DK2920371T3 - Surface cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

Device for cleaning surfaces Description Technical field [0001] The present invention concerns a device as well as a method for cleaning surfaces, especially floors and floor coverings.

Prior art [0002] In EP 1 498 063 Ala device for cleaning surfaces is described. In this device, a cleaning implement in the form of a circular ring brush is fastened to a boom. The cleaning medium used is a mixture of steam and cleaning agent. The cleaning implement can be driven by a gearing. The steam is produced in a steam generator outside the device and taken to the device via a hose line. The cleaning agent is dispensed into the steam. This device is connected to an electrical power supply line, which must always be pulled along with it. Therefore, the radius of action of this device is limited.

[0003] In EP 1 491 129 A1 a method and a device for producing a mixture of steam and a liquid cleaning agent are described. This mixture may be supplied via a flexible hose of a floor cleaning machine or a cleaning lance.

[0004] In the case of a method described in WO 2004/017805 A1 for the cleaning of floor surfaces, steam and cleaning liquid are applied together in front of the active surface of a cleaning implement, which has the form of rotating, circular ring-shaped brushes. The cleaning liquid may be applied in heated form. Moreover, WO 2004/017805 A1 describes a mobile floor cleaning appliance. In this device, at first the outlet opening for steam and then the outlet opening for cleaning liquid are arranged in the working direction in front of the cleaning implement. This mobile floor cleaning appliance is connected to an electrical power supply line, which must always be pulled along with it. Therefore, the radius of action of this floor cleaning appliance is limited. A Reinigangshaft for a street sweeper is described in DE 10 2005 020018 Al.

[0005] One goal of the present invention is to provide an improved device for the cleaning of surfaces, especially floors and floor coverings.

[0006] The device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are suited to the cleaning of surfaces of almost any given stmctured floors, especially consolidated traffic areas such as streets, town squares, railway station floors, waiting rooms, industrial floors, traffic areas for airplanes.

Summary of the disclosure [0007] A device corresponding to the present invention is mounted or can be mounted on top of and/or on a mobile platform which can be moved in a working direction, for example a carrier vehicle, and, together with the mobile platform, is designed for autonomous operation. The device comprises the following elements, arranged behind one another in the working direction: • a heating element B for heating up the surface to be cleaned, wherein the heating element B comprises a flat steam panel which, in operation, applies steam to the surface to be cleaned; • an element C for mechanically processing the surface to be cleaned, which comprises at least one such part element which permits the removal of the loosened or detached contaminants on the surface to be cleaned by means of rotation and ground pressure, wherein the rotation is carried out about an axis arranged horizontally and transversely with respect to the working direction; • an element D for sucking up the contaminants and the water produced by condensation of the steam from the cleaned surface. • [0008] By "working direction" is meant the direction in which the mobile platform advances during the cleaning.

[0009] The heating element B is typically connected to at least one hot steam generator, which in turn is connected to a fresh water tank and a pressurized water pump by means of at least one connection line. The heating element B and the hot steam generator are typically connected to a central monitoring and control unit, which controls the respectively necessary heating of the surface to be cleaned. Unlike high-pressure cleaners, the steam serves to heat up the surface to be cleaned and optionally to loosen and/or soften up contaminants, while no or at most only very little mechanical removal of contaminants by the steam pressure occurs. Unlike high-pressure cleaners, the steam thus has, at least for the most part, no abrasive action.

[0010] The element C for mechanical processing of the surface to be cleaned is typically connected to such an electrical control system which individually controls the control system of the aforementioned part elements which are respectively present in regard to rotation, direction of turning, rotary speed and ground pressure.

[0011] The element D is may be connected via a suction line to a closed tank 4 for holding the dirt particles and the condensed water, this closed tank being connected to an element which produces a vacuum, such as a suction pump. The element D, the suction line and the tank for holding the dirt particles and the condensed water may be connected to such a central monitoring and control unit, which controls the partial vacuum respectively required in the element D, in the suction line and in the tank.

[0012] The elements B, C, D may be fixed to a carrier plate, this carrier plate being secured floating on the mobile platform with adjustable height. In other embodiments, the element B is secured via the element C to the mobile platform. Depending on the application purpose or the required degree of usage flexibility, a height-adjustable and floating suspension may also be eliminated entirely or partially.

[0013] As shall be explained in connection with exemplary sample embodiments, the mobile platform may be in particular an available municipal transporter, or also one or more special vehicles. Preferably, the device is realized by one or more compact modules which can be mounted in a simple manner on the mobile platform and removed from the mobile platform. In particular, the interfaces with the mobile platform may be designed for a quick mounting and dismounting without the generally available tools, such as screwdrivers, etc.

[0014] A method according to the invention for cleaning surfaces by operating a cleaning device which is mounted on top of and/or on a mobile platform which can be moved in a working direction, comprises the sequential steps: - heating the surface by applying hot steam and leaving the applied heat to act; - removing contaminants loosened or detached by the steam by means of mechanical processing by rotation and ground pressure, wherein the rotation is carried out about an axis arranged horizontally and transversely with respect to the working direction; - sucking up the contaminants and the water produced by condensation of the steam from the cleaned surface.

[0015] A device according to the invention may be used in particular to perform a cleaning method according to the invention, wherein special configurations, expansions and modifications of the device are reflected in corresponding configurations, expansions and modifications of the cleaning method. Therefore, definite embodiments of the device at the same time disclose corresponding methods, even if not explicitly mentioned. In analogous manner, method steps described at the same time disclose corresponding embodiments of a device according to the invention.

[0016] In one embodiment, a spraying element A is arranged upstream of the heating element B in the working direction for applying at least one cleaning agent, in particular a chemical cleaning agent, to the surface to be cleaned. The spraying element A can is connected via connection lines to different reservoir containers in which different cleaning agents are found, while the spraying element A is connected to such a central monitoring and control unit which controls the optional adding of the particular required amount of necessary cleaning agent. The number of reservoir containers and the cleaning agents kept in them in this case depends on the area or areas of application of the device. In one variant, spray devices A working totally or partly independently of each other are also provided for the applying of different cleaning agents. The cleaning agent is suctioned together with the condensed steam and contaminants by element D.

[0017] In one embodiment the device is designed to let out steam from the steam panel at an overpressure of at most 10 bar, for example at most 3 bar or at most 1.5 bar, with respect to the surrounding air pressure. The typically present pressurization pump providing the required working pressure is preferably designed for this working pressure.

[0018] In one embodiment the heating element B has a steam outlet barrier which is arranged on the outer side or on the periphery of the steam panel and which counteracts the escape of steam from the surface to be cleaned.

[0019] The steam outlet barrier is typically arranged on the outer side or on the periphery of the steam panel and prevents steam from escaping from the surface to be cleaned. This ensures that substantially only the surface to be cleaned is subjected to steam and in particular no, or only a small or negligible amount of steam escapes from the volume located between the steam panel and the surface to be cleaned.

[0020] Such unwanted steam escape, contributing nothing to the heating and cleaning of the surface to be cleaned, is termed here lost steam.

[0021] The lost steam increases the amount of steam which needs to be produced, which increases the amount of water which needs to be carried along and consumed; moreover, the steam loss requires a more powerful design of the hot steam generator(s). Moreover, the additional energy needed to produce the lost steam reduces the energy efficiency of the device.

[0022] Another beneficial effect of a steam outlet barrier comes from improved driver visibility and thus safety. The unwanted escaping steam without steam outlet barrier, depending on the environmental conditions, produces a cloud of steam, which may significantly impair or even make impossible the driver’s view. This holds especially in largely enclosed interior spaces which may be nonventilated or poorly ventilated, such as the of warehouses, underground garages, parking structures or the like.

[0023] The technical realization of the steam outlet barrier can be accomplished in various ways, For example, it is possible to have a mechanical seal arranged at the edges of the steam panel which are to be sealed, such as one in the form of rubber lips or an encircling labyrinth seal or a row of sealing brushes lying against the surface to be cleaned during operation. Another alternative or additional design of the steam outlet barrier consists of a sucking-up device, which sucks up excess steam along the edges of the steam panel.

[0024] In one embodiment of a steam outlet barrier with suctioning, the steam sucked up is taken to a dirty water tank, a fresh water tank or a steam generator coupled to the steam panel.

[0025] The suctioned steam in the most simple case may be condensed and taken to a dirty water tank, which may be the tank which also receives the steam condensed on the floor and the contaminants. In another embodiment, however, the suctioned steam is recycled; thus, the steam outlet barrier may be designed such that the suctioned steam passes through a condenser and optionally a cleaning stage, and the water so produced is taken to the fresh water tank, which stockpiles the water for the steam panel, or directly to the hot steam generator(s).

[0026] In one embodiment of a steam outlet barrier with suctioning, the device comprises a device for recovery of heat from the suctioned steam, for example, a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be arranged, for example, directly in or in thermal contact with the fresh water tank.

[0027] Another alternative or additional configuration of the steam outlet barrier comprises a fluidic displacement device which displaces the steam from the periphery of the steam panel towards the interior thereof. Such a displacement device may comprise, for example, an arrangement of inwardly directed steam nozzles or other directional steam outlet openings.

[0028] Another possible configuration of a fluidic displacement device comprises a pressurized air device, which blows pressurized air along the edges to be sealed onto the surface to be cleaned. Thanks to this measure, a curtain of air is formed along the edges to be sealed, counteracting the escape of steam [0029] In one embodiment the steam panel comprises a steam homogenizer which is designed to ensure that steam is applied at least substantially homogeneously and uniformly to the surface to be cleaned.

[0030] The steam homogenizer consists for example of a sheetlike structure, having the dimensions of the steam panel and being mounted in the steam flow direction between steam outlet openings and the surface to be cleaned. Thanks to this, the steam is led through in the transverse direction before impinging on the surface to be cleaned, and is thereby distributed uniformly over the surface in the homogenization device.

[0031] In one embodiment the steam homogenizer comprises a flat and porous, sponge-like material or a flat woven fabric, for example a flat stainless steel woven fabric, a netting, a sieve structure, or the like.

[0032] In one embodiment, the device comprises a collision stopping device, which is coupled or can be coupled functionally to a drive of the mobile platform and is designed to automatically stop the travel of the device if it collides with an obstacle and/or a collision with an obstacle is threatened.

[0033] In one sample embodiment, the device comprises a collision stopping device. This is coupled functionally to the to the drive of the mobile platform, such as the carrier vehicle, or is designed for such a coupling, and has the effect of automatically stopping the device if it collides with an obstacle in the working direction and/or a collision with an obstacle is threatened. The collision stopping device may comprise, as the sensor elements for detecting an acute or imminent collision, one sensor or several sensors, for example in the form of electrical switching contacts, reflective light barriers, capacitive proximity sensors, optical triangulation distance sensors or the like, while a combination of different sensors is also possible of course. The sensor or sensors of the collision stopping device are typically arranged in the working direction at the front side of the device. If necessary, other such sensors may be arranged at other suitable positions, such as the rear and/or the left and/or the right side of the mobile platform. The collision stopping device is helpful especially when used in unclear or heavily structured surroundings, such as the interior of warehouses, underground garages, parking structures or the like. Thanks to the anti-collision device, risks of collision are reduced or eliminated in particular, such as result from the relatively large structural length required in the working direction and the consequently limited view of the driver.

[0034] In one sample embodiment, the device comprises a length reduction device which is coupled to the heating element B in such a way that, by activation thereof, the heating element B is brought from a working position into a transport position, wherein, in the transport position, a degree by which the heating element B projects beyond the element for mechanical processing C in the working direction is reduced with respect to the working position or eliminated.

[0035] In one such exemplary device, the length reduction device comprises a retraction device which is designed to retract the heating element (B) with respect to the element for mechanical processing (C) counter to the working direction or to displace it counter to the working direction. Moreover, the distance of the heating element relative to the ground surface or the surface to be cleaned can here be changed and the heating element (B) can be lifted, for example. In such an embodiment, the retraction device additionally works as a lifting device.

[0036] In one advantageous sample embodiment, in the transport position the heating element (B) is arranged above the element for mechanical processing (C) and is at a small distance therefrom or rests on top of the element for mechanical processing (B), for example on the brush box. The orientation of the heating panel (B) is here parallel to the brush box, so that brush box and heating panel (B) form a compact unit in the transport position, whose dimensions, apart from the slight additional height of the heating element (B), correspond substantially to those of the brush box.

[0037] Such an arrangement of the steam panel makes it possible to shorten the overall length of the device by the length of the steam panel, especially when driving to or from the place of use or also during manocuvcring at the place of use, and thereby improve the manoeuverability and the driver’s view. The heating element executes a circular sliding here during the movement from the working position to the transport position, that is, a translatory movement along a circular arc.

[0038] In one special embodiment, hot steam pipes which supply the hot steam to the steam panel at the same time serve as a retraction device. In such an arrangement, the housing of the steam panel is mounted above the hot steam pipes on the brush box and is rotated or swiveled on the brush box by means of a driven rotation of the hot steam pipes. Alternatively, of course, it is possible to realize the retraction device by a separate kinematic arrangement, such as a rod system. This may be advantageous, for example, if the heating element is relatively heavy and/or the steam supply is supposed to occur through hoses.

[0039] The drive for the movement of the heating element may be hydraulic in design, for example; but basically a pneumatic or electrical drive, as well as a manual drive, is also possible.

[0040] In another embodiment, the steam panel is foldable in design, such as an accordion, so that the working position corresponds to an unfolded configuration and the transport position to a folded up configuration.

[0041] In another alternative embodiment the length reduction device comprises a retraction device in the form of a rail arrangement, by which the heating element B can be retracted for transport beneath the device for mechanical processing C.

[0042] In further embodiments, the heating element B has the heating element B has a different orientation in the transport position relative to the ground surface or the surface to be cleaned and to the element for mechanical processing C. Thus, it is possible to flip the heating element B vertically upward into a transport position for the transport in front of the element for mechanical processing B, such as the brush box, being tilted relative to the working position by 90° for example. It is likewise possible, for example, to swivel the heating element sideways about a vertical axis, for example, into a transport position beneath the element for mechanical processing. For such configurations, a corresponding rotating, swiveling or tilting device may be provided as the length reduction device.

[0043] In one sample embodiment, the element an element for suctioning has continuous or stepwise controllable or regulable suctioning power. A controllable, regulable, or generally adjustable suction power is especially advantageous when starting up the device in a heat-up phase, in order to suck up liquid water temporarily emerging from the steam outlet openings of the steam panel in the heat-up phase of the hot steam generator(s).

[0044] In one sample embodiment, the device comprises a filter mechanism coupled to the suctioning element for filtering out dirt particles. With such a device, solid dirt particles can be collected separately, for example in a dirt drawer. A cyclone separator of basically known design is suitable for the filtering out of dirt particles, for example.

[0045] In one sample embodiment, the device comprises a cleaning device for cleaning the sucked-up water, wherein the cleaning device is coupled with the device for sucking-up D and a collection tank. With sufficiently good cleaning, the fresh water tank which stockpiles the fresh water for the steam generating may serve directly as the collection tank. In such an embodiment, there is at least a partly closed circulation of water. Other or alternative devices for physical, biological or chemical cleaning or treatment of the water may likewise be provided if necessary.

[0046] In one sample embodiment, the element for mechanical processing of the surface to be cleaned is outfitted with adjustable swivel rollers, especially with at least six height-adjustable swivel rollers.

[0047] In one sample embodiment with a spraying element A, the spraying element A is adjustable in height and in inclination and has at least four nozzles, each nozzle preferably having a drip-preventing valve.

[0048] In one sample embodiment, the heating element B has at least two independent horizontally arranged pipes carrying hot steam, having openings for the outlet of hot steam on the sides facing the surface to be cleaned. Preferably, moreover, pipes carrying cleaning agent are present inside the heating element B in serpentine arrangement, the pipes having boreholes at regular intervals on their underside, through which the cleaning agent can flow downward onto the surface to be cleaned.

[0049] In one sample embodiment, the heating element B is fastened at its top side by means of a universal joint to a support frame, which assures the required pitching and yawing movements of the heating element B.

[0050] In one sample embodiment, the individual part elements in the element C for mechanical processing of the surface to be cleaned are rotating cylindrical brushes with axles arranged horizontally and transversely to the working direction, each brush being fastened individually on a single support, and each support being fastened to the brush box C by means of a trailing parallelogram suspension in the working direction.

[0051] In one sample embodiment of such a design, one downwardly directed bracket is secured laterally on either side of each support in the working direction, the first bracket which is arranged on the driver’s seat side having the bearing system for the axle of the brush rollers, and the second opposite bracket having a direct hydraulic drive fastened thereto which drives the brush rollers.

[0052] In one sample embodiment, the element C for mechanical processing of the surface to be cleaned has at least two, preferably three, part elements 11 in the form of rotating brush rollers, turning about axles arranged horizontally and transversely to the working direction, • which can rotate independently of each other both forward and backward, • which are adjustable in rotary speed independently of each other, and • which are adjustable in bearing pressure against the surface to be cleaned independently of each other.

[0053] In one sample embodiment of such a design, at least one additional hot steam pipe is located in the gaps between the brush rollers, having openings for the outlet of hot steam on the side facing the surface to be cleaned, this hot steam pipe serving for the application of [0054] hot steam and at least one cleaning agent onto the surface to be cleaned. Moreover, at least three boreholes are arranged on a rinse pipe between the last brush roller and the inside of the rear closure wall of the brush box situated in the working direction, through which water can emerge to wet the surface to be cleaned.

[0055] In one sample embodiment, the element D for suctioning of dirt particles as well as the cleaning agent and the condensed water from the cleaned surface has the form of a hollow crescent or U-shaped body facing forward in the working direction, being sealed all around against the surface to be cleaned, and this element D is fastened to the brush box C by means of a trailing parallelogram suspension in the working direction.

[0056] In one sample embodiment, a shutoff valve and a floating ball-closed valve is present between the dirty water tank and the element creating a vacuum.

[0057] In one sample embodiment the preferably provided dirty water tank is outfitted with a maintenance and cleaning opening, and also preferably with a connection opening for operation of an additional suction element.

[0058] In one sample embodiment, the element generating a vacuum has an upwardly directed opening for air venting.

[0059] In one sample embodiment, each preferably present hot steam generator has a power of at least 50 kW.

[0060] In one sample embodiment, a flexible seal having the shape of a bulge in cross section and preferably being made of rubber is located between the heating element B and the element C for mechanical processing of the surface to be cleaned.

[0061] In one sample embodiment, a preferably present rinse pipe 16 is connected via connection lines to the preferably present fresh water tank, while the fresh water tank is connected to a pressurized water pump for generating the required working pressure.

[0062] In one sample embodiment, injector valves are present on the heating element B, through which additional cleaning agent can be supplied to the pipes carrying hot steam from storage containers 2a,2b,2c,2d present in many embodiments.

Sample embodiments [0063] In the following section, possible embodiments of the present invention shall be described. Reference shall also be made here to the figures.

Figure 1 shows purely schematically the left side of one possible embodiment of the device according to the invention in the working direction of a carrier vehicle.

Figure 2 shows purely schematically the right side of one possible embodiment of the device according to the invention in the working direction of a carrier vehicle.

Figure 3 shows purely schematically one possible arrangement of horizontal, tubular pipes 9 carrying hot steam in serpentine arrangement.

Figure 4 shows purely schematically a top view of the load surface F of a carrier vehicle of one possible embodiment of the device according to the invention. Figure 5 shows schematically a heating element B and a device for mechanical processing of an alternative device according to the invention.

Figure 6 shows an arrangement similar to Figure 5, mounted on and at a carrier vehicle.

[0064] In Figures 1 to 4 the working direction is indicated by an arrow. The carrier vehicle for the device according to the invention may be a conventional municipal transporter with continuous hydrostatic propulsion, which at rated speed of the driving motor enables a minimum working speed of < 1 km/h, for example.

[0065] Suitable carrier vehicles are, for example, the vehicle of the series Ladog T1150 to T1550 of Ladog-Fahrzeugbau und Vertriebs GmbH in D-77736 Zell am Harmersbach / Germany.

[0066] Although a conventional motor vehicle is assumed here as the mobile platform, that is not absolutely necessary. The mobile platform could likewise be a special vehicle.

Moreover, the mobile platform may alternatively be formed by an autonomous, i.e., driverless mobile platform, which for example travels along an entirely or partly predetermined cleaning trajectory. But it is basically also possible to arrange different components of the device on different mobile platforms, which move in coordinated manner during operation and for example travel one behind another. It is basically also possible to have a mobile platform which, unlike the sample embodiments represented here, is not automotive, i.e., self-propelled, but instead designed as a towed trailer or even pushed by a person, with possible motorized assistance, for example.

[0067] The following elements are mounted one behind another in the working direction in front of the carrier vehicle in dismountable form: • the optional spraying element A for the applying of at least one cleaning agent to the surface to be cleaned, • the heating element B for warming up the surface to be cleaned, • the element C for mechanical processing of the surface to be cleaned, and • the element D for suctioning of the dirt particles as well as the cleaning agent and the condensed water from the cleaned surface.

[0068] These elements A, B, C, D may be lifted for transport purposes, optionally by means of the hydraulic oil system 1 present on the carrier vehicle. On the back-tilting load surface F of the carrier vehicle, located behind the driver’s cabin E, there are mounted components incuding, for example, four storage containers 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d for the cleaning agent, two hot steam generators 3a, 3b, the dirty water tank 4 and the device 5 for generating of electrical energy in a dismountable support frame 6.

[0069] The spraying element A is preferably adjustable in height and in inclination and has for example at least four nozzles 7, each nozzle 7 having preferably a drippreventing valve.

[0070] The heating element B for warming up the surface to be cleaned is made of stainless steel and has the form of a downwardly open tub, constituting the actual steam panel B. A steam homogenizer (not shown) may be optionally present.

[0071] The heating element B is mounted preferably movably on the element C for mechanical processing of the surface to be cleaned, i.e., the brush box C.

[0072] The heating element B may be lifted separately, once again preferably by means of oil hydraulics 1 for transport purposes and has independent pendulum suspension up to an angle of inclination of max. 45° sideways and lengthwise.

[0073] The distance between floor and steam panel B can be adjusted by means of height-adjustable swivel rollers 8 and bumpers on the brush box C.

[0074] Inside the heating element B there are secured hot steam carrying pipes 9 in a serpentine arrangement, preferably horizontally at a distance of a few centimeters from the surface to be cleaned.

[0075] These pipes 9 have on their underside steam outlet openings in the form of boreholes at regular intervals, through which the hot steam flows downward onto the surface to be cleaned and heats the surface to be cleaned to the necessary temperature for the cleaning process. A steam homogenizer (not shown) may be arranged in the form of a sheetlike stainless steel woven fabric beneath the boreholes. The required hot steam is generated for example in the two hot steam generators 3a, 3b.

[0076] Inside the heating element B, cleaning agent carrying pipes 33 may be additionally secured horizontally in serpentine arrangement at a distance of a few centimeters from the surface to be cleaned. These pipes 33 have on their underside boreholes at regular intervals, through which the cleaning agent flows downward onto the surface to be cleaned.

[0077] In addition, injector valves may be present on the heating element B, which allow additional cleaning agent from the storage tanks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d to be supplied to the hot steam carrying pipes 9.

[0078] The margin of the steam panel B may be shielded against the outside by means of a steam outlet barrier in the form of suitable sealing profiles or sealing brushes so that the least steam possible can escape from the space above the surface to be cleaned. Also possible are other steam outlet barriers as discussed in the general description of the invention, for instance as a fluidic curtain of pressurized air.

[0079] The brush box C preferably covers the entire working width of 1250 mm, for example, and has in particular the form of a box closed on top.

[0080] The brush box C is fabricated from a stable sheet metal structure. The brush box C is open toward the bottom, i.e., against the surface to be cleaned.

[0081] Inside the brush box C are located for example two, preferably three, brush support frames 10a, 10b, 10c suspended independently of each other, which in turn bear the rotating brush rollers 11 a, lib, 11c arranged horizontally and transversely to the working direction.

[0082] These brush rollers 11a, lib, 1 lc are preferably • able to rotate independently of each other both forward and backward, • adjustable in rotary speed independently of each other, and • adjustable in bearing pressure against the surface to be cleaned independently of each other, the bearing pressure being optionally separately adjustable at the left and right brush suspension.

[0083] Suitable brush rollers 11a, lib, 1 lc are for example available fromZeintra AG at CH-9500 Wil (SG) / Switzerland.

[0084] The brush support frames 10a, 10b, 10c are each secured on the brush box C by means of two hydraulic oil cylinders and four beams in a parallelogram, trailing in the working direction.

[0085] The movable mounting of the parallelogram is based for example on Rosta® rubber spring elements. The individual brush support frames 10a, 10b, 10c can be adjusted in height relative to the brush box C by oil hydraulics.

[0086] The individual bearing pressure of the brush support frames 10a, 10b, 10c and thus that of the brush rollers 1 la, 1 lb, 1 lc can be applied and relieved by means of an electrohydraulic control unit 12.

[0087] The brush rollers 11 a, 11 b, 1 lc installed in the brush support frames 10a, 10b, 10c each have a direct hydraulic drive unit 13a, 13b, 13c by means of a hydraulic motor. These hydraulic motors 13a, 13b, 13c may each be adjusted individually of each other in direction of rotation and rotary speed.

[0088] The arrangement of the brush rollers 11a, lib, 1 lc and the corresponding direct drive units 13a, 13b, 13c are designed in the brush box C so that at least on the left side, in the working direction of the carrier vehicle, the brush rollers 11a, lib, 1 lc can come as close as possible to the edge of the surface to be cleaned. This enables a cleaning of surfaces which are bordered by walls, adjusting belt curbs, and the like, to within a few centimeters.

[0089] Hydraulic drive units are typically advantageous for the use of a carrier vehicle shown here as an example. Depending on the mobile platform used and other boundary conditions to be considered, however, entirely or partly different drive units may also be used, such as electrical and/or pneumatic drive units.

[0090] The driver’s seat is placed for example at the left side of the driver’s cabin E in the working direction. Therefore, the driver can precisely see the left side in the working direction, as mentioned above.

[0091] At the underside of the individual brush support frames 10a, 10b, 10c and next to the brush rollers 11a, lib, 1 lc, additional hot steam pipes 14 may be arranged, which serve to maintain the working temperature within the brush box C at the desired temperature. The design and fastening of these hot steam pipes 14 is done in the same way as in the steam panel B.

[0092] In addition, injector valves may be present on the brush box C, making it possible to supply additional cleaning agent into the hot steam pipes 14 from the storage containers 2a,2b,2c,2d.

[0093] Optionally, three boreholes for example are arranged on a rinse pipe 16 between the last brush roller 1 lc and the inside of the rear closure wall 15 of the brush box C situated in the working direction, through which water can emerge to be sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned. In this way, dust and dirt are held down.

[0094] The margin of the brush box C is be shielded against the outside by means of suitable sealing profiles or sealing blushes so that the least heat and dirty water possible can escape from the space formed by the brush box C and the surface to be cleaned.

[0095] All hydraulic units required for the operation of the element C for mechanical processing of the surface to be cleaned, i.e., control valves, cylinders, and hydraulic motors, are preferably built into the electrohydraulic control system 12, which is mounted for example on the brush box C.

[0096] The uniform spacing of the brnsh box C from the surface to be cleaned may be assured by means of height-adjustable swivel and transport rollers 8. For this, the brush box C preferably has a pendulum suspension sideways and in the lengthwise direction up to an angle of 45° independently of the carrier vehicle.

[0097] The element D for suctioning of dirt particles as well as cleaning agent and condensed water from the cleaned surface is secured to the brush box C by means of a trapezoidal rod system, preferably in trailing arrangement, located behind the brush box C in the working direction.

[0098] This suctioning element D preferably has the form of a suction connector 17, which likewise extends across the entire working width. The suction connector 17 may either be crescent shaped or it has a forwardly curved U-shape especially in the working direction, thanks to which configuration the dirt being suctioned is optimally taken to the centrally positioned suction opening during movement in the working direction.

[0099] The uniform spacing of the suction connector 17 from the cleaned surface may be assured by means of height-adjustable transport rollers. During backward movement of the carrier vehicle, the suction connector 17 is preferably automatically swiveled upward to avoid damage.

[0100] From the centrally situated suction opening of the suction connector 17, a transparent and vacuum-resistant suction line 18 leads to the dirty water tank 4, which is found at the furthest rear on the load surface F of the carrier vehicle. The dirty water tank 4 extends across the entire width of the load surface F of the carrier vehicle.

[0101] In the suction line 18 there is installed a check valve, which prevents dirty water from getting back into the suction connector 17.

[0102] The driving of all the components of the exemplary device occurs preferably by means of proportional hydraulics, which are provided by the carrier vehicle in several mutually independent circuits by means of pressure, return, and oil leakage ports in adequate pressure and in large enough flow quantity.

[0103] The hydraulic functions are controlled by electrical proportional valves, which are located in the electrohydraulic control system 12 on the brush box C and which draw their oil supply from the front pressure, return, and oil leakage ports on the carrier vehicle.

[0104] The servicing and monitoring of the hydraulic functions, the rotary speeds, and the bearing pressure of the brush rollers 11a, lib, 1 lc is done by means of electrical control 19 from the driver’s cabin E. This electrical control 19 is arranged here, as an example, in place of a passenger seat on the right side in the driver’s cabin E in the working direction.

[0105] On the backward-tilting load surface F of the carrier vehicle is mounted a removable support frame 6. The dirty water tank 4 is placed under vacuum by means of a hydraulically operated turbine 20 situated at its side. In the working direction in front of the dirty water tank 4 are found the two hot steam generators 3a,3b, which for easier servicing are mounted on a pull-out heavy load drawer.

[0106] On the left side of the load surface F of the carrier vehicle in the working direction are found, one behind another at the side in the support frame 6, for example four storage tanks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d in the form of canisters with a capacity of 25 liters each. The respective cleaning agents needed can be filled into these storage tanks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d.

[0107] These storage tanks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are each held individually in an integrated support frame and can be put in place and removed separately.

[0108] Above each of these four storage tanks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d there is a pump 21 for delivery of the cleaning agent via corresponding lines to the spraying element A.

[0109] If necessary, additional lines may also be present, which take the corresponding cleaning agent from the storage tanks 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d by means of applicator lines also to the steam panel B and/or to the brush box C and spray said cleaning agent.

[0110] For example, at the right side of the load surface F of the carrier vehicle in the working direction is found the central monitoring and control unit 22 for the entire engineering construction.

[0111] At the right side of the load surface F in the working direction is located a fuel tank 23 with a capacity of at least 100 liters, for example.

[0112] Diesel oil is preferably filled into the fuel tank 23. The two hot steam generators 3a, 3b are operated with this diesel oil.

[0113] The fuel tank 23 has an electrical level indicator, which tells the driver in the driver’s cabin E the current fuel supply for the operation of the two hot steam generators 3a, 3b.

[0114] The device 5 for generation of electrical energy for the operation of the entire engineering construction has the form, in particular, of a current generator, which typically generates a voltage of 230 V and provides a power of at least 8 kVA.

[0115] This current generator 5 is located at the rear of the vehicle in the working direction and is operated by oil hydraulics through pressure, return, and oil leak ports of the carrier vehicle.

[0116] At the right side in the working direction of the two hot steam generators 3a, 3b there is installed the pressurized water pump 27, operated by means of a 230 V /2000 W electric motor 26. This pressurized water pump 27 delivers the water from the fresh water tank 28, mounted centrally on the load surface F, via a water filter 29 to the dispensing valves 24 and then to the two hot steam generators 3a,3b.

[0117] The water used may be cleaned water, especially potable water. In order to prevent or at least reduce the clogging of the parts carrying water and hot steam, it is preferable to use treated water.

[0118] It is also possible to add a water softening agent to the water, such as one from During AG in CH-8108 Dallikon / Switzerland, after for instance first determining the lime content or degree of hardness.

[0119] The working pressure of the hot steam is regulated by the pressure limiting valves 25.

[0120] In the working direction behind the fuel tank 23 are installed the dispensing valves 24 and the pressure limiting valves 25, on the right side in the working direction.

[0121] The hot steam emerging from the two hot steam generators 3a, 3b preferably has a temperature of at least 150°C.

[0122] The hot steam generated is taken by means of hoses to the steam panel B and optionally to the hot steam pipes 14.

[0123] Moreover, the pressurized water pump 27 delivers the respectively required rinse water, whose amount is regulated by a dispensing cock, to the rinse pipe 16.

[0124] All connection lines between the engineering constmction located on the load surface F and the four elements A, B, C, D are laid underneath the carrier vehicle so that its ground clearance is not impaired.

[0125] The dirty water tank 4 is preferably designed and arranged as follows:

The dirty water tank 4 consists of a thick-wall construction of profiled, 4 mm steel sheet and a volume of at least 400 liters, for example. On the inside, the dirty water tank 4 is additionally reinforced with braces in order to prevent a collapsing under vacuum.

[0126] The bottom of the dirty water tank 4 is also reinforced against deformation due to vacuum by means of braces on the underside of the bottom.

[0127] The top side of the dirty water tank 4 consists for example of a removable lid of profiled 4 mm steel sheet.

[0128] In the removable lid there is found a recessed servicing opening with a diameter of at least 300 mm, closable by means of a quick closure.

[0129] On the left side in the working direction there is found a transparent plastic hose at the dirty water tank 4, which is vacuum-resistant and arranged upright.

[0130] With this transparent plastic hose, the fill level in the dirty water tank 4 can be visualized.

[0131] In the working direction at the right front side on the dirty water tank 4 is found, at the top edge, the suction connection to the turbine 20. The suction connection consists of a welded-on 2" pipe, a 90° elbow, pointing downward, and a rubber lip arranged on this for sealing the float ball. The float ball, in turn, is centered by a guide pipe, which is screwed firmly against the inside of the wall of the dirty water tank 4.

[0132] This float ball closes the suction connection when the dirty water tank 4 is full.

[0133] At the left rear corner of the dirty water tank 4 in the working direction there is found on the inside a welded-on riser pipe 30, which is provided on top with a downwardly directed 180° elbow. The riser pipe 30 is led to the outside underneath the dirty water tank 4. The riser pipe 30 is connected to the suction line 18.

[0134] At the rear wall of the dirty water tank 4 in the working direction there is found the outlet opening 31, arranged lowermost and centrally, which in turn is outfitted with a dirty water gate valve and a Storz coupling.

[0135] The dirty water tank 4 is therefore arranged hindmost in the working direction on the load surface F, so that the dirty water tank 4 can be easily emptied by tilting back the load surface F.

[0136] Between the dirty water tank 4 and the turbine 20 is found a ball cock, which serves to prevent a splashing of the dirty water from the full dirty water tank 4 into the turbine 20 during transit, for example.

[0137] At the front side of the dirty water tank 4 in the working direction is inserted an electric float indicator, which tells the driver the current fill level and puts out a warning signal when the dirty water tank 4 is full.

[0138] In addition, a suction connection for a suction pipe of a conventional industrial vacuum cleaner can be arranged on the dirty water tank 4.

[0139] The turbine 20 is preferably constructed and arranged as follows:

It is a vacuum turbine, such as is also used for example in a "Tennant 3400" suction sweeping machine.

[0140] This vacuum turbine 20 is operated with a Gerotor oil motor, especially with a volume flow of around 5 to 20 liters per minute and a rotary speed up to 3ooo rpm.

[0141] This vacuum turbine 20 preferably generates a vacuum of > minus 0.3 bar (relative).

[0142] The vacuum turbine 20 is arranged on the load surface F at a short distance from the dirty water tank 4. The vacuum turbine 20 is connected to the dirty water tank 4 kink-free by a vacuum-resistant hose 32.

[0143] The driving of the vacuum turbine 20 occurs by an adjustable proportional hydraulic valve, which is located on the brush box C. The hydraulic oil is taken to the vacuum turbine 20 by means of plug-in hydraulic connectors via the rear side of the load surface F in the working direction around the pivot point of the tilting load surface F.

[0144] A device according to the invention, which is mounted on top of and at a carrier vehicle and which is supplied by this carrier vehicle with the required energy, is preferably operated as follows:

The carrier vehicle can travel under its own power to the usage site over short distances. For larger distances, the carrier vehicle is transported to the usage site.

[0145] The surface to be cleaned must be cleaned in advance. That is, loose trash such as cans, paper, cardboard, plastic pieces, organic wastes, located on the surface to be cleaned, must first be removed in traditional manner in a separate work step, for example with a sweeping vacuum machine.

[0146] The respectively required cleaning agents are filled into the canisters 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. The cleaning agents considered for use are in particular agents which are preferably able to convert hydrocarbon-based substances to be removed, such as oils, grease, fuels, chewing gum, dried residue of soft drinks, vehicle tyre skid marks, aircraft tyre skid marks, to such a state that these contaminants can be loosened or detached and removed from the surface to be cleaned under the application of thermal and mechanical action.

[0147] As the cleaning agent for removal of chewing gum residue, the product Top-Cleaner of the firm Top-Cleaner GmbH at CH-9053 Teufen / Switzerland may be used. As the cleaning agent for removal of oil, grease, and fuel residue the product Industrie -Reiniger forte of the firm Amstutz Produkte AG at CH-6274 Eschenbach (LU) / Switzerland may be used.

[0148] As the cleaning agent for removal of vehicle and aircraft tyre skid marks either the product Top-Cleaner of the firm Top-Cleaner GmbH at CH-9053 Teufen / Switzerland or a mixture of the two aforementioned cleaning agents may be used.

[0149] The pumps 21 suction the particular cleaning agent from the canisters 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and deliver it via transport lines to the spraying element A and optionally to the steam panel B and/or to the brush box C.

[0150] The hot steam which is produced in the hot steam generators 3a, 3b is taken via transport lines to the steam panel B and optionally to the brush box C.

[0151] The time of action of the cleaning agent and the hot steam is determined by the selected driving speed of the carrier vehicle. The driving speed is preferably < 1 km/h.

[0152] The surface to be cleaned, having been so pretreated, is then mechanically processed with the brush rollers 11a, lib, 11c.

[0153] The driver of the carrier vehicle decides the direction, the rotary speed, and the ground pressure with which the brush rollers 11a, lib, 1 lc need to work.

[0154] Because the brush rollers 11a, lib, 11c rotate about a horizontal axis, the loosened or detached contaminants are not smeared out.

[0155] The contaminants loosened or detached from the surface to be cleaned, the cleaning agent and the condensed steam are bound by the water emerging from the rinse pipe 16 and then easily suctioned by the suction connector 17 into the dirty water tank 4.

[0156] The suction action at the suction connector 17 is produced by the turbine 20.

[0157] The contents of the dirty water tank 4 are emptied through the outlet opening 31 and disposed of in a separate process in a proper environmental manner.

[0158] Figure 5 shows schematically a device according to the invention in an alternative embodiment. A brush box forming the housing of the device for mechanical processing B is provided in similar manner to the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and not shown in Figure 5. Regarding the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the following special features for this embodiment shall now be discussed in particular. The basic layout corresponds to the layout shown in Figures 1 to 4 or emerges in variants from the general disclosure.

[0159] In the embodiment of Figure 5, a length reduction device is provided, which comprises the hot steam pipes 9'. The hot steam pipes 9' here serve at the same time as retraction and lifting device. At front in the working direction there is optionally arranged in addition a collision stopping device of the kind described above.

[0160] Optionally, moreover, one or more spraying elements (not shown) may be arranged in front of the heating element B in the working direction, such as are represented and discussed in connection with the sample embodiment of Figure 1, 2.

The heating element moreover optionally contains a steam homogenizer as previously described.

[0161] The element for mechanical processing C comprises a rigid support frame 50, in which the hot steam pipes 9 are mounted so as to swivel about a horizontal axis. The drive unit, not shown and arranged inside the brush box, may have a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical design, for example; in addition or alternatively, the swiveling may occur manually. The heating element B is likewise mounted so as to swivel in regard to the hot steam pipes 9'. By swiveling of the hot steam pipes 9' in the direction indicated by arrow X, the heating element B is swiveled in a circular displacement about the element for mechanical processing in order to move from the working position shown in Fig. 5 into the transport position and in this process it is at first lifted until its bottom is located above the brush box and then retracted and lowered so that at the end of the movement it lies on top of the brush box or is held by the hot steam pipes 9' at a slight distance from the brush box.

[0162] Moreover, on the periphery of the steam panel there is arranged an optional steam outlet barrier 40, which can be realized in a the manner as discussed in the general description of the present invention, for example, by an encircling sealing profile or a sucking-up device.

[0163] The two brush rollers 11' present in this sample embodiment may be configured in basically the same way as the brush rollers 11 a, 11 b, 11 c in the sample embodiment of Figure 1, 2. Between the two brush rollers 5 7 as well as the side of the device for mechanical processing B facing the carrier vehicle in the mounted state is arranged in each case an optional pair of rubber lips 59, parallel to the axis of rotation of the brush rollers IT, and transversely to the working direction.

[0164] The brush rollers 1Γ are held each time by brush holders 55, which are mounted movably in vertical rails 53 of the support frame in the vertical direction, i.e., perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned. By means of pneumatic lifting cylinders 57, the brush rollers IT lying by their own weight against the floor being cleaned can be relieved of load in a controlled manner in order to control the ground pressure. Alternatively, the lifting cylinders 57 may also be driven by other than pneumatic operation, in particular, hydraulic or electrical.

[0165] At the rear in the working direction, i.e., facing the carrier vehicle in the mounted condition, there is provided a flange plate 60, which is preferably rigidly coupled to the support frame 50, such as by welding or screw fasteners. The flange plate 60 serves for mounting on a suitable carrier vehicle, such as a customary municipal transporter as described above. For this, the flange plate 60 may have a corresponding standardized configuration. As described above, the heating panel B and device for mechanical processing C can preferably be raised and lowered. This occurs by a corresponding raising or lowering of a flange plate on the carrier vehicle, representing the mating piece to the flange plate 60.

[0166] In the area of the flange plate are located moreover the necessary interfaces for the operation of the device, such as the hydraulic, pneumatic and/or electrical power supply of the device, the control and signal lines, as well as interfaces for the supply of hot steam and suctioning. Insofar as the carrier vehicle is a customary municipal transporter, these interfaces are preferably designed so that they with any corresponding interfaces of the carrier vehicle, such as an electrical power supply system present on the carrier vehicle via the on-board network of the carrier vehicle or a hydraulic oil system of the carrier vehicle. The interfaces are preferably detachable in order to allow a quick and simple mounting on and removal from the carrier vehicle.

[0167] Figure 6 shows an embodiment which basically corresponds to the embodiment shown in Figure 5 in the operational condition, where it is mounted on and at a carrier vehicle together with the other units and devices needed for the operation of the device, which carrier vehicle may be a customary municipal transporter of the kind presented above. The assemblage consisting of heating element B, device for mechanical processing C and (not visible) sucking-up device D is preferably, as discussed above, mounted in easily removable manner on the carrier vehicle. Likewise, the components arranged on the load surface F are arranged on a common support platform F which is detachably connected to the load surface F. In this way, the overall arrangement, including support platform F, can be easily mounted via crane lugs 71 on the load surface F and also removed from it once more. This makes possible, by adapting a few elements, the use of the device in connection with different carrier vehicles. It also makes possible an optional separate use of the carrier vehicle. In this way, a relatively costly [0168] municipal transporter can be used for example in alternating fashion as a cleaning vehicle in the summer months and a salt spreader or snow remover in the winter months.

[0169] In the sample embodiment, two hot steam generators 3a, 3b are arranged directly on the mounting platform F in the exemplary arrangement shown. The other necessary components such as fuel tank, fresh and dirty water tank, optional filtering and cleaning devices for the dirty water (such as cyclone separator as discussed above), pumps, valves, optional canisters for chemical cleaning agents and so forth are arranged in the respective modules 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d encapsulated in a housing.

Claims (15)

1. Indretning til rensning af overflader, hvor indretningen er monteret eller kan monteres på og/eller ved en mobil platform, der kan bevæges i en arbejdsretning, eksempelvis et bærerkøretøj, og sammen med den mobile platform er indrettet til selvstændig drift, hvor indretningen omfatter følgende elementer, der er anbragt bag hinanden i arbejdsretning: - et varmeelement (B) til opvarmning af overfladen, der skal renses, hvor varmeelementet (B) omfatter et fladt dampfelt, der i drift påvirker overfladen, der skal rensens, med damp; et element (C) til mekanisk bearbejdning af overfladen, der skal renses, som omfatter mindst et sådant delelement (11), der muliggør fjernelse af de løsnede eller borttagne tilsmudsninger på overfladen, der skal renses, ved hjælp af rotation og jordtryk, hvor rotationen sker om en på tværs af arbejdsretningen horisontalt anbragt akse; - et element (D) til opsugning af tilsmudsningerne samt af det ved kondensation af dampen opstående vand fra den rensede overflade.A device for cleaning surfaces where the device is mounted or can be mounted on and / or by a mobile platform movable in a working direction, for example a carrier vehicle, and together with the mobile platform is adapted for independent operation, where the device comprises the following elements arranged one after the other in a working direction: - a heating element (B) for heating the surface to be cleaned, the heating element (B) comprising a flat vapor field which in effect affects the surface to be cleaned with steam; an element (C) for mechanical machining of the surface to be cleaned, comprising at least one such element (11) which allows removal of the loosened or removed dirt on the surface to be cleaned by rotation and soil pressure, wherein the rotation occurs about a horizontal axis transverse to the working direction; - an element (D) for aspirating the soils as well as the water generated by the condensation of the steam from the cleaned surface. 2. Indretning ifølge krav 1, der omfatter et i arbejdsretning foran varmeelementet (B) anbragt sprayelement (A) til påføring af mindst et rensemiddel, især et kemisk rensemiddel, på overfladen, der skal renses.Device according to claim 1, comprising a spray element (A) arranged in the working direction in front of the heating element (B) for applying at least one cleaning agent, in particular a chemical cleaning agent, to the surface to be cleaned. 3. Indretning ifølge et af de foregående krav, hvor indretningen er indrettet til en dampudstrømning fra dampfeltet med et overtryk på højst 10 bar, eksempelvis på højst 3 bar eller højst 1,5 bar i forhold til det omgivende lufttryk.Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is arranged for a vapor discharge from the vapor field having an excess pressure of not more than 10 bar, for example not more than 3 bar or not more than 1.5 bar relative to ambient air pressure. 4. Indretning ifølge et af de foregående krav, hvor varmeelementet (B) udviser på ydersiden hhv. på omkredsen af dampfeltet anbragt dampudstrømningsspærre, der modvirker udstrømning af vanddamp fra overfladen, der skal renses.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element (B) has an outer surface, respectively. placed on the perimeter of the vapor field vapor discharge barrier which prevents the flow of water vapor from the surface to be cleaned. 5. Indretning ifølge krav 4, hvor dampudstrømningsspærren mindst omfatter tætningsprofiler, lætningsbørster, en opsugningsindretning til opsugning af overskydende damp eller en fluidisk fortrængningsindretning, der fortrænger dampen fra omkredsen af dampfeltet (B) hen mod dets indre.Device according to claim 4, wherein the vapor-discharge barrier comprises at least sealing profiles, relief brushes, a suction device for suction of excess steam or a fluid displacement device which displaces the steam from the circumference of the steam field (B) towards its interior. 6. Indretning ifølge et af de foregående krav, hvor dampfeltet omfatter en damphomogeniserer, der er indrettet til at sikre en i det mindste i det væsentlige homogen og ensartet damppåvirkning af overfladen, der skal renses.Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vapor field comprises a vapor homogenizer adapted to ensure at least a substantially homogeneous and uniform vapor action of the surface to be cleaned. 7. Indretning ifølge krav 6, hvor damphomogenisereren omfatter et fladt og porøst, svampeagtigt materiale eller et fladt væv, eksempelvis et fladt ædelstålvæv.Device according to claim 6, wherein the steam homogenizer comprises a flat and porous sponge-like material or a flat tissue, for example a flat stainless steel tissue. 8. Indretning ifølge et af de foregående krav, der omfatter en kollisionsstopindretning, der funktionsmæssigt er koblet til eller kan kobles til en drivmekanisme i den mobile platform og er indrettet til automatisk at stoppe kørslen af indretningen, hvis den kolliderer med en forhindring, og/eller en kollision med en forhindring truer.Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a collision stop device which is functionally coupled to or can be coupled to a drive mechanism in the mobile platform and adapted to automatically stop the movement of the device if it collides with an obstacle, and / or a collision with an obstacle threatens. 9. Indretning ifølge et af de foregående krav, der omfatter en længdereduktionsindretning, der er koblet til varmeelementet (B) således, at varmeelementet (B) ved hjælp af dets aktivering kan bringes fra en arbejdsstilling til en transportstilling, hvor et omfang, hvormed varmeelementet (B) i arbejdsretning rager frem over elementet til mekanisk bearbejdning (C), i transportstillingen mindskes eller ophæves i forhold til arbejdsstillingen.Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a length reduction device coupled to the heating element (B) such that, by means of its activation, the heating element (B) can be brought from a working position to a transport position, the extent to which the heating element (B) in the working direction protrudes over the mechanical machining element (C), in the transport position is reduced or canceled relative to the working position. 10. Indretning ifølge krav 9, hvor længdereduktionsindretningen er en tilbagetrækningsindretning, der er indrettet til at trække varmeelementet (B) tilbage mod arbejdsretningen hhv. forskyde det mod arbejdsretningen i forhold til elementet til mekanisk bearbejdning (C).Device according to claim 9, wherein the length reduction device is a retraction device adapted to retract the heating element (B) towards the working direction respectively. offset it toward the working direction relative to the mechanical machining element (C). 11. Indretning ifølge krav 10, hvor varmeelementet (B) i transportstillingen er anbragt over elementet til mekanisk bearbejdning (C) og har en lille afstand i forhold til dette eller hviler på dette.Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the heating element (B) in the transport position is arranged above the element for mechanical machining (C) and has a small distance relative thereto or rests thereon. 12. Indretning ifølge et af de foregående krav, der omfatter en renseindretning til rensning af det op sugede vand, hvor renseindretningen er koblet til elementet til opsugning (D) og en opsamlingsbeholder (28).Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a cleaning device for cleaning up the suction water, wherein the cleaning device is coupled to the element for suction (D) and a collection vessel (28). 13. Fremgangsmåde til rensning af overflader ved drift af en renseindretning, der er monteret på og/eller ved en mobil platform, der kan bevæges i en arbejdsretning, omfattende de sekventielle trin: at opvarme overfladen ved påvirkning med varmtvandsdamp og at lade den påførte varme virke; - at fjerne tilsmudsninger løsnet eller borttaget af vanddampen ved hjælp af mekanisk bearbejdning ved rotation og jordtryk, hvor rotationen sker om en på tværs af arbejdsretningen horisontalt anbragt akse; at opsuge tilsmudsningerne saml del ved kondensation af dampen opstående vand fra den rensede overflade.A method of cleaning surfaces by operating a cleaning device mounted on and / or by a movable platform in a working direction, comprising the sequential steps: heating the surface by exposure to hot water vapor and allowing the applied heat work; - removing dirt loosened or removed from the water vapor by mechanical machining by rotation and soil pressure, the rotation being about a transversely horizontal axis of the working direction; to soak up the soils collect part by condensing the steam rising water from the cleaned surface. 14. Fremgangsmåde ifølge krav 13, hvor varmtvandsdampen har et overtryk på højst 10 bar, eksempelvis på højst 3 bar i forhold til det omgivende lufttryk.A method according to claim 13, wherein the hot water vapor has an overpressure of not more than 10 bar, for example not more than 3 bar relative to ambient air pressure. 15. Anvendelse af en indretning ifølge et af kravene 1 til 12 til udøvelse af en fremgangsmåde ifølge et af kravene 13 eller 14.Use of a device according to one of claims 1 to 12 for carrying out a method according to one of claims 13 or 14.