 4 only substantially parallel to each other further reduces installation time.
The cleaning system 1 further comprises a first part 5 movably coupled to the first guiding 2 and a second part 6 movably coupled to the second guiding 4. The first part 5 is movable relative to the second part 6 as indicated by arrow 18. The first part 5 may be movable relative to the second part 6 in a telescope-like manner, for instance. In other words, the first part 5 is movable relative to the second part 6 in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the cleaning system 1 as indicated by arrow 17. Both the first part 5 and the second part 6 may each comprise a hollow profile. The cross-section of the hollow profiles may be, for example, rectangular. The second part 6 may be partially inserted into the hollow first part 5, for instance.
The cleaning system 1 further comprises a drive system (not shown) configured to simultaneously move the first part 5 and the second part 6 along the first guiding 2 and the second guiding 4 as indicated by arrow 17. Drive systems for driving a structure along a guiding are commercially available. However, specific details of a drive system, which may be utilized in connection with certain embodiments of the present invention, are described in connection with
Furthermore, the cleaning system 1 comprises cleaning elements 7 coupled to each of the first part 5 and the second part 6. Examples of cleaning elements 7 are bristles, rubber lips, deck cloth, garment or any other elements suitable for cleaning of a surface 9. The cleaning elements 7 are arranged to be brought into mechanical contact with the surface 9 to be cleaned, for example with window surfaces of a ship.
Additionally, the cleaning system comprises at least one fresh water connector 8 for supplying at least one of the first part 5 and the second part 6 with fresh water for cleaning the surface 9 of the object 3. The fresh water connector 8 may be connected to a fresh water supply system (not shown) of the ship, for example by a hose. At least one of the first part 5 and the second part 6 may comprise a plurality of fresh water outlets 20. The cleaning system 1 is configured to guide fresh water from the at least one fresh water connector 8 to the plurality of fresh water outlets 20. According to certain embodiments, fresh water with a pressure of less than 10 bar is provided to the fresh water connector 8. In other words, the fresh water supply system of the ship may be used for cleaning of the surface 9. It is not required to provide water for cleaning the surface 9 with high pressure. According to certain other embodiments, fresh water with a water pressure of more than 10 bar or more than 15 bar is received by the fresh water connector. The water pressure may be in the range between 100-200 bar, for instance. The water can then be sprayed under high pressure to the surface to be cleaned. The water outlets 20 may be designed as spray nozzles in such a case. According to certain embodiments, the fresh water is pre-treated or filtered prior to use in the system 1. In particular, minerals may be removed from the fresh water so that no stripes remain on the glass surface after cleaning.
In
The shown cleaning system 1 comprises a first guiding 2 configured to be coupled to the object 3. Further, the cleaning system 1 comprises a second guiding 4 configured to be coupled to the object 3 such that the second guiding 4 is arranged at a distance from the first guiding 2. Additionally, the cleaning system 1 comprises a third guiding 10 configured to be coupled to the object 3 such that the third guiding 10 is arranged at a distance from the second guiding 4. The distance between the first guiding 2 and the second guiding 4 may be, for example, in the range between 0.5 m-5 m. The distance between the second guiding 4 and the third guiding may be, for example, in the range between 0.5 m-5 m. The distance between the first guiding 2 and the second guiding 4 and/or the distance between the second guiding 4 and the third guiding 10 may be constant or varying along the curved structure.
The cleaning system 1 further comprises a first part 5 movably coupled to the first guiding 2 and a second part 6 movably coupled to the second guiding 4. The first part 5 is movable relative to the second part 6 as indicated by arrow 18. The second part 6 may be coupled to the second guiding 4 via a first joint in the form of a first ball joint 13 as illustrated in
The first part 5 may be movable relative to the second part 6 as indicated by arrow 18. The first part 5 may be movable relative to the second part 6 in a telescope-like manner, for instance. In other words, the first part 5 is movable relative to the second part 6 in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the cleaning system 1 as indicated by arrow 18. Furthermore, the third part 11 may be movable relative to the fourth part 12 as indicated by arrow 19. The third part 11 may be movable relative to the fourth part 12 in a telescope-like manner, for instance. In other words, the third part 11 may be movable relative to the fourth part 12 in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the cleaning system 1 as indicated by arrow 17.
The cleaning system 1 further comprises a drive system (not shown) configured to simultaneously move the first part 5, the second part 6, the third part 11 and the fourth part 12 along the first guiding 2, the second guiding 4 and the third guiding 10 as indicated by arrow 17. Drive systems for driving a structure along a guiding are commercially available, and are thus not further explained within this document.
Furthermore, the cleaning system 1 comprises cleaning elements 7 coupled to each of the first part 5, the second part 6, the third part 11 and the fourth part 12. Examples of cleaning elements 7 are bristles, rubber lips, deck cloth, garment or any other elements suitable for cleaning of a surface 9 such as a window surface of a structure of a ship. The cleaning elements 7 are arranged to be brought into mechanical contact with the surface 9 to be cleaned.
Additionally, the cleaning system 1 comprises at least one fresh water connector 8 for supplying at least one of the first part 5, the second part 6, the third part 11 and the fourth part 12 with fresh water for cleaning the surface 9 of the object 3 as illustrated in
The shown cleaning system 1 is configured to move along a curved surface 9 formed by a plurality of window elements 21. Cleaning of the window elements 21 can take place by utilizing water and the cleaning elements. No further additives need to be used. An environment friendly cleaning system 1 for cleaning of complex three-dimensional structures is provided in accordance with the shown embodiment. Of course, a cleaning agent may be also used under certain circumstances.
In
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Additionally, a third part 11 is coupled to the second part 6 via a second joint 14 in the form of a hinge joint. The hinge joint 14 allows orientation of the third part 11 and the fourth part 12 at an angle relative to the first part 5 and the second part 6. The angle may be, for example, in the range between 5-25 degrees. Window elements 21 which are arranged at an angle relative to each other can thus be cleaned by the cleaning system 1.
In
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In
According to another embodiment, the cleaning system 1 is carrying out a preset program. For example, the cleaning system 1 may move along the window structure once per day or several times per day. Water flow is automatically activated, the cleaning system 1 then automatically moves along the window structure and subsequently the water flow is automatically stopped. The cleaning system 1 may move back into the start position or a standby position after cleaning.
According to an even further embodiment, the cleaning system 1 is controlled by a control unit. The control unit may be, for example, a computing device. According to this embodiment, the cleaning system 1 comprises a processor, which may comprise, for example, a single- or multi-core processor. The processor may be configured, at least in part by computer instructions, to perform actions. The cleaning system 1 further comprises at least one memory. The memory may be at least in part accessible to the processor. The memory may be at least in part comprised in the processor. The memory may be means for storing information. The memory may comprise computer instructions that the processor is configured to execute. When computer instructions configured to cause the processor to perform certain actions stored in the memory, and cleaning system 1 overall is configured to run under the direction of the processor using computer instructions from the memory, the processor and/or its at least one processing core may be considered to be configured to perform said certain actions. The processor and the memory may be at least in part external to the cleaning system 1 but accessible to the cleaning system 1. For example, the control unit may be located in a control station or on a bridge of a ship. Cleaning may be controlled via the control unit. There is provided a non-transitory computer readable memory having stored thereon a set of computer implementable instructions capable of causing the computing device, in connection with the cleaning system, at least to cause activation of a water flow, cause the cleaning system to move from a first position into a second position and to cause stopping a water flow.
In
According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the cleaning system 1 comprises a second drive system as described in connection with
In
According to certain embodiments, the second drive system 27 may be configured to be inclined relative to the fourth part 12. Thus, movability of the parts 5, 6, 11, 12 can be improved. This feature is of importance in case of complex curved structures to be cleaned. Instead or in addition also the first drive system 25 as shown in
In
Further, the cleaning system 1 comprises a first part 5 movably coupled to the first guiding 2, a second part 6 movably coupled to the second guiding 4, a third part 11 coupled to the second part 6, wherein the second part 6 and the third part 11 are coupled to each other via a first joint 14, and a fourth part 12 movably coupled to the third guiding 10. The first part 5 is movable relative to the second part 6 and the third part 11 is movable relative to the fourth part 12. Cleaning elements 7 are coupled to each of the first part 5, the second part 6, the third part 11 and the fourth part 12.
Additionally, the cleaning system 1 further comprises at least one of a first drive system 25 and a second drive system 27. A drive system means that it is configured to simultaneously move the first part 5, the second part 6, the third part 11 and the fourth part 12 along the first guiding 2, the second guiding 4 and the third guiding 10. Thus, the cleaning system 1 is configured to move along a curved or planar surface. For example, the parts 5, 6, 11, 12 of the cleaning system 1 are configured to simultaneously move over a surface 9 of an object 3. The surface 9 may be a window surface of a ship, for instance. Examples of first and second drive systems 25, 27 are described in connection with
According to certain embodiments, the cleaning system 1 may additionally comprise an angle sensor as described in connection with
In
According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the energy chain 28 also includes at least one water hose for providing fresh water to the cleaning system 1.
In
It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Where reference is made to a numerical value using a term such as, for example, about or substantially, the exact numerical value is also disclosed.
As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.
The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an”, that is, a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.
At least some embodiments of the present invention find industrial application in cleaning of surfaces such as surfaces of buildings or window surfaces of passenger ships or cruise ships.
1 cleaning system
2 first guiding
3 object
4 second guiding
5 first part
6 second part
7 cleaning elements
8 fresh water connector
9 surface
10 third guiding
11 third part
12 fourth part
13 first ball joint
14 hinge joint
15 second ball joint
16 cleaning area
17 direction of movement of cleaning system
18 direction of movement of first part in relation to second part
19 direction of movement of third part in relation to fourth part
20 fresh water outlet
21 window element
22 first driving wheel
23 second driving wheel
24 third driving wheel
25 first drive system
26 angle sensor
27 second driving unit
28 energy chain
29 housing
DE 3538078 A1
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19202439.6 | Oct 2019 | EP | regional |
