WASHING APPARATUS

Abstract: Washing apparatus (1) comprising at least one generally cylindrical, rotating roller brush (8, 9), where the brush unit (8, 9) is located so that it can be led with its rotation axis generally parallel to a surface (2) that is to be washed. The apparatus (1) further comprising a handle (3) with which to move the apparatus, and a motor (11) that rotates the roller brushes (8, 9) when they are in contact with a surface (2). There are also one or more nozzles (17) to spray cleansing fluid, preferably clean water, onto the surface (2). The cleansing fluid is removed together with the dirt and particles from the surface by means of roller brushes (8, 9) through an intermediate tank (10). The intermediate tank (10) is a container that is sealed in all directions apart from an opening on the side facing the roller brush unit (8). This design retains the fluid in the intermediate tank (10) irrespective of its position, enabling floors, walls and ceilings to be washed.

Description: WASHING APPARATUS This invention relates to a washing apparatus for floors, walls and ceilings for use in private homes, schools, hospitals and such like, as described in the introductory part of Claim 1. Background of the invention Machines for washing come in numerous designs. Most of the known machines are designed for washing floors. US Patent Specification 1 464 031 describes a floor washing machine with rotating brushes. It includes two sets of brushes, where the brushes in each set work in opposition so that water is thrown upwards and collected in a central container. The two brushes in the respective sets are best considered as squeezing rollers, since they work by pressing the water out of each other. US Patent Specification 3 061 859 also describes a floor washing machine that is particularly designed for carpeted floors. This known machine is pushed across the floor surface by changing the weight-loading on one roller or the other. This is done by a handle. This known machine has no water container to receive water as it is intended to be used with foam. US Patent Specification 4 654 916 also describes a machine with rollers that works on a floor surface. The rollers or brushes force dirt to rise between the brushes and be led into a container. Swedish Printed Publication 362 349 describes a cleaning machine that is also based on the vacuum principle. There are many drawbacks with existing machines for washing. They are often complex in design and are usually large. They are normally intended for use in sizable rooms so that their bulk is not a severe drawback. Some machines are equipped with a seat for their operator. None of these types of machines for washing are designed for use on walls, ceilings etc. The market for such machines has traditionally been wealthier groups where price has not been the dominant factor, rather getting the job done quickly with satisfactory results. Market considerations and the complexity of these machines have resulted in relatively high prices. This has meant that the huge potential market comprising private homes, small offices and the like, has not been interested in buying such machines for washing. Objective of the invention The main objective of the invention is to design a machine for washing, that is primarily intended for floors, walls and ceilings and which can effectively wash by using a fluid, preferably water, that can be removed after use. The invention is to be manufactured at such a reasonable price that there will be a market among private homes and smaller offices. A second objective with the invention is that it must be compact and able to be used in places where traditional washing appliances find it difficult to reach. Principle of the invention The purpose of the invention and its tasks can be realized by a washing apparatus in accordance with the characterizing part of Claim 1. Other advantageous features are described in the subsidiary claims. Embodiments of the invention The invention is described in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, where Figs. 1 and 2 show a schematic lateral perspective sketch of an existing machine for washing, Fig. 3 shows a schematically and partially sectioned lateral perspective of a straightforward prefered embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4 shows a cross section of a second embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 5 shows a cross section of a third embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an existing washing apparatus 1 which is placed on a surface 2. The washing apparatus 1 consists of a handle 3 which is flexibly connected to the washing apparatus 1 at a point 4. The washing apparatus 1 is connected by a tube 5 to a water tank 6 that is consequently to be understood as part of the washing apparatus 1. The water tank 6 contains a washing agent and has a chamber 15 for clean water and a second chamber for dirty water 16. The tank 6 is equipped with wheels 7, so that it can be rolled on a surface 2, floor, wall, ceiling or the like, depending on the task the washing apparatus 1 is to be applied for. The washing apparatus 1 is also equipped with one or more cylindrical roller brushes 8,9. The roller brushes 8,9 are driven by a motor 11 which by means of a transmission 12 transfers power to the washing drums. The handle 3 is equipped with appropriate means 13, 14 of controlling the washing apparatus 1, preferably switches or regulators 14 for start/stop and speed, and a brake 13, that can also be used to lock the handle. The detail drawing of the washing apparatus 1 in Figure 3 shows an example of a prefered embodiment of present invention. The apparatus 1 is intended for the washing of floors, walls and ceilings. This apparatus is connected to a water tank that is either on wheels or is portable. The apparatus has a roller brush 8 that works towards an intermediate tank 10 for the collection of dirty water and sand particles. The intermediate tank 10 is designed to retain the water it contains, in all, or at least most directions, this facilitates the washing of floors, walls and ceilings. The intermediate tank 10 is a container that is sealed in all directions apart from an opening on the side facing the roller brush 8. This enables fluid to be transferred from the surface 2 by means of the roller brush 8 to the intermediate tank 10. The fluid is held in the tank irrespective of its position, enabling floors, walls and ceilings to be washed. At the bottom edge of the intermediate tank there is an elastic dustpan 20 which has a plough-shaped leading edge facing downwards to make it easier for the rollers to move the washing water, dirt and particles from the floor into the intermediate tank. The dirty water is then pumped into a tank for effluence. Above the intermediate tank there are reversible wipers 18 that help remove the remaining water and particles from the roller brushes. The control handle 3 is hinged on the apparatus so that there is no real front or back to the device, and it can be moved either way with equal ease. The control handle can also be completely horizontal so that washing can be done under low furniture or other places with difficult access. Clean water is supplied through a nozzle 17 onto the surface that is to be washed. The water supply and the washing roller can be started and stopped by means of the buttons 14 on the control handle 3. It is also possible to wash and damp floors. If a floor requires extra drying, the pump can be stopped and the apparatus can be driven over the area once more. As this type of machine is to be light and easy to work with, the weight and volume are very important. Stability on a surface is also important, thus a support wheel 29 has been added to the apparatus. Ceiling washing is made easier by the pump 28 for dirty water being equipped by a heavy suction tube 27 that falls towards the side that points downwards, the wipers 18 are reversible (broken line) to make it easier to clean the washing roller when washing ceilings. Another feature that makes the washing of ceilings easy is the use of a special belt (with straps) to be worn by the person doing the washing. The belt is to help support the apparatus. It is also envisaged that a portable tank with two compartments for clean and dirty water could be connected to the belt. This enables the operator work reasonably freely with only the electric power cable to think of. In Fig. 4 there is an embodiment of the invention where the dustpan is replaced by a sweeping brush 9. This is done to facilitate the washing of uneven surfaces, where the dustpan could not be brought in proper contact with the surface. The sweeping brush 9 does not necessarily have to be in contact with the roller brush 8. This embodiment of the invention can also be used for floors, walls and ceilings since it is equipped with an intermediate tank and reversible wipers. The drive motor can be fitted to the handle to make the apparatus lighter.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Washing apparatus (1) for washing floors, walls and ceilings, comprising at least one generally cylindrical, rotating roller brush (8,9), located so that it can be led with its rotation axis generally parallel to a surface (2) that is to be washed, with an organ (18) that is located facing and close to at least one of the roller brushes (8,9), where the apparatus (1) is also equipped with a handle (3), and a motor (11) that causes at least one of the roller brushes (8,9) to rotate in contact with a surface (2), and where the handle (3) can guide the machine along a surface (2), and where there are one or more nozzles (17) to spray cleansing fluid, preferably clean water, onto the surface (2), and an intermediate tank (10) for collecting used cleansing fluid that contains particles and dirt flushed from the surface, characterized by the facing organ (18) being revolving or reversible so that it can remove the used fluid with dirt and particles from at least one of the roller brushes (8,9) and transfer this to the intermediate tank (10), and where the intermediate tank (10) is a container that is sealed in all directions apart from an opening on the side facing the roller brushes (8,9), so that the fluid that is transferred to the intermediate tank (10) is held in the tank irrespective of its position, enabling floors, walls and ceilings to be washed. 2. Washing apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, characterized by further comprising a tube (27) that uses gravity or suction from a pump to remove fluid containing dirt or particles from the intermediate tank (10), where this tube is movable so that it will always have one end in the fluid in the intermediate tank (10). 3. Washing apparatus as claimed in one of Claims 1-2, characterized by further comprising one or more elastic dustpans (20), where the dustpans, or dustpan (20) are plough-shaped and have leading edges facing downwards to make the removal of the water, dirt and particles easier. 4. Washing apparatus as claimed in one of Claims 1-3, characterized by the organ (18) that is located facing and close to at least one of the roller brushes (8,9) comprises a reversible wiper (18). 5. Washing apparatus as claimed in one of Claims 1-3, characterized by the organ (18) that faces at least one of the roller brushes (8,9) comprises a pressure roller (24). 6. Washing apparatus as claimed in one of Claims 1-5, characterized by further comprising two counter-rotating roller brushes (8,9), with directions of rotation so that the tangential component thereof on the surface (2) is directed to a point between the two roller brushes (8,9), so that one of the two roller brushes (8,9) alleviate the collection of water, dirt and particles.

Inventors: GJERDE LILLIANN, GJERDE TERJE, GJERDE, LILLIANN, GJERDE, TERJE
Applicants: GJERDE LILLIANN, GJERDE TERJE, GJERDE, LILLIANN, GJERDE, TERJE
Application year: 1990
Main classification: A47L11
IPC codes: A47L11