HK1099729B - Improved parts washing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Improved part cleaning device

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning parts to remove grease, oil and dirt, and more particularly to an apparatus for cleaning parts wherein the apparatus has an improved heating assembly for conditioning and maintaining a cleaning solution at an effective temperature during operation of the parts cleaning apparatus.

Background

Parts washers are a device used to wash various parts including, but not limited to, machine and machine parts. Current parts washers typically use aqueous cleaning solutions to remove, for example, grease, carbon, resins, tar, inks, and other grime from contaminated parts, such as engine parts, tools, and the like. Known parts washers use hydrocarbon-based solvent cleaning solutions to clean parts.

Conventional automatic aqueous parts washers include a housing having a door into a cleaning chamber having a tray disposed therein for supporting parts. A pump draws the cleaning solution from the reservoir and delivers the cleaning solution under pressure to a series of nozzles directed at the parts disposed on the tray. A heater disposed in the reservoir is also typically used to increase the temperature of the aqueous cleaning solution, if desired.

The main disadvantage of the conventional parts washer is that the heater cannot maintain the temperature of the aqueous cleaning solution in the effective range, i.e., 120 deg.fTo 160. The aqueous cleaning solution must be stabilized within effective ranges during the cleaning cycle in order to properly clean the parts. Conventional parts washers attempt to maintain the cleaning solution in an effective range by using a heater that is configured according to the volume of cleaning solution and the workload of the machine. Such conventional heating elements are typically immersion heaters which are in direct contact with the aqueous cleaning solution and can readily raise the temperature of the cleaning solution to an effective range initially. However, once cleaning of the parts is initiated, the temperature of the cleaning solution drops rapidly, typically below 5 minutes. The heating element is unable to maintain the temperature of the cleaning solution at 120 deg.f at maximum rated output for any length of time required to effectively clean the partsAbove. The cleaning liquid cools due to its ambient temperature dissipation to the ambient environment, atomization of the cleaning liquid as it exits the nozzle, and heat dissipation to the parts to be cleaned, thereby bringing these parts to the temperature of the cleaning liquid.

Another disadvantage, and also the basis for the above disadvantage, is that most conventional aqueous parts washers are sold and used in commercial assemblies, such as automotive repair shops or residential assemblies. Standard 120 volt/single phase circuits for commercial and residential installations are typically limited to 15 amps. In a few cases a 20 amp circuit is available. Typically, custom devices or retrofit of 120 volt circuits with power usage capacity greater than 15 amps are necessary. This results in increased costs for the owner of the device. Alternatively, 240 volt or 480 volt single or multi-phase circuits may be installed, which is a significant cost to the owner/operator. Moreover, parts washers designed to operate on circuits of increased capacity further increase manufacturing costs. Therefore, conventional parts washers cannot be modified to use additional heaters because the power capacity of the circuit is limited.

Another disadvantage of the prior art parts washers is that the immersion heater is in direct contact with the aqueous cleaning solution. During the cleaning of the parts, sludge, scale and other particulate matter commonly present in the aqueous cleaning solution accumulates and bakes on the heater elements, causing scale to deposit on the heater. The deposited scale then acts as an insulator. As a result, over time, heat transfer to the wash liquor becomes inefficient, energy/operating costs increase, life expectancy of the heater elements becomes short, and periodic maintenance increases.

Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for an improved parts washer having a novel structure and function for regulating, increasing and maintaining the temperature of the washing liquid, which can operate under a standard 120 volt/15 amp circuit, requires significantly reduced maintenance and less operating energy, cleans longer and more batches of parts, and addresses the aforementioned shortcomings of prior art parts washers, as compared to conventional parts washers.

Drawings

The invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a parts washing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the cleaning chamber portion of the parts cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the parts washer taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the heat source disposed in the cleaning chamber taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of operation of the parts washing apparatus of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Briefly, in one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for cleaning parts includes a housing defining a cleaning chamber including a spray portion located within a reservoir portion. The spray portion includes a support for the part and a spray bar having at least one orifice for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto the part. The reservoir portion is configured to store and collect the cleaning fluid. A heat source is disposed in the reservoir portion for regulating and maintaining an operating temperature of the cleaning fluid. The heat source preferably increases the temperature of the washing liquid. The heat source is generally configured as a housing having a plurality of walls for holding a conductive fluid and including at least one heater disposed therein for regulating the temperature of the conductive fluid. A conduit extends through the heat source, is in contact with the conductive fluid, and defines a passage for the cleaning fluid. A pump draws cleaning fluid from within the reservoir portion through the passageway and expels the cleaning fluid through the spray wand. The operating temperature of the cleaning fluid is regulated and maintained by contact with a heat source and a conduit. The term "regulating" is used to mean increasing or maintaining the temperature of any liquid.

Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus for cleaning parts is generally indicated by reference numeral 20. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 20 for cleaning parts includes a housing 22 defining a cleaning chamber 24 including a spray portion 26 and a reservoir portion (better shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). The housing 22 includes a plurality of walls including a front wall 28, a rear wall 30, opposing side walls 32, 34 and a top wall 36. A cover 38 is movably connected to the rear wall 30. The lid 38 is movable from a first, closed position (not shown) to a second, open position (shown in fig. 1) to expose the opening 40 to the wash chamber 24. The device is inoperable in the second operating position (i.e., open). The cover 38 includes a top 42 and a front 44. The opposite sides 46, 48 overlap a mechanical seal 50 to seal the cleaning chamber 24. Struts 54, 56 are connected to the top wall 36 and each of the opposing side portions 46, 48 to dampen movement of the cover 38 between the first and second operating positions.

A control panel 58 is provided on the front panel 28. The control panel 58 includes a plurality of controls including a heater on/off switch 60, a circuit breaker 62 for the turntable, a circuit breaker 66 for the electrical control circuit and the wash cycle timer. The temperature controller 68 includes a display 70 and a plurality of input buttons 72. The operation of the temperature controller 68 will be described in detail below.

The injection portion 26 includes at least one support 74 and an injection rod 76. The support 74 is generally configured to act as a turntable upon which the parts to be cleaned are placed. The turntable is moved relative to the spray bar 76 to clean the parts. The spray bar 76 includes at least one aperture 78 for dispensing a cleaning solution onto the parts (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the spray bar 76 may include a plurality of arms. Each arm has a plurality of apertures 78 which may be generally configured as nozzles. For example, the spray bar 76 may include a first portion disposed below the support (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) and at least one portion extending above the support 74. The at least one portion extending above the support may also include a vertical member and a horizontal member. Moreover, at least one arm of the spray bar 76 may be movable relative to the other arm to provide the desired parts wash coverage. A plurality of holes and/or nozzles 78 are provided on each arm of the spray bar 76.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a detailed exploded view of the cleaning chamber 24 is shown. The spray portion 26 is disposed above the reservoir portion 80 such that the reservoir portion 80 is configured to store and collect cleaning fluid (see fig. 3).

A heat source 82 is provided in the reservoir 80 to regulate and maintain the operating temperature of the cleaning solution (see fig. 3). The heat source 82 is generally configured as a housing for holding a conductive fluid (not shown) and includes at least one heater 130, 132 (see fig. 4) for regulating and maintaining the temperature of the conductive fluid and a cleaning solution to a set point, as will be described in more detail below. The inlet screen 86 is connected to a pipette 84 that is connected to a conduit extending through the heat source 82 (see fig. 4). The heat source 82 may further include a vent 106 disposed at a desired location.

The drive mechanism 88 rotates the turntable. In one embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a gear 90 extending through an opening 92 in an interior sidewall 94, the sidewall 94 defining the cleaning chamber 24. The teeth on gear 90 mesh with holes 96 formed in an outer race 98 of support 74. Any suitable drive mechanism and other corresponding structure may be used within the scope of the present disclosure. The top surface of the support 74 includes: an expanded grid 100 of metal or other suitable material spanning the spray bar 76; and a plurality of orifice nozzles 78 disposed thereon. A center beam 102 supports a center 104 of the support 74 for movement thereon.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device 20 taken along line 3-3 of fig. 1. The cleaning chamber 24 includes a spray portion 26 disposed above a reservoir portion 80. The cleaning solution 108 is stored in the reservoir portion 80 and is collected therein after being discharged from the spray bar 76. The cleaning solution 108 may be an aqueous based solution or other suitable cleaning solution. One skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be operated in conjunction with any suitable cleaning fluid corresponding to the desired cleaning needs.

The pump 110 draws the cleaning solution 108 from the reservoir 80 through the inlet screen 86, the suction tube 84, and the heat source 82. The cleaning solution is then discharged from the spray bar 76 and the spray nozzles 78 thereon. As described in more detail below, the heat source 82 regulates and maintains the temperature of the cleaning solution 108 by contact of the cleaning solution with the exterior walls of the heat source as the cleaning solution 108 is collected and stored in the reservoir 80, and rapidly heats or transfers thermal energy to the cleaning solution 108 flowing through conduits in the heat source. Flexible lines 112 may be used to connect the pump 110 to the spray wand 76 in order to ease the manufacture of the apparatus 20.

The drive mechanism 88 includes a motor 114, as described above, which motor 114 drives the gear 90 which engages the aperture 96 of the support 74. The shield 116 houses the gear 90 and prevents the cleaning solution 108 from entering the equipment portion 118 of the housing 22 as the cleaning solution 108 is discharged from the nozzle 78.

Fig. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the heat source 82 disposed in the cleaning chamber taken along line 4-4 of fig. 3. The heat source 82 is generally configured as a housing for holding a conductive fluid (not shown). The housing includes a plurality of walls 120, a bottom 122, and a top (which has been removed for ease of disclosure). The exterior of the at least one wall is in heat transfer contact with the wash liquor. Preferably, at least three outer walls are in heat transfer contact with the washing liquid. A pipette 84 is connected to the conduit 12 which extends through the heat source 82 into contact with a conductive fluid (not shown) and defines a passage for the washing liquid. A fitting 126 on the end of the conduit 124 opposite the inlet tube 84 is adapted to connect to a tube leading from the pump.

The heat source 82 also includes at least one heater 128. Preferably, the at least one heater 128 includes a primary heater 130 and a secondary heater 132. Preferably, the primary heater 130 and the secondary heater 132 are activated simultaneously, as will be described in detail below, to initially raise the temperature of the conductive fluid to a set point, and thus the temperature of the wash liquor, to a desired set point, preferably within the desired effective range of the wash liquor. The heat transfer fluid (not shown), due to its molecular structure, can be heated at a much faster rate than water or wash liquor, usually with the application of equal energy. As a result, the initial start-up and the recovery temperature adjustment of the operation can be achieved more quickly.

The at least one heater element 128 is operable during a cleaning cycle. After the primary and secondary heaters 130, 132 have raised the temperature of the cleaning solution to the desired setpoint, one of the heaters 128 continues to input energy to the conductive fluid such that the temperature of the conductive fluid is near its desired setpoint, and the heat source continues to conduct heat to the cleaning solution as it cools during the cleaning cycle.

The conduit 124 has a length L and includes a wall 134 having a heat transfer surface area sufficient to raise the operating temperature of the wash liquid introduced thereto to substantially approach the wash liquid setpoint. Preferably, the temperature difference between the conducting fluid (not shown) and the washing liquid is sufficiently large that the washing liquid can also be heated rapidly while flowing through the conduit. As shown, in one embodiment of the invention, the conduit 124 extends between adjacent walls 120 and generally intersects each wall. Preferably, the length L of the conduit 124 is substantially equal to half the circumference of the housing.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of operation of the parts washing apparatus of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device is connected to a suitable power source and that the cleaning solution is located in the reservoir portion of the cleaning chamber. In step 200, the operator turns on the heater on/off switch to activate the primary and secondary heater elements. In step 204, the operator inputs a wash liquor temperature set point into the controller. In step 206, the operator may close the lid of the device. In step 214, control evaluates whether the wash liquor temperature is above a set point. This may be achieved by a temperature sensor in contact with the wash liquor which generates a signal indicative of the temperature which is read by the controller. Other suitable structures and functions may also be used. If the temperature of the wash liquor is not above the set point, the controller waits a predetermined time before re-evaluating. If the temperature of the cleaning solution is above the set point, the parts washer is ready to clean the parts.

The device may remain in this steady state until the operator is ready to clean the part. During this steady state, the controller continuously maintains the temperature of the conductive fluid and the cleaning solution at the desired set point. When the part is ready to be cleaned, the operator opens the lid in step 220. The operator may then load the part at step 222. In step 229, the operator selects a cycle time. Once the lid is closed 226, the controller deactivates the secondary heater 228 and activates the pump and drive mechanism 230. The periodic run time of the device continues until terminated in step 232. When the run time has expired, the operator may then open the lid in step 238 and unload the part in step 240. When there are more parts to be cleaned in step 242, the operator closes the lid in step 206 and resumes the subsequent procedure. If there are no more parts to be cleaned, the operator may turn the heater off in step 244.

Various improvements and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the device may be configured to operate in a 240 volt/single or three phase, or 480 volt/three phase circuit, which is advantageous herein.

Claims (16)

1. An apparatus for cleaning parts, comprising:

a housing defining an integral cleaning chamber including a spray portion and a reservoir portion;

the spray portion includes a rotatable support for the part and a spray bar having at least one aperture for distributing a cleaning solution onto the part when the support is rotated relative to the spray bar;

the reservoir portion is configured to store and collect a washing liquid;

a heat source disposed entirely submerged within the washing liquid disposed in the liquid storage portion for regulating and maintaining an operating temperature of the washing liquid;

the heat source is configured as a housing for holding a conductive fluid and includes at least one heater for regulating the temperature of the conductive fluid and a plurality of walls adjacent the conductive fluid and the cleaning solution;

a conduit extending through the heat source in contact with the conductive fluid and defining a passage for the cleaning fluid; and

a pump provided in the housing outside the washing chamber for first pumping washing liquid in the liquid reservoir via the passage and then discharging the washing liquid through the spray bar, wherein when first pumped by the pump via the passage, the operating temperature of the washing liquid is raised due to contact with the conduit that has been heated by the heat transfer fluid.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a lid movable from an operative first position to an inoperative second position to open an opening to the cleaning chamber.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spray bar comprises first portions disposed below the support, second portions extending above the support, and apertures on each of the first portions and at least one of the second portions.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one orifice is configured as a nozzle.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning solution is water-based.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of walls, and a bottom and a top.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heat source comprises a primary heater and a secondary heater.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the secondary heater is deactivated when the pump is operating.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conduit has a length and comprises a wall having a heat transfer surface area sufficient to raise an operating temperature of a scrubbing fluid drawn therethrough to substantially near a set point.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controller for periodically activating the at least one heater based on a set point and an operating temperature.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support is configured as a turntable for moving the part thereon relative to the spray bar.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cycle timer that causes the pump to start for a time required when the cover is in the first position for operation.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the drive mechanism is activated to rotate the turntable when the cover is moved from the second, non-operational position to the first, operational position.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conduit extends between adjacent walls of the housing and intersects each wall.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the conduit has a length of approximately half of a perimeter of the housing.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is operable at a standard voltage of 120 volts and a current of 15 amps.