AU2002327827A1

AU2002327827A1 - Cleaning system designed to be installed on a surface exposed to poor weather conditions

Info

Publication number: AU2002327827A1
Application number: AU2002327827A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Hugo Weber
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-08-11
Filing date: 2002-08-11
Publication date: 2004-03-11
Also published as: CN100467815C; NO20050193L; CA2494169A1; CN1650079A; NO20050193D0; US20050183220A1; WO2004018793A1; HUP0500381A2

Description

WO 2004/018973 - 1 - PCT/EP2002/008994 Description CLEANING SYSTEM DESIGNED TO BE INSTALLED ON A SURFACE 5 EXPOSED TO POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS The invention relates to a cleaning device for fitting to a surface exposed to the weather, in particular a roof, a roof surface, a solar system surface or a 10 facade, the device having a large number of reactive surfaces, which are arranged in layers and have a metallic, preferably copper-containing, surface which generate preferably fungicidal and/or bactericidal compounds which clean in conjunction with water and, 15 dissolved in water, can at least partly wet the roof. Cleaning devices for roofs and therefore for surfaces exposed to the weather are generally known. In particular, reference is made to Patent specification 20 DE 100 58 855 Cl. This Patent specification describes a roof ridge element made of copper which, parallel to the side surfaces, has a capillary metal sheet which carries moisture and is intended to generate a capillary gap, and therefore water which collects in a 25 turned-up edge of the sheet metal arranged at the bottom is to be sucked upwards with the aid of a capillary action between the walls which form the capillary gap and are located close beside each other. 30 The problem with this device is that, in order to form such a capillary gap, on the one hand there must be very accurate fabrication in order to keep the capillary action approximately the same over a relatively large region; although the capillary action 35 ensures that some water is sucked in between the gaps, flow of the water through the capillary gap is not possible since, because of the surface tension, a feed resistance to the water flowing through is produced, so that only an insufficient interchange of water between - 2 the capillary gaps and these surroundings is produced, which means that substances that may be formed within the capillary gap cannot emerge adequately. Moreover, practical trials with such capillary gaps arranged 5 close beside one another have resulted in only inadequate weathering of the material surfaces being produced, which means that the formation of cleaning substances is ultimately prevented. 10 Furthermore, reference is made to Utility Model specification DE 201 04 999 Ul. This Utility Model specification likewise discloses a metallic roof ridge element, which is preferably produced from copper sheets, a chamber being formed over the length of the 15 roof ridge element which, on the underside, is bounded by a continuous metal sheet and, on the outer side, has a grille which is intended to achieve a surface enlarging action. On account of the symmetrical configuration of the ridge element, a chamber is in 20 each case formed on both sides of the roof and, according to the idea of the invention described there, can also be filled by a nonwoven or net that stores moisture. Practical trials with such a design of a roof covering have shown that there is not a sufficient 25 storage volume in the chamber formed in this way, above all the storage period for natural water being extremely small, since substantially premature evaporation of any moisture occurs. 30 It is therefore an object of the invention to find a cleaning device for fitting to a surface exposed to the weather or a roof which, as compared with the devices outlined above, exhibits an improved action in terms of the surface cleaning. 35 The inventor has recognised that, in order to improve the self-cleaning action of cleaning devices for fitting to a surface exposed to the weather, it is important that an optimum combination between the - 3 moisture intercepted and stored and the reactive surface of the metal that is made available, in particular of the copper, is necessary, it being additionally necessary to ensure that a sufficient 5 possibility for the temporarily stored liquid to flow away is necessary as soon as a new supply of water, that is to say new rain, occurs. In this case, it additionally appears important that the configuration of the cleaning device, in particular of the chambers 10 in which the moisture is retained, can be configured in such a way that the solar radiation occurring on the outside does not heat the internal chambers excessively, in order to avoid premature evaporation of the moisture from the chambers. 15 In addition to the necessity of an adequate flow of water, it is also necessary, by means of an adequate spacing of the layers from one another, to ensure that the surfaces or else reactive surfaces come adequately 20 into contact with air, in order to generate sufficient weathering of the surface, since this is a precondition for the effectiveness of the cleaning device. Very small distances between the layers in a region in which capillary forces become active between the layers are 25 not adequate therefor. With small distances such as these, it has been shown, even after a prolonged period of time, that the surfaces do not exhibit adequate weathering. 30 Accordingly, the invention proposes to improve the cleaning devices known per se for fitting to a surface exposed to the weather, in particular a roof, a roof surface, a solar system surface or a facade, the cleaning device having a large number of reactive 35 surfaces, which are arranged in layers and have a metallic, preferably copper-containing surface which, in conjunction with water, generate cleaning, preferably fungicidal and/or bactericidal compounds which, dissolved in water, can at least partly wet the roof. According to the invention, the improvement is that at least an upper layer, a lower layer and at least one intermediate layer are provided, at least two layers being separated from one another by spacers, at 5 least over a subregion of the area, in such a way that spaces are formed between the layers, into which natural moisture, in particular rainwater, can flow and can be rinsed out again. 10 As a result of this configuration, the accumulation of water which occurs is distributed to a plurality of moisture levels, which are formed by spacers, the moisture stored in these chambers being heated relatively little, for example by solar radiation, 15 because of the layers located above, in particular if the spacers touch the adjacent surface only virtually in the manner of points, so that the stored moisture is providing sufficient time to react with the metallic, preferably grilled surfaces and dissolve the substances 20 needed for the cleaning action of the metallic surface, which forms the reactive surface. In addition, the configuration according to the invention ensures that, when water occurs again, rinsing of these chambers is carried out, as far as possible without hindrance, so 25 that the substances formed there can be washed out without hindrance and can develop their action on the surface to be cleaned. Although it is not absolutely necessary, it can be very 30 advantageous to provide at least the outer layer with a large number of apertures, so that rain occurring on the surface of the cleaning device can also penetrate to the underside of the respective layer with relatively little hindrance. Accordingly, not only the 35 outer layer but also the intermediate layers arranged underneath it and, if appropriate, even the lower layer can be provided with apertures, in order to produce permeability there as well, although the apertures should be sufficiently small in order to prevent the - 5 liquid simply rushing through. It is therefore necessary to achieve a compromise between storage action and hindrance to the flow of liquid. In order to achieve this object, the individual layers 5 can be arranged parallel to one another or else conically, it being particularly advantageous if the distance between the individual layers increases upwards. In any case, it is advantageous if the area of the sum of the entry openings is greater than the 10 area of the sum of the exit openings. The spacers between the layers can, for example, be configured in such a way that they touch the surfaces to be held at a distance as far as possible in the 15 manner of points or at most in the manner of lines; it should be pointed out that the spacers do not necessarily have to be individual separate elements, instead that the layers described can be produced by punching tools and, in this case, the spacers can be 20 integrated into the surface of the individual layers by means of appropriate shaping of the surface and, if appropriate, by cutting openings out. In this case, hardly any limit is placed on the shaping of the spacers, but it is advantageous if in each case the 25 highest possible enlargement of the reactive surface is met by such spacers. A further embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention provides for at least one layer 30 arranged at the bottom to have a bead and/or a hinge for a layer arranged above it, which supports the at least one layer arranged above it linearly, preferably at least sectionally. Such an embodiment permits a plurality of layers to be laid over one another, the 35 beads formed in each case protecting the layer arranged above it against sliding off or, if hinges are provided between the layers, it is also made possible to fold up the individual layers. Since the cleaning device according to the invention is exposed to external - 6 weathering and therefore also to contamination by dust or deposition of leaves from trees close by, it can be advantageous to move the individual layers apart or to fold them and therefore to be able to carry out 5 cleaning in the intermediate regions. In addition, by means of folding up the individual layers conically, the result is also the possibility of producing a safeguard against slippage of snow as soon as snow lying on an inclined roof begins to move, so that the 10 said snow is braked by spreading layers of the cleaning device. The cleaning device according to the invention can be adapted to an extremely wide range of shapes of roofs 15 and surfaces, it being possible for example for such a cleaning device also to be formed as a roof ridge or roof ridge covering. In addition, the contour and/or the surface of the cleaning device can be matched to the contours and/or the surfaces of known roofing 20 boards and roofing tiles. With respect to the possible shapes of roofing boards, roofing tiles or other roof coverings or surfaces, references made by way of example to the Internet pages www.braas.de or www.creaton.de. In particular, it should also be noted 25 that the roof cleaning device of the aforementioned type can likewise be used on thatched roofs or roofs which are covered with shingles, roofing felt, corrugated asbestos cement boards or the like, in particular an application to solar systems or other 30 glass or plastic roofing also being possible. With respect to the number of intermediate layers present, in the Bavarian region two intermediate layers, that is to say a total of four layers, have 35 proven to be particularly beneficial. In order to optimize the spacing of the individual layers, it may be advantageous in this case not to keep the spacing of the individual layers equal and to produce intermediate spaces of different heights, so that the most optimal - 7 retention of water is made possible, depending on the given weather conditions of specific regions. Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if at 5 least between two layers, preferably between all the layers, the water entry gap, that is to say the gap between the layers which is oriented towards the water flow direction, is larger than the water exit, that is to say the gap from which the rainwater emerges when 10 the cleaning device is installed; this is normally the lower edge of the individual layers. A further improvement in the effectiveness of the clinging devices can be achieved in that copper 15 material with a greatly enlarged surface, preferably granules and/or flakes and/or net and/or pellets and/or fibres of copper and/or sintered pieces are arranged in the spaces formed by the layers. The use of such surface-enlarging media widens the reaction surface 20 made available to a great extent, so that a greater effectiveness of the cleaning device is possible. The individual layers can be arranged to be offset laterally and/or vertically in relation to one another. 25 In addition, the layers can have bent-up and/or bent down edges at two opposite ends. The layers can lie individually loosely on one another or at least the outer and lower layer, preferably all the layers, can be joined to one another, known joining techniques such 30 as screws, nails, rivets, welded connections or adhesive connections being applicable. At least the lower layer, preferably all the layers, can be matched to the three-dimensional surface shape of roof sections and/or roof tiles and/or solar systems or other 35 surfaces exposed to the weather. For the purpose of secure fastening of the cleaning device, at least the lower layer can have fastening elements and/or fastening clamps. Such fastening elements can consist at least partly of plastic and can be equipped such - 8 that they can be clipped into one of the layers, preferably the lower layer. A particular configuration of the spacers can consist 5 in these being formed in the manner of nets and/or woven fabrics, so that the layers are kept apart in a sprung manner but, at the same time, the smallest possible flows of heat between the individual layers are produced. 10 According to the invention, these layers can be produced from one piece, the appropriate intermediate spaces preferably being produced here by means of turning down edges and folding. 15 Additional features and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings and through the Patent claims. 20 The invention is to be explained in more detail below using the drawings in which, in detail: Figure 1 shows a cleaning device for a roof ridge 25 tile in longitudinal section; Figure 2 shows a cleaning device for a roof ridge tile with divided layers in longitudinal section; Figure 3 shows a cleaning device for fitting to a 30 roof tile in longitudinal section; Figure 4 shows further cleaning devices for fitting to a roof tile in longitudinal section; Figures 5a-5d show various contours of the cleaning 35 device in cross section f section in the ridge direction); Figures Ga-Gd show a plan view of the contour of cleaning devices according to the invention; - 9 Figures 7a-7c show different contours of a cleaning device for a roof ridge in longitudinal section; Figure 8 shows a cleaning device on a flat roof 5 surface with 4 layers with lateral spacers in longitudinal section; Figure 9 shows the section A-A through Figure 8; Figure 10 shows a cleaning device on a flat roof surface with 4 conically arranged layers 10 with lateral spacers in longitudinal section; Figure 11 shows a 3-D illustration with a wire model of the roof cleaning device from Figure 8; 15 Figure 12 shows a 3-D illustration with a wire model of the roof cleaning device from Figure 10; Figure 13 shows a cross section through a roof cleaning device with layers of different 20 designs; Figure 14 shows a longitudinal section through a folded roof cleaning device with 4 perforated layers; Figure 15 shows a longitudinal section through a 25 roof cleaning device with 3 layers folded in a V shape and pushed together, 2 layers perforated; Figure 16 shows a longitudinal section through a singly folded roof cleaning device with 30 inserted perforated intermediate layer; Figure 17 shows a cleaning device on a flat roof surface with 4 layers with lateral spacers in longitudinal section; Figure 18 shows a roof cleaning device configured 35 as a roof ridge element in a 3-D illustration as a wire model. Figure 1 shows a roof cleaning device according to the intervention to be laid on a roof ridge tile 3. The - 10 cleaning device comprises four layers 1.1 - 1.4, which largely embrace the roof ridge tile 3 on the upper side, each layer extending over both sides of the roof ridge tile. The individual layers in this case have 5 punched bulges 2, which act as spacers between the individual layers. Turned up on the underside of the respective layers are beads 8, against which the respective layer located above can be supported by its long side. As a result of the shaping of the individual 10 layers with the spacers illustrated, adequate spaces 14 are produced between the layers, into which rainwater or melt water can penetrate into the layers from above via openings 6 and can collect in the interspaces. The layers are configured such that, on account of the 15 spacers, there is only a very low thermal contact between them, so that even solar irradiation does not lead to rapid evaporation of the water lying in the interspaces 14, so that sufficient time and surface are available for the formation of the chemical substances 20 which lead to roof cleaning. On the left-hand side of the figure, inserts 7 are additionally shown in the interspaces 14, which consist of copper-containing material or copper and additionally, besides the surfaces of the individual layers, effect an 25 enlargement of the reaction area and, moreover, produce a certain water retention effect. In addition, on the left-hand side the apertures are illustrated as intensified, in order that rain which occurs can easily penetrate the individual layers. 30 Figure 2 shows a similar cleaning device 1 on a roof ridge tile 3, but here only the lower layer 1. 4 is configured such that it embraces the entire roof ridge tile 3, while the further layers 1.1 - 1.3 arranged on 35 it are arranged only at the sides and are prevented from sliding down by connecting elements 5 in the form of screws, nails, rivets or the like. The configuration of the individual layers substantially corresponds to the illustration of Figure 1, it being - 11 possible here, too, between the layers for inserts, for example copper granules, pellets, sintered elements, nets or the like, to be introduced into the spaces 14 between the layers. 5 Figures 3 and 4 show two cleaning devices 1 which are arranged on flat roof tiles 9, these likewise being formed with 4 layers. The equipment of the layers corresponds to Figures 1 or 2, interspaces 14 also 10 being formed between the individual layers 1.1 - 1.4, in which moisture can be stored. In addition, Figure 3 illustrates the fact that, between the lowest layer 1.4 and the intermediate layer 15 1.3 lying above it, a fabric is drawn in, which additionally has a water retaining function and surface-enlarging function; this insert 7 used should expediently consist of a copper material in order that the desired reaction products can be formed to an 20 increased extent. In this case, it should be pointed out that it is more beneficial to accommodate such inserts in the lower layers, since inserts of this type provide an increased flow of heat between the upper and lower layer, but this is in principle undesired. 25 However, if a plurality of well thermally isolated layers is already arranged on the upper side, then the preferred effect of water storage and surface enlargement predominates over the thermal insulation. 30 Figure 4 shows a variation of the layers with respect to its spacers, to the effect that the first layer 1.1 located at the bottom is of flat design and has spacers 2 which are produced from well insulating plastic, so that there is only little thermal contact between the 35 lower layer 1.4 and the layer 1.3 lying above it. In this way, the heat is also introduced as little as possible into the layers lying above by the tile lying underneath. In the same way, the outer layer 1.1 is likewise insulated from the intermediate layer 1.2 - 12 lying underneath it by clipped-in spacers consisting of plastic. Overall, in this way an optimal combination between 5 water retention and simultaneous insulation with respect to the action of solar irradiation from outside is produced. If an increased amount of water is supplied to the cleaning device from above, the water previously stored can emerge through the slots or 10 outlet openings 12 present in the lower region of the individual layers or between the end supporting points of the layers, and therefore effect cleaning of the roof or the other surfaces located in the direction of flow. 15 The cleaning devices illustrated in this text merely represent selected examples, simple geometric shapes also having been selected for the purpose of simpler illustration. This relates firstly to the surface on 20 which the cleaning devices rest and also to the structure and shape of the spacers which, of course, can be implemented differently by means of appropriately formed punching tools, it being possible for an extremely wide range of shapes to be used. In 25 this case, it is normally advantageous if at least the lower layer in each case matches the shape of the covered surface, in particular the tiles lying underneath, but it can also be partially advantageous in this case if work is carried out with spacers with 30 respect to the surface lying below and to be cleaned. The configuration of the spacers themselves, if they are shaped from the individual layers themselves, can be particularly beneficial if they lead to large additional surfaces and at the same time produce as far 35 as possible a low transfer of heat to the next layer to be kept at a distance. Figures 5a to 5d show cross-sections through possible contours of the cleaning device. For example, the - 13 contour of Figure 5a corresponds, for example, to a Frankfurt pantile, the contour of Figure 5b can, for example, be used on a corrugated asbestos cement roof. Figures 5c and 5d represent simple, easily bent or flat 5 contours of a cleaning device as can be used on relatively flat surfaces. Of course, all known roof tile contours and contours of all known roof shapes can also be used. 10 Figures 6a and 6b show two exemplary outlines of a roof cleaning device seen from above, Figures 7a to 7c showing longitudinal sections transversely with respect to the ridge direction of the contour of cleaning 15 devices as are used in the ridge area, for example. Figure 8 is intended to illustrate a further variant of a cleaning device according to the invention, which here rests on a roof surface with flat even roof tiles 20 or roofing slabs 9. The cleaning device has 4 layers of copper sheet which, by means of spacers 2 fitted at the sides, fix the layers 1.1 to 1.4 substantially parallel. 25 The spacers can, for example, consist of plastic, so that there is only little transfer of heat between the layers. At the top, rainwater can penetrate into the openings 6 formed as it runs off and, between the layers 1.1 to 1.4, is stored in the interspaces 14, so 30 that there is sufficient time to react with the weathered copper surface, in order that the requisite chemical reactions can take place. In the end region of the cleaning device, by means of the not completely tight butting of the layers, drainage slots are formed, 35 via which the enriched water can emerge to the surface to be cleaned. In addition, in this region slots, small openings or perforations can also be machined in the end region of the respective layer, preferably in the region of the bead 8, in order to effect the - 14 emergence of water in a manner distributed as uniformly as possible. The section A-A of Figure 8 is illustrated in Figure 9. 5 Here, the contour of the exemplary spacers 2 can easily be seen. On one side or two sides, these can be provided with slots for fixing the layers, into which the layers are inserted and therefore fixed in their spacing. As an alternative to the conically formed 10 slots shown, these can also be formed so as to be parallel and rectangular. In the embodiment shown here, the spacers are designed in such a way that they rest directly on the surface of 15 the roof tile 9 and also keep the lower layer at a distance from the roof surface, in order to generate for adequate weathering and the correctly metered passage of water. Here, the spacers are fixed to or between the roof tiles 9 at the sides by lugs 10. For 20 the purpose of fixing between spacer 2 and lug 10, here - illustrated on the right - use is made for example of a fastening element 13 in the form of a nail, a screw or a rivet. As shown on the left, the lug 10 engages in a slot in the spacer 2. It should also be mentioned 25 that the length of the individual layers is the same and therefore an offset by the width of the bead 8 results in the longitudinal direction. Figure 10 shows a cleaning device on a flat roof 30 surface 9 likewise with 4 layers with lateral spacers, in longitudinal section. However, here the 3 upper layers are completely enclosed laterally by the spacers 2, the layers tapering conically downwards towards one another. As a result of the lateral enclosure, the 35 water is retained particularly well in the spaces formed by the layers. Here, the lower layer 1.1 is formed to be substantially longer than the remainder of the layers and in this way can be clamped or hooked onto a tile arranged above, for example.

- 15 Furthermore, the figure shown can also be considered merely as a one-sided part of a symmetrically formed ridge element, in which the lower layer 1.1 covers the 5 roof ridge or even itself forms it. In addition, it should be pointed out that this type of embodiment, if it is fitted in the lower regions of a roof, is particularly well-suited as a snow brake or at 10 least additionally performs this function. Combinations of layers arranged parallel and conically are also possible. For the purpose of improved illustration, Figure 11 15 shows a 3-D illustration with wire model of the roof cleaning device from Figure 8, while Figure 12 shows a 3-D illustration of the roof cleaning device from Figure 10. 20 Figure 13 shows a cross section through a roof cleaning device similar to Figure 8 or 10 but with layers of different designs. On the left, the lower layer is shown without apertures with a sintered insert located above it. Above this there is a finely perforated layer 25 1.2, above that a more coarsely perforated layer 1.3, followed by the upper layer 1.4 penetrated by large holes or slots 6. In addition, a resilient connecting element 11 - here with spring elements - is arranged between two layers, which prevents the spacers 2 30 sliding apart and therefore helps to clamp the layers securely. It should be pointed out that the position and number of the connecting elements can be varied. The right-hand side of Figure 13 shows another 35 arrangement of the layers 1.1 to 1.4. Here, the top layer 1.4 is formed so as to be closed, under this there is a highly structured, uniformly thick sintered surface 1.3, followed by a sintered layer 1.2, which is formed so as to be thicker at the centre than at the - 16 edge, once more followed by a highly perforated lower layer 1.1. It should be pointed out that, on the basis of 5 different climatic conditions, the optimal arrangement of the individual layers also varies, the object of the arrangement being to achieve the most permanent storage of water paired with good weathering relationships and good washing out of the reaction products produced. 10 According to the invention, the cleaning device can be punched out of a flat copper material, it being necessary to point out that punching is understood to mean all fabrication methods which fall under this term 15 - in this regard, see for example DIN 9870 or "Der Werkzeugbau" [Toolmaking], 1997, ISBN 3-8085-1202-4, in particular Chapter 1 "Stanztechnik" [Punching technology]. Figure 14 shows by way of example such a cleaning device in longitudinal section, which has 4 20 perforated layers produced by means of repeatedly turning down edges and folding. One side of a ridge element is illustrated, the symmetrically arranged opposite side is not shown in the figure. Of course, this type of configuration and production can also be 25 used for other types of cleaning device, for example for configurations similar to those in the preceding figures. A special variant is shown in Figure 15, which shows a 30 cleaning device 1 made of 3 layers folded in a V shape and pushed together, of which 2 layers are perforated. Here, the turned-down edges arranged at the top function as spacers, are in each case supported on the lower layer and therefore determine the spacing and 35 alignment of the layers. Figure 16 shows a longitudinal section through a singly folded roof cleaning device 1, which forms a type of pocket, into which an intermediate layer 1.3 with - 17 integrated spacers 2 is inserted. In the lower region, the intermediate layer is pushed into a groove, which likewise serves as a spacer 2 here. In addition, at the bottom in the folded pocket formed by the layers 5 1.1 and 1.3, there are small outlet openings 12, which permit the stored liquid to run out after an appropriate reaction time and with new rainwater pushing from behind. 10 Figure 17 once more shows a variant of a cleaning device on a flat roof surface with 4 layers 1.1 to 1.4 with lateral spacers 2, in longitudinal section. For improved fixing of the layers 1.2 to 1.4, two spacers are fitted per side, which are themselves clipped into 15 the lower layer 1.1. The lower layer 1.1 is kept at a distance from the surface lying underneath by the ends of the holders 2 and is hooked to the roof tile arranged above to prevent it sliding down. 20 A roof ridge element which is configured as a roof cleaning device and of which the construction fundamentally corresponds to the cleaning device from Figure 16 is shown as a wire model in a 3-D illustration in Figure 18. These curved surfaces can 25 also be produced very easily and economically by punching methods. In addition, it goes without saying that the abovementioned features of the invention can be used 30 not only in the respectively specified combinations but also in other combinations or on their own without departing from the scope of the invention. Likewise, it is within the scope of the invention to effect a mechanical reversal of the functions of the individual 35 mechanical elements of the invention. Overall, therefore, the invention presented discloses a cleaning device which, on account of the particularly beneficial storage of moisture and the simultaneous - 18 great enlargement of the reactive surface, is suitable to effect the cleaning of surfaces exposed to the weather under an extremely wide range of climatic conditions. In this regard, it should be pointed out 5 in particular that cleaning devices of this type can be used not just for cleaning roofs but, in addition, also for cleaning other surfaces exposed to weathering, for example these can be solar systems, glass frontages, glass roofs or else building facades.

- 19 List of reference symbols 1 Cleaning device 1.X Layers 2 Spacer 3 Roof ridge tile 4.X Connecting elements 5 Nails/screws 6 Apertures/openings/slots 7 Inserts 8 Bead/turned-up edge 9 Roof tile 10 Lug 11 Connecting element/spring element 12 Outlet gap 13 Nail 14 Interspace

Claims

1. Cleaning device (1) for fitting to a surface 5 exposed to the weather, in particular a roof, a roof surface, a solar system surface or a facade, the cleaning device having reactive surfaces, which are arranged in layers and have a metallic, preferably copper-containing, surface which, in 10 conjunction with water, generate cleaning, preferably fungicidal and/or bactericidal compounds which, dissolved in water, can at least partly wet the roof, characterized in that at least one outer layer (1.n), a lower layer (1.1) 15 and at least one intermediate layer (1.2 - 1.n-1) are provided, at least two layers being separated from each other, at least over a subregion of their area, by spacers (2) in such a way that spaces (14) are formed between the layers, into 20 which natural moisture, in particular rainwater, can flow and can be rinsed out again.

2. Cleaning device according to the preceding Patent Claim 1, characterized in that the outer layer 25 (1.n) has a large number of apertures (6).

3. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the at least one metallic intermediate layer 30 (1.2 - 1.n-1) has a large number of apertures (6).

4. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one layer (1.1) arranged on the roof side 35 has a large number of apertures (6).

5. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at - 21 least two layers (1.x) are arranged parallel to one another with the aid of the spacers (2).

6. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding 5 Patent Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least two layers (1.x) are arranged conically in relation to one another with the aid of the spacers (2). 10

7. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the spacers (2) between two layers touch a layer (1.x) only in the manner of a point or in the manner of a line. 15

8. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the spacers (2) represent part of a deformed layer (1.x) and are preferably produced by a punching 20 tool.

9. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one layer (1.x) has a bead (8) and/or hinge 25 for at least one layer (1.x+1) arranged above it, which supports the at least one layer (1.x+l) arranged above it at the ends, preferably at least sectionally in the manner of a line. 30

10. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is formed as a roof ridge slab.

11. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding 35 Patent Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that its contour and/or surface are matched to known roof slabs and roof tiles. - 22

12. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the spacers (2), at least in the upward region, effect a minimum spacing of preferably more than 1 mm, 5 preferably 2 mm to 3 mm, in which capillary action with respect to penetrating water can be disregarded.

13. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding 10 Patent Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least two intermediate layers (1.2 - 1.n-1) are provided, preferably exactly two intermediate layers (1.2, 1.3). 15

14. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that all the layers (1.x) are separated from one another by spacers (2). 20

15. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the spacers (2) have different heights.

16. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding 25 Patent Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, at least between two layers, the water inlet gap (6) is larger than the water outlet gap (12).

17. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding 30 Patent Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that copper material with a highly enlarged surface, preferably granules and/or flakes and/or a net and/or pellets and/or fibres made of copper and/or sintered pieces, is arranged in the spaces (14) 35 formed by the layers.

18. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the - 23 layers are arranged to be offset laterally and/or vertically in relation to one another.

19. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding 5 Patent Claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the layers (1.x) have turned-up and/or turned-down edges at two opposite ends.

20. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding 10 Patent Claims 1 to 19, characterized in that at least the outer and lower layer (1.1, l.n), preferably all the layers (1.x), are connected to one another, preferably by means of screws and/or nails (5) and/or rivets and/or welded connections 15 and/or adhesive connections.

21. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the layers (1.x) are matched to the 3-dimensional 20 surface shape of roof sections and/or roof tiles and/or solar systems.

22. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 21, characterized in that at 25 least the lower layer (1.1) has fastening elements (5) and/or fastening clamps, with which they can be fastened to the surface to be cleaned.

23. Cleaning device according to the preceding Patent 30 Claim 22, characterized in that the fastening clamps and/or the fastening elements consist at least partly of plastic and are preferably clipped into at least one of the layers, preferably the lower layer. 35

24. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the spacers (2) have openings (6) towards the - 24 underside of the layer (1.x) which is oriented counter to the direction of flow of water.

25. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding 5 Patent Claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the spacers (2) and/or openings (6) in the layers are arranged to be offset from layer (1.x) to layer (1.x+l). 10

26. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the spacers (2) are produced at least partly from plastic. 15

27. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the spacers (2) are formed in the manner of nets and/or fabrics. 20

28. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 27, characterized in that at least two layers (1.x), preferably the outer and the lower layer, are produced from one piece. 25

29. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 28, characterized in that at least two layers (1.x), preferably all the layers, are produced from one piece, preferably by means of repeatedly turning down edges and folding. 30

30. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the layers (1.x) are at least partly curved in the longitudinal direction. 35

31. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 30, characterized in that the layers (1.x) are at least partly curved in the transverse direction. - 25

32. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 31, characterized in that the spacers (2) are arranged at the sides of the 5 layers.

33. Cleaning device according to the preceding Patent Claim 32, characterized in that the spacers (2) extend over the entire length of the layers (1.x) 10 and, at least for the most part, close off laterally the spaces (14) formed between the layers.

34. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding 15 Patent Claims 32 to 33, characterized in that lugs (10) are provided which fasten the spacers (2) to the roof and/or a roof covering and/or the lower layer (1.1). 20

35. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 32 to 34, characterized in that at least one connecting element (11), preferably a resilient connecting element, is provided between at least two spacers (2). 25

36. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 35, characterized in that lateral edgings are provided in order to form spaces in which the water is retained.