HOT WATER PRESSURE WASHER

Abstract

A hot water pressure washer for delivering a high pressure stream of heated water. The hot water pressure washer includes an engine, a source of gas, a water heater, and a high pressure water pump. In one embodiment, the gas is one of liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, or propane. The water heater includes a gas input adapted to be coupled to an outlet of the source of gas and a water input adapted to be coupled to a source of water. The water heater includes a water heater inlet, adapted to receive gas from the source of gas, and a water heater outlet, adapted to provide a heated water to a spray wand. A high pressure water pump receives water from the water heater outlet and the water pump outlet provides the pressurized heated water to a spray wand.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention generally relates to a pressure washer, and more particularly to a hot water pressure washer having a water heater.

BACKGROUND

Pressure washers deliver pressurized water through a hand-held wand to clean surfaces of dirt and debris. The pressure of the water is capable of cleaning hard to clean surfaces such as concrete and home sidings. Hot water pressure washers deliver hot water and provide additional cleaning benefits when compared to cold water pressure washers. Both cold water pressure washers and hot water pressure washers are supported on wheels to enable a user to move the washer from place to place while pressure washing. Hot water pressure washers typically require a heat source to generate hot water, which increases the cost of hot water pressure washers when compared to cold water pressure washers.

Hot water pressure washers are typically configured as commercial pressure washers, due to the expense of delivering hot water from the pressure washer. In one known commercial pressure washer, a gasoline fuel tank powers a gasoline engine and a diesel fuel tank provides diesel fuel to power a water heater, also known as a burner, to heat the water to temperature. The water provided by the commercial power washer is often heated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Water flow in these type of power washers can be 3.5 gallons per minute or more. Because of the size and number of devices or components needed for the commercial hot water pressure washer, the commercial pressure washers are often considered to be too big, too bulky, and too expensive for home use.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, there is provided a pressure washer for delivering a high pressure stream of heated water. The pressure washer includes a gas source, wherein the gas source includes an outlet to deliver a gas and an engine adapted to be connected to the outlet of the gas source. A water source connection is adapted to be operatively connected to a source of water. A water heater includes a gas input adapted to be coupled to the outlet of the gas source and a water input adapted to be coupled to the water source connection. The water heater includes a water heater outlet adapted to provide heated water. A high pressure water pump includes a water pump inlet adapted to be coupled to the water heater outlet, a pump actuator operatively connected to the output shaft of the engine, and a water pump outlet adapted to provide pressurized heated water.

In some embodiments, the pressure washer further includes wherein the engine is one of a liquefied natural gas engine or a gasoline engine, wherein the output shaft of the engine is driven by one of the liquefied natural gas or the gasoline.

In some embodiments, the pressure washer further includes a spray wand operatively connected to the water pump outlet, wherein the spray wand includes a hand operated valve having an on and off position, wherein the on position delivers a heated high pressure stream of water from the spay wand.

In some embodiments, the pressure washer further includes wherein the engine is a duel fuel engine coupled to the outlet of the gas source.

In some embodiments, the pressure washer further includes wherein the gas source is one of a liquefied natural gas or a gasoline.

In some embodiments, the pressure washer further includes wherein the water heater is an on-demand water heater and includes a heat exchanger operatively connected to the water source connection and a gas burner directed toward the heat exchanger to heat water flowing through the heat exchanger.

In some embodiments, the pressure washer further includes a gas control valve having an on and off position and operatively connected to the gas source and to the burner, and a water flow switch having an on and off position and operatively connected to the heat exchanger.

In some embodiments, the pressure washer further includes a controller operatively connected to the gas control valve and to the water flow switch, wherein the controller actuates the gas control valve between the on and off positon and actuates the water flow switch between the on and off position.

In some embodiments, the pressure washer further includes a pressure regulator operatively connected to the water pump outlet wherein the pressure regulator controls a pressure of the pressurized heated water.

In some embodiments, the pressure washer further includes a frame having wheels, wherein the frame supports the gas source, the engine, the water heater, the high pressure water pump, and the controller.

In another embodiment, there is provided a method of delivering a high pressure stream of heated water from a high pressure washer. The method includes driving an output shaft of an engine; delivering a liquefied natural gas to a water heater to heat water; pressurizing the heated water with a high pressure water pump, wherein the high pressure water pump pressurizes the heated water in response to the driven output shaft of the engine; and delivering the pressurized heated water to a spray wand in response to actuation of a hand operated valve.

In some embodiments, the method further includes wherein the engine is a dual fuel engine.

In some embodiments, the method further includes wherein the engine is one of a liquefied natural gas engine or a gasoline engine.

In some embodiments, the method further includes wherein the delivering the liquefied natural gas to the water heater includes delivering the liquefied natural gas from a portable propane tank.

In some embodiments, the method further includes delivering the liquefied natural gas to the engine from the portable propane tank.

In a further embodiment, there is provided a pressure washer for delivering a high pressure stream of water from a spray wand. The pressure washer includes a gas source, wherein the gas source includes a portable propane tank having an outlet to deliver a propane gas from the propane tank. An engine is coupled to the outlet of the gas source, wherein the gas engine includes an engine actuator driven by combustion of the propane gas. A water source connection is adapted to be operatively connected to a source of water. A water heater includes a gas input adapted to be coupled to the outlet of the gas source and a water input is adapted to be coupled to the water source, wherein the water heater includes a water heater outlet adapted to provide a heated water. A high pressure water pump includes a water pump inlet adapted to be coupled to the water heater outlet, a pump actuator operatively connected to the engine actuator, and a water pump outlet adapted to provide pressurized heated water. A frame includes a first shelf and a second shelf, wherein one of the propane tank and the gas engine is located on the first shelf, and the other of the propane tank and the gas engine is located on the second shelf.

In some embodiments, the pressure washer includes wherein the high pressure water heater is an on-demand water heater is located on one of the first shelf, the second shelf, or another shelf.

In some embodiments, the pressure washer includes a hood, wherein the hood is located on the frame and covers at least a portion of the propane tank and the gas engine.

In some embodiments, the pressure washer includes wherein the propane tank includes a hand wheel for releasing the gas from the propane tank, and the hood includes an opening to provide access to the hand wheel.

The pressure washer of claim 16 wherein the engine is a duel fuel engine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned aspects of the present invention and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the implementations of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front right perspective view of an on-demand hot water pressure washer;

FIG. 2 is a front left perspective view of an on-demand hot water pressure washer;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an on-demand hot water pressure washer;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an on-demand hot water pressure washer;

FIG. 5 is a back view of an on-demand hot water pressure washer;

FIG. 6 is a front right perspective view of an on-demand hot water pressure washer without a housing;

FIG. 7 is a front left perspective view of an on-demand hot water pressure washer without a housing;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an on-demand hot water pressure washer without a housing; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an on-demand hot water pressure washer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the novel invention, reference will now be made to the implementations described herein and illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the novel invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and methods, and such further applications of the principles

FIG. 1 illustrates a front right perspective view while FIG. 2 illustrates a front left perspective view of an on-demand hot water pressure washer 10. In these views, left and right are identified from a front end 12 of the pressure washer 10 toward a handle 14. The handle 14 is coupled to or is a part of a structural frame 16 as seen in FIG. 3. A housing 18, also considered a decorative frame, covers the structural frame 16, and covers various devices of the washer 10 to substantially prevent damage to those devices as well as to protect a user from being exposed to moving parts or other parts that can be hot to the touch. The housing 18 includes a top panel 20 coupled to a first side panel 22 and second side panel 24. A front panel 25 is connected to the first side panel 22 to the second side panel 24. The top panel 20, the first side panel 22, the second side panel 24, and the front panel, in one embodiment, form part of a single unitary housing which is placed over the heater devices as a single unit. In other embodiments, the housing 18 includes a plurality of separate parts coupled together.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the frame 16 includes the handle 14, a first shelf 26, and a second shelf 28, disposed below the first shelf 26. Each of the first shelf 26 and the second shelf 28 is supported by a first upright structure 30 and a second upright structure 32. The second upright structure 32 is coupled to the handle 16. Each of the first shelf 26 and the second shelf 28 extend between the first upright structure 30 and the second upright structure 32. A third shelf 34 extends toward the front of the washer 10 from the first upright structure 30 along the same plane as the second shelf 28. In other embodiments, the third shelf 34 and the second shelf 28 are not on the same plane. In one embodiment, the second shelf 28 and the third shelf 34 are a unitary structure. In another embodiment, the third shelf 34 is a separate structure different than the second shelf. First and second legs 36 extend from one or both of the second shelf 28 or the first upright structure 30. First and second wheels 38 are coupled to the frame 16 by axles 40.

The power washer 10 includes an engine 50 that is supported by the bottom shelf 28. In one embodiment, the engine 50 is a liquefied natural gas engine that runs on a liquefied natural gas fuel. In one or more embodiments, the engine 50 runs on a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), more commonly known as propane, or a liquefied natural gas (LNG). The engine 50 includes a pull cord 51 to start the engine 50. In other embodiments, the power washer 10 includes an electronic start system to start and to turn off the engine 50. A gas source 52, such as a propane gas tank, is located and supported by the first shelf 26. The source 52 is connected to the engine 50 to supply the gas, i.e. fuel, to the engine 50 as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

A high pressure pump 54 is coupled to and driven by an engine shaft 55. In one embodiment, the pump 54 is located adjacent to the engine and is supported on the second shelf 28. The high pressure pump 54 is coupled to a gas powered water heater 56 that is located on and supported by the third shelf 34. In one embodiment, the water heater 56 is a tankless water heater. A source of non-heated water is coupled to the water heater 56 at a water inlet 58. In one embodiment, the water heater 56 heats water on-demand in response to a demand for hot water made by a user of the power washer 10. In one embodiment, a divider panel 60 is coupled to the first upright structure 30 to separate the heater 56 from both of the engine 50 and the gas source 52. In one or more embodiments, panel 60 includes one or more pieces. In other embodiments, the panel 60 is absent or only separates the heater 56 from the engine 50 but not from the gas source 52 or vice versa. In another embodiment, the engine 50 is a gasoline powered engine and the gas source 52 is used to heat the water in the gas powered water heater 56. The engine 50, in one or more embodiments, is an engine that may accept both a liquefied natural gas fuel, liquefied natural gas, as well as an engine that accepts gasoline as a fuel. Such engines are known as duel fuel capable.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the top panel 20 of the housing 18 includes a first cutout 62 which provides access to a gas valve 64 of the gas source 52. By exposing the gas valve 64, the user has unobstructed access to the gas valve 64 to either turn off or turn on the gas supply to the motor 50. The top panel 20 further includes a second cutout 66 located above a vent 68 of the heater 56. In one embodiment, a chimney 70 of the water heater 56 is located at the vent 68 to direct exhaust gas from the heater 56. In other embodiments, tank 52 is located on a shelf in an upside down position to improve performance of the power washer during cold conditions.

The first side panel 22 includes a first tank cutout 72 to expose one side of the gas source 52. The first side panel 22 further includes a first pump cutout 74 to expose one side of the high pressure pump 54. Each of the cutouts 72 and 74 provide ventilation to the exposed devices, source 52 and pump 54, respectively. The second side panel 24 includes a second tank cutout 76 to expose another side of the gas source 52. The second side panel 22 further includes a second pump cutout 78 to expose another side of the high pressure pump 54. Each of the cutouts 76 and 78 provides ventilation to the exposed devices, the source 52 and pump 54, respectively. The housing 18 is not limited to the disclosed configurations of the cutouts, however, and other cutouts are contemplated.

The front panel 25 is generally open and includes a cross-piece 80 which covers a small portion of a front side of the heater 56. The cross-piece 80 acts as a holding slat to retain the water heater 56 on the third shelf 34. In some embodiments, the cross piece 80 is not the only mechanism to hold the heater 56 in place and other mechanisms, such as connectors or brackets, are used. For instance, a top portion 82 of the front side 25 provides retaining support. The area beneath the cross piece is open and exposes a number of controls 57 accessible by a user to control operation of the washer 10. The controls, include but are not limited to, an ON/OFF button, and a temperature control knob to raise or lower the water temperature.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the heated power washer 10. In this view the front panel 25 illustrated. The cross piece 80 extends away from top areas of both the first side panel 22 and second side panel 24 in a V-shape to expose most of the front portion of the heater 56 to provide access to a lower portion of the front of the heater 56 where the user controls 57 are located. In other embodiments, the front panel 25 includes different sizes and shapes of cutouts to expose the front portion of the heater 56 where user controls are located in other models of heaters.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the heated power washer 10. A rear panel 84 is coupled to the upright structure 32 and provides a barrier between the user and both of the gas supply 52 and the high pressure pump 54. In this view, a top back panel 86 of the housing 18 is shown which provides a barrier between a top portion of the gas supply 52 and the user. The upright structure 32 includes first and second tubes 90 to which the handle 14 is detachably coupled.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front right perspective view of the hot-water pressure washer 10 without the housing 18 while FIG. 7 illustrates a front left perspective view of the hot water pressure washer 10 also without the housing 18. FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the hot water pressure washer 10 without the housing 18. In these figures, it can be seen that the first shelf 26 extends from the first upright structure 30 but does not extend to the second upright structure 32. In these embodiments, a physical connection between the first shelf 26 and the first upright structure 30 includes a sufficient rigidity for support a weight of the gas source 52. In one embodiment, the physical connection is made by welding. Other embodiments include connectors and/or brackets to couple the first shelf 26 to the first upright structure 30. In other embodiments, the first shelf 26 is coupled to both the first upright structure 30 and the second upright structure 32. A pressure gauge 92 is coupled to the high pressure pump 54 to identify a water pressure value being delivered by the pressure washer 10.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of the hot water pressure washer 10. The engine 50 is operatively connected to and receives fuel from the tank 52. A two stage pressure regulator 100 is coupled to the fuel source 52 and to a T-connector 102 that divides the fuel being delivered from the tank 52 into a first fuel line 104 and into a second fuel line 106. A fuel pressure provided by the tank 52 and shown by the pressure gauge 92 is reduced by the two stage pressure regulator prior to the connector 102. The fuel flows through the first fuel line 104 to a solenoid control valve 108, the actuation of which is controlled by a heater control 110. A temperature selector 109 is operatively connected to the heater control 110 and sets a value of water temperature. In one embodiment, the water temperature is set to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Other values of water temperature are contemplated.

The fuel flowing through the second fuel line 106 is regulated by a demand flow regulator 111. Once the engine 50 is started, the demand flow regulator 111 provides fuel to an adjustable carburetor 112 having a throttle to adjust fuel flow to the engine 50 as determined by a user. Ambient air is provided as determined by the throttle to adjust an air/fuel mixture for starting and running the engine 50. The two stage pressure regulator 100 is located in close proximity to the engine 50 and heat generated by the engine 50 is used to heat the regulator 100 to improve performance.

The high pressure pump 54, driven by the engine 50, provides heated pressurized water through a pressure regulator 114 to a spray wand 116 coupled to the pump 54 with a flexible hose 118. A pressure relief valve 120, connected between the pressure regulator 114 and the hose 118, provides pressure relief in the event water pressure exceeds a predetermined value. The spray wand 116 includes a hand operated valve 122 which, when actuated, starts the flow of hot water delivered by the high pressure pump 54. In one embodiment, the flow of water is set at 2.5 gallons per minute. Other values of water flow are contemplated.

The water heater 56 heats water upon demand, that is, when the hand operated valve 122 is actuated. Upon actuation of the hand operated valve 122, a flow of water is started and moves through a heat exchanger 126, which is part of the water heater 56. At substantially the same time, the flow is recognized by a water flow switch 124 which includes a sensor that transmits a signal to the heater control 110. Once the flow of water is identified by the heater control 110, a solenoid control signal is transmitted from the heater control 110 to the solenoid control valve 108 which turns on a burner 130.

In one or more embodiments, the type of fuel stored in the gas source 52 is delivered to both the engine 50 for its operation and is delivered to the burner 130 for its operation. For instance as illustrated in FIG. 9, natural gas provided by the gas source 52 is delivered to both the engine 50 and to the burner 108.

The gas, which may be either liquefied natural gas or gasoline, flowing through the burner 130 generates a flame directed to the heat exchanger 126, which in turn heats the water flowing therethrough. The water temperature rises until it reaches a predetermined value as identified by an outlet temperature sensor 132. Once the water reaches or exceeds the predetermined temperature, the outlet temperature sensor 132 transmits a temperature signal to indicate the occurrence of an excess temperature to the heater control 110. Upon receipt, the heater control 110 closes the solenoid control valve 108 to stop the flow of fuel to the burner 130. If however, the outlet temperature sensor 132 identifies that the water temperature falls below the predetermined temperature, the heater control 110 opens the solenoid control valve 108 to start the burner 130. If either the pressure or the temperature of the heater water moving from the heat exchanger 126 to the high pressure pump 54 is too great, the valve 134 closes and prevents the water from being moved to the high pressure pump 54.

While exemplary implementations incorporating the principles of the present disclosure have been described hereinabove, the present disclosure is not limited to the described implementations. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pressure washer for delivering a high pressure stream of heated water comprising: a gas source, wherein the gas source includes an outlet to deliver a gas;an engine adapted to be connected to the outlet of the gas source, wherein the engine includes an output shaft;a water source connection adapted to be operatively connected to a source of water;a water heater including a gas input adapted to be coupled to the outlet of the gas source and a water input adapted to be coupled to the water source connection, the water heater including a water heater outlet adapted to provide a heated water; anda high pressure water pump including a water pump inlet adapted to be coupled to the water heater outlet, a pump actuator operatively connected to the output shaft of the engine, and a water pump outlet adapted to provide pressurized heated water.

2. The pressure washer of claim 1 wherein the engine is one of a liquefied natural gas engine or a gasoline engine, wherein the output shaft of the engine is driven by one of the liquefied natural gas or the gasoline.

3. The pressure washer of claim 1 further comprising a spray wand operatively connected to the water pump outlet, the spray wand including a hand operated valve having an on and off position, wherein the on position delivers a heated high pressure stream of water from the spay wand.

4. The pressure washer of claim 1 wherein the engine is a duel fuel engine coupled to the outlet of the gas source.

5. The pressure washer of claim 4 wherein the gas source is one of a liquefied natural gas or a gasoline.

6. The pressure washer of claim 5 wherein the water heater is an on-demand water heater and includes a heat exchanger operatively connected to the water source connection, and a gas burner directed toward the heat exchanger to heat water flowing through the heat exchanger.

7. The pressure washer of claim 6 further comprising a gas control valve having an on and off position and operatively connected to the gas source and to the burner, and a water flow switch having an on and off position and operatively connected to the heat exchanger.

8. The pressure washer of claim 7 further comprising a controller operatively connected to the gas control valve and to the water flow switch, wherein the controller actuates the gas control valve between the on and off positon and actuates the water flow switch between the on and off position.

9. The pressure washer of claim 8 further comprising a pressure regulator operatively connected to the water pump outlet wherein the pressure regulator controls a pressure of the pressurized heated water.

10. The pressure washer of claim 9 further comprising a frame having wheels, wherein the frame supports the gas source, the engine, the water heater, the high pressure water pump, and the controller.

11. A method of delivering a high pressure stream of heated water from a high pressure washer, the method comprising: driving an output shaft of an engine with a gas;delivering the gas to a water heater to heat water;pressurizing the heated water with a high pressure water pump, wherein the high pressure water pump pressurizes the heated water in response to the driving the output shaft of the engine; anddelivering the pressurized heated water to a spray wand in response to actuation of a hand operated valve.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the engine is a duel fuel engine.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the engine is one of a liquefied natural gas engine or a gasoline engine.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the delivering the liquefied natural gas to the water heater includes delivering the liquefied natural gas from a portable propane tank.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising delivering the liquefied natural gas to the engine from the portable propane tank.

16. A pressure washer for delivering a high pressure stream of water from a spray wand comprising: a gas source, wherein the gas source includes a portable propane tank having an outlet to deliver a propane gas from the propane tank;a gas engine coupled to the outlet of the gas source, wherein the gas engine includes an engine actuator driven by combustion of the propane gas;a water source connection adapted to be operatively connected to a source of water;a water heater including a gas input adapted to be coupled to the outlet of the gas source and a water input adapted to be coupled to the water source, the water heater including a water heater outlet adapted to provide a heated water;a high pressure water pump including a water pump inlet adapted to be coupled to the water heater outlet, a pump actuator operatively connected to the engine actuator, and a water pump outlet adapted to provide pressurized heated water; anda frame including a first shelf and an second shelf, wherein one of the propane tank and the gas engine is located on the first shelf, and the other of the propane tank and the gas engine is located on the second shelf.

17. The pressure washer of claim 16 wherein the high pressure water heater is an on-demand water heater and is located on one of the first shelf, the second shelf, or another shelf.

18. The pressure washer of claim 17 further comprising a hood, wherein the hood is located on the frame and covers at least a portion of the propane tank and the gas engine.

19. The pressure washer of claim 18 wherein the propane tank includes a hand wheel for releasing the gas from the propane tank, and the hood includes an opening to provide access to the hand wheel.

20. The pressure washer of claim 16 wherein the engine is a duel fuel engine.