Blind washing apparatus

A blind washing apparatus capable of washing a blind automatically without relying upon manual operation. The blind is supported by a blind support device and repeats upward and downward movements. In a state in which the blind is lowered into a washing tank filled with washing liquid, the blind is brushed by a pair of washing brushes arranged in opposed relation to each other, thereby washing the blind automatically.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
The present invention relates to a blind washing apparatus for 
automatically washing a so-called venetian blind or the like having a 
multiplicity of horizontally extending blades which are arranged one over 
another in vertically spaced relation to each other. 
BACKGROUND ART 
Generally, a so-called venetian blind having a multiplicity of horizontally 
extending blades arranged one over another in vertically spaced relation 
to each other has widely been employed on a window of a room or the like 
in order to keep off the sun. In such blind, the dust and nicotine of 
tobacco are apt to adhere to the surfaces of the respective blades so that 
the blind is promptly contaminated. However, the blind is so constructed 
as to be extremely difficult to be washed, because each blade is not 
fixedly mounted in order and because each blade has flexibility. 
Because of the above reason, washing of the blind is conventionally a 
hand-washing or hand-scrubbing operation in which gloves are worn and 
detergent or the like is applied to the gloves for wiping off both sides 
of each blade. Accordingly, the washing operation is extremely 
inefficient, and there is the possibility that the blades may be damaged 
during the washing. Accordingly, treatments of the blind such as cleaning, 
washing and the like are not infrequently carried out. 
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a novel blind washing 
apparatus capable of automatically washing the above-described blind 
without relying upon troublesome manual operation. 
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
According to the invention, the above object is achieved by a blind washing 
apparatus comprising a washing section for washing a blind, and a blind 
support device for supporting the blind in a developed manner and for 
reciprocating the blind vertically relatively to the blind washing 
section, wherein the blind washing section includes a washing tank 
accommodating the blind at a lowered position thereof and capable of being 
filled with washing liquid, and a pair of washing brushes arranged in 
opposed relation to each other substantially along a longitudinal 
direction so as to clamp the blind from its opposite sides within the 
washing tank, and wherein surfaces of blades of the blind dipped in the 
washing liquid are brushed by the washing brushes with the vertical 
movement of the blade, thereby carrying out washing of the blind. 
The blind washing apparatus according to the invention may be so arranged 
that nozzles are arranged in the vicinity of an upper end of the washing 
tank along the longitudinal direction thereof, and the washing liquid 
within the washing tank is injected to the blind through the nozzles. 
Further, the aforesaid blind washing section may be so arranged that a 
second tank is provided for storing detergent liquid, the detergent liquid 
is transferred from the second tank to the washing tank at the beginning 
of a washing step of the blind, and the detergent liquid is returned from 
the washing tank to the second tank at the end of the washing step of the 
blind. Moreover, a third tank may be arranged for storing washing water. 
Nozzles are arranged above and along the washing brushes, and the washing 
water from the third tank is injected to the vertically moving blind 
through the nozzles after the washing step of the blind by the detergent 
liquid, thereby carrying out rough rinsing of the blind. Furthermore, a 
fourth tank may be arranged for storing new water, and the new water from 
the fourth tank is injected toward the vertically moving blind through the 
nozzles after the injection of the washing water, thereby carrying out 
finishing rinsing. 
The term "washing liquid" in this specification is used to mean any one of 
the aforesaid detergent liquid, washing water or the new water for 
rinsing, or is used as a general term for them. 
According to this invention, washing of the blind, which has conventionally 
been incapable of being done without relying upon the manual operation, 
can be performed automatically simply and reliably. In particular, if the 
apparatus is portable, for example, capable of being loaded on a truck or 
the like, it is possible to wash many blinds during a short period of time 
without the necessity of many hands. 
Further, according to another aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned 
object is achieved by a blind washing apparatus comprising a washing 
section for washing a blind, and a blind support device for supporting the 
blind in a developed manner and for vertically reciprocating the blind 
relatively to the blind washing section, the blind washing section 
including a washing tank accommodating the blind at a lowered position 
thereof and capable of being filled with washing liquid, and washing 
brushes arranged in opposed relation to each other so as to clamp the 
blind from its opposite sides substantially along a longitudinal direction 
within the washing tank, the washing brushes being reciprocated 
horizontally in their respective directions opposite to each other along 
the longitudinal direction and surfaces of blades of the blind dipped in 
the washing liquid being brushed by the washing brushes with the vertical 
movement of the blind within the washing tank, wherein washing-brush 
support members supporting respectively the aforesaid two washing brushes 
are connected at their opposite ends to connecting members through 
universal joints, wherein at least one of the connecting members is 
pivotally supported at its central section for angular movement about a 
vertical shaft, and wherein swinging movement of the connecting member 
causes the washing brushes to be reciprocated substantially arcuately 
along the longitudinal direction. 
According to this aspect, the two washing brushes are reciprocated 
arcuately along the longitudinal direction and, with the reciprocative 
movement, the washing brushes repeat their movement toward and away from 
each other. Thus, when each blade of the blind is washed, the washing 
brushes operate so as to sweep away the dust and the like adhered to the 
blades. That is, the washing brushes operate in such a manner that when 
the washing brushes move toward each other, the washing brushes are 
abutted strongly against the blade to remove the dust and the like from 
the blade surface. When the washing brushes move away from each other, the 
washing brushes are brought into light contact with the blade surface to 
sweep away the removed dust and the like. Further, when the washing 
brushes move away from each other, each blade is caused to pass easily 
through a gap between the washing brushes. Accordingly, each blade is 
prevented from being caught by the washing brushes during the washing 
operation. Thus, it can be ensured that the front and back sides of each 
blade are washed by the washing brushes. 
According to still another aspect of the invention, the above object is 
achieved by a blind washing apparatus comprising a washing section for 
washing a blind, and a blind support device for supporting the blind in a 
developed manner and for reciprocating the blind vertically relatively to 
the blind washing section, the blind washing section including a washing 
tank accommodating the blind at a lowered position thereof and capable of 
being filled with washing liquid, and washing brushes arranged in opposed 
relation to each other so as to clamp the blind from its opposite sides 
substantially along a longitudinal direction within the washing tank, 
surfaces of blades of the blind dipped in the washing liquid being brushed 
by the washing brushes with the vertical movement of the blind within the 
washing tank, wherein washing-brush support members supporting 
respectively the aforesaid two washing brushes are arranged at least their 
respective one ends for horizontally reciprocative movement in their 
respective directions opposite to each other perpendicularly to the 
longitudinal direction. 
According to this aspect, the two washing brushes repeat their movement 
toward and away from each other relative to the blades of the blind during 
the washing, whereby the washing brushes move so as to sweep forwardly 
away the dust and the like adhered to each blade. That is, when the 
washing brushes move toward each other, the washing brushes are abutted 
strongly against the blades to remove the dust and the like from the blade 
surfaces, while when the washing brushes then move away from each other, 
the washing brushes are brought into light contact with the blade 
surfaces, thereby sweeping away the removed dust and the like. Further, 
since, in the state in which the brushes are spaced away from each other, 
each blade is permitted to pass easily through a gap between both the 
washing brushes, it is prevented that each blade is caught by the washing 
brushes during the operation. Thus, it is ensured that the front and back 
sides of each blade are washed.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
The invention will be described below in detail with reference to several 
embodiments shown in the drawings. 
In FIGS. 1 and 2 showing a first embodiment of a blind washing apparatus 
according to the invention, the blind washing apparatus 1 comprises a 
blind support device 2 and a blind washing section 3. 
The blind washing apparatus 1 of this type is so constructed as to have a 
large capacity and uncomplicated in construction so that the apparatus can 
be used where contamination of a blind B to be washed is particularly 
substantial and the case where the blind B is to be washed particularly 
delicate. To this end, washing liquid is divided into detergent liquid, 
washing water for rough rinsing, and new water for finishing and, 
correspondingly, washing is carried out in three stages. 
The arrangement of the apparatus according to the embodiment will be 
described below. The blind support device 2 is so arranged as to support 
the blind B by a support arm 2a whereby the blind is suspended therefrom 
in a fully developed or extended configuration and to reciprocate the 
support arm 2a vertically between a solid line position and a 
double-dotted line position as illustrated in FIG. 1 thereby moving the 
blind B vertically at a suitable cycle. Suspension of the blind B by the 
support arm 2a is carried out by supporting an upper frame of the blind by 
suitable gripping members. In the embodiment, however, the right and left 
ends of the upper frame B1 of the blind are supported by the use of 
respective O-rings 2c, 2c. In this connection, the arrangement may be such 
that the support arm 2a is not movable, but the blind B is moved 
vertically by wires or the like suspending the blind B. 
The blind washing section 3 comprises a central washing tank 4 having a 
width and a size sufficient to accommodate the blind B when the support 
arm 2a of the blind support device 2 is in the double-dotted position, 
that is, in a position where the blind B is lowered, a second tank 5 
arranged in front of and adjacent the washing tank 4 for storing detergent 
liquid of the washing liquid, a third tank 6 arranged in rear of and 
adjacent the washing tank 4 for storing washing water for rough rinsing, 
and a fourth tank 7 (see FIG. 2) for storing new water for finishing 
rinsing. 
A pair of opposed washing brushes 8, 9 are arranged in rows at a location 
within the washing tank 4 and in the vicinity of an upper end of the 
washing tank 4 so as to clamp the blind B from both the front and back 
sides thereof substantially along the longitudinal direction. These 
washing brushes 8, 9 are so designed as to be reciprocated horizontally by 
well-known drive means, not shown, as indicated by the arrows P and Q in 
their respective directions opposite to each other along the longitudinal 
direction. Further, pipes 10, 11 have nozzles for injecting the washing 
water or the like onto each blade of the blind B and the washing brushes 
8, 9, the nozzles being arranged in parallel relation to each other along 
the upper sides of the respective washing brushes 8, 9. These washing 
brushes and nozzles are located above the level of the washing liquid. Of 
these washing brushes and nozzles, the washing brushes 8, 9 may be 
arranged at a location immersed in the washing liquid. 
Furthermore, arranged within the washing tank 4 are level sensors 12, 13 
for detecting upper and lower water levels or liquid levels. The level 
sensors 12, 13 are electrically connected to a control unit to be 
described later, to perform detection of the water level or liquid level 
at each operation stage. 
Moreover, openings 4a, 5a, 6a and 7a for feeding and discharging the 
detergent liquid, the washing water or the new water are provided 
respectively in the vicinity of bottoms of one sides of the respective 
washing tank 4 and second, third and fourth tanks 5, 6, 7. A feed water 
port 7b connected to a feed water source, not shown, is provided in the 
vicinity of an upper end of the fourth tank 7. Further, an overflow 
portion 14 is provided in a partition plate between the third and fourth 
tanks 6 and 7. An overflow pipe 15 is provided at the third tank 6 at a 
level lower than the overflow portion 14. 
FIG. 3 shows a circuit diagram for the detergent liquid, the washing water 
and the new water of the washing liquid in the blind washing apparatus 1 
illustrated in FIG. 1. The reference numeral 20 denotes a first pump for 
the detergent liquid. A suction side 20a of the first pump 20 is connected 
to the opening 5a of the second tank 5 through a valve V1, and to the 
opening 4a of the washing tank 4 through a valve V2. On the other hand, a 
delivery side 20b of the first pump 20 is connected to the opening 5a of 
the second tank 5 through a valve V3, and to the opening 4a of the washing 
tank 4 through a valve V4. 
The reference numeral 21 denotes a second pump for the washing water and 
the new water. A suction side 21a of the second pump 21 is connected to 
the opening 6a of the third tank 6 through a valve V5, to the opening 7a 
of the fourth tank 7 through a valve V6, and to the opening 4a of the 
washing tank 4 through a valve V7. On the other hand, a delivery side 21b 
of the second pump 21 is connected to the opening 6a of the third tank 6 
through a valve V8, and to the pipes 10 and 11 having nozzles, through a 
valve V9. The reference numeral 22 denotes a control unit for controlling 
operation of the first pump 20 for the detergent liquid and the second 
pump 21 for the washing water and the new water, and controls opening and 
closing of the valves V1 through V9. The control unit 22 executes control 
on the basis of a program which can suitably be modified. 
The embodiment of the invention is constructed as above, and the operation 
of the embodiment will next be described in the order of washing operation 
steps. 
(A) At a preparatory stage before washing of the blind B is carried out, 
the washing tank 4 is empty, the second tank is filled with the detergent 
liquid of the washing liquid, the third tank 6 is filled with the washing 
water for rough rinsing of the washing liquid, and the fourth tank 7 is 
filled with the new water for finishing of the washing liquid. With regard 
to the valves, the valves V1, V3, V5 and V8 are opened, while the 
remaining valves are closed. Accordingly, the pumps 20 and 21 form their 
respective closed loops with respect to the respective second tank 5 and 
third tank 6. Here, the blind B is attached to the support arm 2a of the 
blind support device 2, whereby the preparation is completed. 
(B) Subsequently, when washing of the blind B is started, the valve V3 is 
closed and the valve V4 is opened under the control of the control unit 
22, so that the detergent liquid within the second tank 5 is delivered 
into the washing tank 4 through the opening 5a, the valve V1, the pump 20, 
the valve V4 and the opening 4a. When the liquid level of the detergent 
liquid within the washing tank 4 reaches a predetermined level, this is 
detected by the level sensor 12. Again under the control of the control 
unit 22, the valve V3 is opened and the valve V4 is closed, so that 
delivery of the detergent liquid is terminated. 
(C) Subsequently, the support arm 2a of the blind support apparatus 2 is 
reciprocated vertically by the drive unit 2b, whereby the blind B is 
lowered and dipped into the detergent liquid within the washing tank 4 and 
is then raised. This motion is repeated continuously for a predetermined 
period of time. During the motion, the washing brushes 8, 9 are 
reciprocated horizontally in their respective directions opposite to each 
other along the longitudinal direction, that is, in their respective 
directions indicated by arrows P and Q in FIG. 2, while clamping the 
vertically reciprocating blind B from both its front and back sides. The 
washing brushes 8, 9 brush each blade surface of the blind B to carry out 
washing of the blind B. It is to be noted here that since the washing 
brushes 8, 9 are reciprocated horizontally in their respective directions 
opposite to each other, the shaking of the blind B does not occur during 
the brushing. Since the blade surface has already been immersed in the 
detergent liquid within the washing tank 4, the dust, nicotine and the 
like adhered to the surface are removed by the brushing. 
(D) Subsequently, the valve V1 is closed and the valve V2 is opened under 
the control of the control unit 22, so that the detergent liquid within 
the washing tank 4 is returned to the second tank 5 through the opening 
4a, the valve V2, the pump 20, the valve V3 and the opening 5a. When the 
washing tank 4 is emptied of the detergent liquid, this is detected by the 
level sensor 13. Again under the control of the control unit 22, the valve 
V1 is opened and the valve V2 is closed, so that returning of the 
detergent liquid is completed. 
(E) Simultaneously with the opening of the valve V1 and the closing of the 
valve V2 in the above (D), the valves V7 and V9 are opened and the valve 
V8 is closed under the control of the control unit 22. The washing water 
within the third tank 6 is delivered to the pipes 10, 11 within the 
washing tank 4, through the opening 6a, the valve V5, the pump 21 and the 
valve V9, and is injected through the nozzles in the pipes 10, 11. The 
washing water accumulated at the bottom of the washing tank 4 due to the 
injection of the washing water is delivered to the nozzles through the 
opening 4a, the valve V7 and the pump 21 and is again injected through the 
nozzles. Thus, rough rinsing of the blind B is performed. 
(F) When a predetermined period of time elapses, the valves V5 and V7 are 
closed and the valve V6 is opened under the control of the control unit 
22. The new water within the fourth tank 7 is delivered to the pipes 10, 
11 within the washing tank 4, through the opening 7a, the valve V6, the 
pump 21 and the valve V9, and is injected through the nozzles. Thus, 
finishing rinsing of the blind B is carried out. 
(G) When a predetermined period of time again elapses, the valves V6 and V9 
are closed and the valves V7 and V8 are opened under the control of the 
control unit 22. The washing water and the new water accumulated within 
the washing tank 4 are delivered into the third tank 6 through the opening 
4a, the valve V7, the pump 21, the valve V8, and the opening 6a. When the 
washing tank 4 is emptied of the washing water and the new water, this is 
detected by the level sensor 13, so that again under the control of the 
control unit 22, the valve V5 is opened and the valve V7 is closed, and 
the operation is returned to the initial stage (A). By doing so, a 
plurality of blinds can be washed continuously. 
In connection with the above, the vertical reciprocative movement of the 
blind B, that is, the vertical (extending and contracting) movement of the 
support arm 2a, and the horizontal reciprocative movement of the washing 
brushes 8, 9 run on continuously from the washing stage of the above (C) 
to the finishing-rinsing stage of the above (F). Further, the first and 
second pumps 21, 21 are operated continuously. However, they may be 
stopped when the closed loops are formed, that is, when the detergent 
liquid, the washing water and the new water are not fed and discharged 
between the tanks. 
The fourth tank 7 for storing the new water is supplemented with new water 
through the feed water port 7b and is always fully filled with water. The 
new water flows from the fourth tank 7 to the adjacent third tank 6 for 
storing the washing water, through the overflow portion 14. On the other 
hand, since waste water is discharged through the overflow pipe 15 of the 
third tank 6, the washing water contaminated due to the rough rinsing of 
the blind B is always maintained at a substantially constant, low 
contamination level. Thus, the rough rinsing of the blind B is carried out 
effectively. 
As described above, the arrangement of the apparatus according to the 
embodiment is such that the washing liquid is separated into three 
applications including the detergent liquid, the washing water and the new 
water, and the washing of the blind is carried out at three stages. With 
such arrangement, the apparatus is suitable for such a case as to wash an 
exceedingly contaminated blind or a blind requiring particularly delicate 
washing, though the apparatus is made large in size. It is extremely 
preferable from the viewpoint of reduction in the cost and preservation of 
the environment, to arrange the apparatus in such a manner that the 
washing liquid having been once used to wash the blind can be collected 
and re-used. Further, if rinsing of the washed blind is carried out with 
the rinsing divided into the rough rinsing and the finishing rinsing, 
there are provided such advantages that the quantity of water required for 
the rinsing is reduced, and so on. 
A second embodiment of the invention will next be described with reference 
to FIGS. 4 and 5. 
A blind washing apparatus 30 according to this embodiment comprises a blind 
support device 2 similar to that of the previous embodiment. In the 
apparatus 30, however, suspension of the blind B is such that the right 
and left of an upper frame B.sub.1 are gripped respectively by two clamp 
claws 2c', 2c'. Further, a blind washing section 3 is formed by a single 
washing tank 4, a pair of washing brushes 8, 9 arranged within the washing 
tank 4 at a location adjacent an upper end thereof, and pipes 10, 11 
having nozzles arranged along the upper sides of the washing brushes 8, 9. 
These pipes 10, 11 are connected to an outlet port 4a formed adjacent a 
lower end of the washing tank 4, through a pump 22. During washing 
operation, washing liquid within the washing tank 4 is delivered by the 
pump 22 and is injected through the nozzles. 
The apparatus according to this embodiment is simplified in construction as 
compared with the apparatus of the previous embodiment. Since the washing 
liquid is used in such a manner as to be recirculated between the washing 
tank 4 and the nozzles, the washing liquid is economized much more so that 
the apparatus is suitable for a case where contamination of the blind is 
not great. 
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side elevational view showing a third 
embodiment in which the apparatus according to the second embodiment is 
more simplified. 
In a blind washing apparatus 40 of this embodiment, a blind support device 
2 is the same as that of the second embodiment, but the nozzles for 
injection of the washing liquid are not used. In place of the nozzles, two 
sets of washing brushes 8, 9 and 8', 9' are arranged within the washing 
tank 4 in an upper and lower two stage fashion, and are driven by a common 
drive source, not shown. The washing brushes in each set are reciprocated 
horizontally in their respective directions opposite to each other along a 
longitudinal direction of the washing tank 4. By doing so, contamination 
adhered to each blade surface of the blind can be swept away more 
efficiently by the two sets of washing brushes. In this connection, will 
be appreciated that these washing brushes may be arranged in a two or 
more, multi-stage manner. 
Detergent liquid, new water or the like should properly be used, depending 
upon a contamination degree or the like, as the washing liquid employed in 
the above-described second and third embodiments. 
The above-mentioned apparatus of the first embodiment is more suitable 
chiefly as a fixed type, whereas the apparatus of these second and third 
embodiments is suitable as a portable type in that the apparatus is loaded 
on, for example, a vehicle and can easily be used at any location. 
In connection with the above, it is needless to say that the blind washing 
device 3 of the blind washing apparatus 40 according to the third 
embodiment may be used in combination with the apparatus of the first or 
second embodiment. 
The washing brushes 8, 9 are formed of sufficiently soft material, so that 
the blades are not damaged during the vertical reciprocative movement of 
the blind B. More preferably, when viewed in front elevation, the washing 
brushes 8, 9 are slightly corrugated along the longitudinal direction as 
shown in FIG. 7. By doing so, the entire brushes 8, 9 are not 
simultaneously brought into contact with the blades of the blind B 
particularly when the blind B is lowered. Accordingly, the blades are 
prevented from being pushed up, so that washing of the blind B is carried 
out reliably. In this connection, it is possible to optionally set the 
attaching positions of these brushes 8, 9 or 8', 9' within the washing 
tank and the number of the brushes. Further, it is more preferable to set 
the brushes in such a manner that their respective tips opposed to each 
other are brought into contact with each other, because the blind can be 
washed completely up to the corners of each blade. 
FIGS. 8 through 10 show another embodiment of the invention in which a 
blind washing apparatus 50 comprises a blind support device 51 in the form 
of a drum. 
This blind support device 51 is arranged on one side of the washing tank 4, 
and is composed of a rotary drum 51a formed of, for example, plastic 
material having a central shaft extending in the longitudinal direction of 
the washing tank 4. The rotary drum 51a is provided on its cylindrical 
surface with hook units 51b for retaining a head box of the blind B. As 
shown in FIG. 10, each hook unit 51b is provided with a latching plate 51e 
which is biased under the action of a compression spring 51d against a 
base plate 51c in the form a plate projecting radially from the surface of 
the rotary drum 51a. The head box H of the blind B is clamped between the 
base plate 51c and the latching plate 51e so that the head box is fixedly 
retained. Thus, the blind support device 51 supports the blind B in such a 
manner that the head box H of the blind B is retained by the hook units 
51b, and the blind B is wound along the cylindrical surface of the rotary 
drum 51a with the blind developed. The rotary drum 51a is moved angularly 
about its central shaft by a drive unit 51f, whereby the blind B is 
reciprocated vertically between a solid position and a double-dotted 
position at a region on one side of the rotary drum 51a to move the blind 
B vertically at a suitable cycle. 
In connection with the above, the drive unit 51f is so arranged that 
rotational torque due to, for example, a motor capable of being rotated in 
normal and reverse directions is transmitted to the rotary drum 51a 
through a transmission mechanism such as, for example, a belt, gears, a 
chain or the like. It is needless to say, however, that rotational torque 
from a motor rotating only in one direction may be switched by gears. 
Further, a grip portion, for example, may be mounted to the central shaft 
of the rotary drum 51a thereby rotatively driving the rotary drum manually 
without the use of the above-mentioned drive unit 51. 
In connection with the above, if the surface of the rotary drum 51 is 
formed into a lattice-like or any other suitable structure having gaps, 
draining can be effected simultaneously when the blind B is wound up after 
washing. Further, if a dryer or the like is arranged within or adjacent 
the rotary drum 51a, it is possible to carry out drying of the blind B 
after washing more quickly. 
The arrangement of the blind washing apparatus 50 of this embodiment is 
such that the blind is wound around the rotary drum 51a with the blind 
developed thereby supporting the blind, and the rotary drum 51a is moved 
angularly thereby reciprocating the blind vertically on one side of the 
rotary drum. With such arrangement, it is possible to arrange the blind 
support device 51 so as to bring its overall height to a relatively low 
level. 
Further, since the blind is supported by the entire cylindrical surface of 
the rotary drum, the strength of the rotary drum per se may be low 
relatively, so that the rotary drum can be formed of, for example, plastic 
material. Moreover, if the surface structure of the rotary drum is formed 
into a lattice-like shape having suitable gaps, it is possible to effect 
draining simultaneously with winding-up of the blind. 
Thus, according to this embodiment, there is provided the blind washing 
apparatus in which the apparatus is so arranged as to have its relatively 
low overall height, whereby the installation space is made small 
relatively and the apparatus can easily be carried at the movement 
thereof. 
FIGS. 11 and 12 show still another embodiment of the invention in which a 
blind washing apparatus 60 is composed of a belt conveyor 63 running about 
parallel rotary shafts 61, 62 (four rotary shafts in case of the 
illustrated embodiment) extending in the longitudinal direction, in place 
of the aforementioned drum-like blind support device 51. Hook units 64 for 
retaining the head box H of the blind are arranged on the belt surface. As 
shown in FIG. 13, each hook unit 64 is provided with a latching plate 67 
biased under the action of a compression spring 66 against a base plate 65 
in the form of a plate projecting radially from the surface of the belt 
conveyor 63. The head box H of the blind is clamped and fixed between the 
base plate 65 and the latching plate 67. Thus, by angularly moving one of 
the rotary shafts 61, 62 by a drive unit 68, the blind B supported by the 
belt conveyor 63 is moved vertically in a direction X at a suitable cycle. 
According also to this embodiment, the overall height of the blind support 
device can be made low similarly to the previous embodiment. Thus, the 
apparatus is convenient for loading on a vehicle and for carrying. 
An example of a washing-brush drive mechanism of the blind washing 
apparatus according to the invention will next be described. As shown in 
FIGS. 14 and 15, the washing brushes 8, 9 are mounted respectively to 
washing-brush support members 71, 72. The support members 71, 72 are 
connected to each other at their opposite ends respectively by connecting 
members 75, 76 through universal joints 73a, 73b and 74a, 74b such as, for 
example, link-ball bearings or the like pivotally movable freely in any 
direction, thereby forming a parallelogram. 
It is to be noted here that one connecting member 75 is pivotally supported 
at its central section for angular movement about a vertical shaft 75a, 
and is provided with a longitudinally extending slit 75b. Fitted in the 
slit 75b is a pin 78a mounted eccentrically to a rotary disc 78 which is 
rotatively driven by a motor 77. 
Thus, rotation of the motor 77 causes the rotary disc 78 to be driven 
rotatively, whereby the connecting member 75 is swung while describing an 
arc as indicated by an arrow Y. Accordingly, the washing brushes 8, 9 are 
reciprocated arcuately in their respective directions opposite to each 
other substantially along the longitudinal direction while being 
maintained parallel to each other, and the washing brushes 8, 9 repeat 
movement toward and away from each other. 
The other connecting member 76 is pivotally supported at its central 
section for angular movement about a vertical shaft 76a, and is pivotally 
supported for angular movement about a horizontal pivot 76b extending in 
the longitudinal direction of the washing brushes 8, 9. Further, the 
connecting member 76 has its opposite ends which are suspended from the 
above by means of springs 79 in such a manner that the connecting member 
76 is normally maintained horizontal. Thus, the connecting member 76 can 
be swung horizontally substantially about the vertical shaft 76a similarly 
to the aforesaid one connecting member 75, and the opposite ends of the 
connecting member 76 can be swung vertically about the horizontal pivot 
76b. 
When the blind B is washed, the motor 77 is rotated to rotatively drive the 
rotary disc 78, so that the connecting member 75 is swung in the direction 
indicated by the arrow Y. The washing brushes 8, 9 are reciprocated in 
their respective directions opposite to each other substantially along the 
longitudinal direction so as to describe an arc, while clamping the 
vertically reciprocating blind B from its opposite sides, and the washing 
brushes 8, 9 repeat movement toward and away from each other. Thus, the 
brushes 8, 9 brush each blade surface of the blind B arcuately, thereby 
washing the blind B. In this case, the brushes 8, 9 move toward each other 
in the vicinity of the opposite ends of the swinging movement of the 
connecting member 75, so that the brushes 8, 9 are strongly abutted 
against the blades. Since the blades have already been immersed in the 
washing liquid within the washing tank 4, the brushing causes the dust and 
the like adhered to the blind surfaces to be removed therefrom. Further, 
since the brushes 8, 9 move away from each other in the vicinity of the 
middle of the swinging movement of the connecting member 75, the washing 
brushes 8, 9 are brought into light contact with the blades, so that the 
dust and the like removed from the blade surfaces in the manner described 
above are swept away and fall. 
Moreover, even if the blade is caught by the washing brushes 8, 9 when the 
blind B descends, the caught blade is disengaged from the washing brushes, 
because the washing brushes 8, 9 move away from each other in the vicinity 
of the middle of the swinging movement of the connecting member 75. Thus, 
it is possible to prevent a plurality of blades from being superimposed 
one upon another. Furthermore, even if the washing blades 8, 9 are caught 
by the blade when the blind B ascends, the washing brushes 8, 9 ascend 
following ascending of the blades, because the washing brushes are merely 
suspended by the springs 79. Thus, the washing brushes 8, 9 are disengaged 
from the blade when the washing brushes move away from each other in the 
vicinity of the middle of the swinging movement of the connecting member 
75, so that it is possible to prevent the blades from being damaged. 
In connection with this embodiment, the washing-brush support members 71, 
72 are suspended at their respective ends by the springs 79, but a central 
section may be suspended by a single spring. 
FIG. 15 shows a modification of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14. The 
modification is similar in construction to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 
except that the washing brushes 8, 9 are pivotally supported for swinging 
movement about axes extending in the longitudinal direction of the washing 
brushes 8, 9 by universal joints 73b and 74b which in turn are mounted 
through cranks 80a, 80b and 81a, 81b for angular movement about respective 
vertical pivots. The operation of the modification is also similar to that 
of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14. 
In this case, the washing brushes 8, 9 are reciprocated arcuately 
substantially along the longitudinal direction by the swinging movement of 
the connecting member 75, whereby the washing brushes 8, 9 repeat movement 
toward and away from each other. Further, the tips of the respective 
washing brushes 8, 9 are swung up and down about pivoting axes of the 
respective cranks 80a, 80b and 81a, 81b pivotally supporting the 
washing-brush support members 71, 72. Thus, even if the washing brushes 8, 
9 are caught by the blades when the blind B moves up and down, the washing 
brushes are disengaged from the blades when the washing brushes 8, 9 
ascend or descend together with the blades and move away from each other. 
FIGS. 16 and 17 show another example of the washing-brush drive mechanism 
of the blind washing apparatus according to the invention. The washing 
brushes 8, 9 are mounted respectively to the washing-brush support members 
71, 72. The washing-brush support members 71, 72 are mounted to the 
washing tank 4 in such a manner that downwardly extending pins 90, 91 
mounted respectively to one ends 71a, 72a of the washing-brush support 
members 71, 72 are engaged with a slide guide 92 fixedly arranged 
relatively to the washing tank 4. Thus, the washing-brush support members 
71, 72 are supported for sliding movement along the slide guide 92 in the 
horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. 
Connecting members 93, 94 equal in length to each other have their 
respective one ends which are pivotally connected respectively to the pins 
90, 91 mounted to the one ends of the respective washing-brush support 
members 71, 72. The other ends of the respective connecting members 93, 94 
extend outwardly substantially in the longitudinal direction of the 
washing-brush support members 71, 72, and are pivotally connected to a 
single pin 95 in a superimposed manner. This pin 95 is engaged with a 
slide guide 96 fixedly arranged relatively to the washing tank 4, whereby 
the pin 95 is supported for horizontal sliding movement along a 
longitudinal direction. A connecting member 97 has one end thereof 
pivotally connected to the pin 95. The other end of the connecting member 
97 is pivotally connected to a pin 99b which is mounted eccentrically to a 
rotary disc 99a rotatively driven by a motor 98. 
Accordingly, the pin 99b moves in orbital motion by rotation of the motor 
98, so that the pin 95 is reciprocated along the slide guide 96 in a 
direction indicated by an arrow X' by means of a crank mechanism formed by 
the connecting member 97. 
By doing so, when the connecting member 97 moves to the left as viewed in 
the figure, the pins 90, 91 slide away from each other along the slide 
guide 92 in a direction indicated by an arrow Z through the connecting 
members 93, 94. On the other hand, when the connecting member 97 moves to 
the right as viewed in the figure, the pins 90, 91 slide toward each other 
along the slide guide 92 through the connecting members 93, 94. Thus, the 
washing brushes 8, 9 are reciprocated so as to repeat movement toward and 
away from each other substantially perpendicularly (in the Z direction) to 
the longitudinal direction, while being maintained substantially parallel 
to each other. 
In connection with the above, the other ends of the respective 
washing-brush support members 71, 72 may be pivotally supported 
respectively by vertical shafts merely for horizontal swinging movement. 
However, a mechanism identical with the above-mentioned reciprocating 
mechanism may be provided at the other ends of the washing-brush support 
members 71, 72. In this case, the arrangement is such that the respective 
reciprocating mechanisms at the opposite ends of the washing-brush support 
members 71, 72 are synchronized in motion with each other, whereby the 
washing-brush support members 71, 72 are always maintained parallel to 
each other. 
In the above case, when the motor 98 is rotated to rotatively drive the 
rotary disc 99a, the pin 95 slides along the slide guide 96 in the X' 
direction, and the pins 90, 91 are reciprocated in the Z direction along 
the side guide 92. Thus, the washing brushes 8, 9 repeat movement toward 
and away from each other in such a manner that the washing brushes 8, 9 
are reciprocated in their respective directions opposite to each other 
substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction while clamping 
the vertically reciprocating blind B from its opposite sides. In this 
manner, the washing brushes 8, 9 brush each blade surface of the blind B, 
thereby carrying out washing of the blind B. 
It is needless to say that, although several embodiments of the invention 
have been described, various modifications may be made to the invention 
within a scope without a departure from the spirits of the invention. For 
instance, the invention can easily be put into practice even by suitable 
combination of the above-mentioned various embodiments.