DE102016100597B4 - Apparatus and method for cleaning brushes - Google Patents

Abstract

Brush cleaning device (3) comprising a housing (1) having an access opening (2) for passing at least the bristle-comprising tip (3A) of the brush (3) into the interior of the housing (1) and manually moving the brush (3) at least one spraying device (4), which is suitable for dispensing a sharp, defined fluid jet directed into the interior of the housing (1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the bristles of the brush (3) through the access opening (2) and exactly onto the bristles the brush (3) can be aligned, and a drain (5) for discharging the fluid (F), so that a liquid-saving cleaning is possible waiving mechanically movable components.

Description

introduction

The invention relates to the field of cleaning devices for painting tools. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for cleaning brushes.

State of the art and disadvantages

Painting tools, ie tools for applying liquid colors to substrates, are typically rollers and brushes. By immersion in a liquid container, color is absorbed and then applied to the substrate. Although the amount of paint absorbed by the paint tool decreases, there is always a paint residue. This must be removed from the tool after completing work, i. the tool to be cleaned of paint residues, as drying paint residues would make this useless.

A simple way of cleaning painter tools such as rollers and brushes is to manually treat the tools with water. Is the water, for example, by using a bucket, this contaminated relatively quickly, so that this water-saving way of cleaning is used only for low-contamination tools. If heavily soiled, the tool under a running water jet, for example, in a sink, cleaned. The tool is held with one hand, and with the other hand or on a grating (rust), the color is stripped off. This type of cleaning leads to sufficient cleaning results, but has a very high water consumption. In addition, the sometimes considerable amount of time required by manual cleaning is disadvantageous. In particular, the transition of the bristles to the body of the brush, hereinafter also called "roots" of the bristles, is often freed in this way only insufficiently from color residues.

An improvement of cleaning especially for paint rollers is for example from the document DE 23 60 884 A1 known. Here, a water-guiding nozzle arrangement is directed to the paint roller, that on the one hand wets it, but it is also set in rotation. Depending on the angle of impact, pressure and mass flow, a more intensive cleaning or a faster rotation of the roll, so that a drying of the same is to be possible.

However, the water consumption in this and comparable cleaning devices increases with larger number of nozzles, increase the pressure or increase the amount of water, so that an economic and economic function with sufficient cleaning result is not always given.

Furthermore, the cleaning device described is only very limited for cleaning brushes, which have a significantly different appearance than rollers. This relates in particular to the abovementioned area of the roots of the bristles. The possibility of cleaning or even drying by rotation does not exist here. Due to the omission of the rotation, the cleaning result is less good. In addition, brushes are typically smaller than rollers, so that the use of a device of the type described above would regularly lead to a disproportionate water consumption.

Devices are therefore known especially for cleaning brushes, which also clean them using rotating brushes. The water required for wetting flows down from an inlet arranged above the brushes to the latter. The good cleaning result, however, is a complex and therefore less costly construction. In addition, the bristles and roots of the brush are mechanically stressed by the rotating brushes, resulting in a shorter life of the tool.

Through the pamphlets US 2007/0 089 765 A1 . US 5 007 553 A such as WO 2003/037 137 A1 For example, further cleaning devices for brushes of the prior art are known.

Object of the invention and solution

The object of the invention is thus to provide a device and a method for cleaning of painters tools, which is particularly suitable for cleaning brushes and avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. Accordingly, the device and the method should allow adequate water consumption and achieve an improved cleaning result, in particular in the area of the roots with the shortest possible cleaning time. The life of the brush should not be affected by the use of the device and the method. In addition, the construction and the application of the method should be inexpensive to implement.

The object is achieved by a cleaning device according to the main claim, a cleaning station according to claim 10, and a cleaning method according to claim 11. Advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims, the following description and the figures.

description

The cleaning device according to the invention serves the gentle, quick and water-saving cleaning of brushes. It comprises a housing having an access opening for passing at least the tip of the brush comprising bristles, at least one spraying device which is suitable for dispensing a fluid into the interior of the housing and can be precisely aligned with the bristles (and thus the tip) of the brush, and also a nozzle Outlet for discharging the fluid. It should be noted that the term "tip" refers to the entire area of the bristles, not just their foremost area.

The housing may be made of a transparent material such as transparent plastic or glass, or of an opaque material such as non-transparent plastic or metal such as stainless steel in particular. The housing fulfills the task during the cleaning of the brush or the bristles of the tip of the same spurting cleaning liquid to keep away from an operator and collect. In addition, the use of a higher cleaning pressure is possible because of the associated higher impact speed of the cleaning liquid particularly strong spraying is the result. Without the housing, it would not be possible to use high pressures while protecting the environment.

The housing includes an access opening for passing the brush, or at least the tip thereof comprising the bristles. In one embodiment, the access opening is slot-shaped. It may preferably include closing bristles or flaps so that despite (at least partially) introduced brush as little fluid can get out of the housing.

The spraying device serves to dispense "fluid" in the form of a defined fluid jet. This fluid is typically a liquid such as, in particular, water or a soapsuds. For the purpose of drying the brush (subsequent to treatment with liquid), the fluid may also be a gas such as, in particular, air. The fluid may be dispensed through one or more exit ports or "nozzles" into the interior of the housing. It is clear that these nozzles (n) are connected to one or more supply lines through which the fluid can flow at a suitable pressure. Optionally, this is also a pump provided, alternatively, the promotion can also be effected by the pressure typically present in water pipes, which will be discussed further below.

According to the invention, the spray device or the fluid dispensing part of the same ("nozzle") is precisely aligned with the bristles of the brush, and in particular on the roots of the bristles. This means that the fluid does not drip or flow substantially non-directionally into the interior. In this way, a liquid-saving operation of the device is possible because the used (liquid) fluid contributes the best possible for cleaning and not partially unused. Due to the exact alignability of the difficult to access and otherwise difficult to clean areas of the brush, in particular the roots of the bristles can be achieved in a particularly targeted, since these areas fanned by the sharp fluid jet and thus made more accessible for cleaning. At the same time, cleared paint is effectively and quickly removed from the site of action.

The fluid jet may be oriented perpendicularly (transversely) to the longitudinal axes of the bristles. But it can also (at least temporarily) run parallel to the longitudinal axes of the bristles, so that it (at least partially) passes between the bristles and reaches to their roots, where he can particularly effectively clean the spaces between the roots.

Finally, the cleaning device also includes a drain. This can optionally be formed by a specially designated area in the bottom of the housing, or the then open floor itself forms the drain.

The cleaning device according to the invention provides by the interaction of housing and targeted spray a simple but effective cleaning device for brush ready. Through the housing, the environment is protected from spewing fluid, which at the same time under increased pressure (along with high impact speed) and thus can be spent liquid-saving. Only because of the exact alignability of the nozzle does the fluid also reach the (largely) full extent at the site of action, namely the brush tip, that is to say the bristles and in particular their roots. Thus, a liquid-saving cleaning of brushes is possible. The cleaning device can dispense with mechanically moving components such as rollers or rotating brushes, which allows a simple, robust and cost-effective design. In addition, damage to the sensitive brush tip is avoided due to lack of mechanical contact.

For exact alignment, a stop or the like may be provided, which predetermines a mechanical end position for the brush, in particular for the roots of its bristles. The stop can for example be formed by one or more flat, mutually parallel blunt plates or needles, between which the fluid jet emerges, so that in a careful "plugging" the brush on the sheets or needles, the movement is stopped just when the ends of the Sheets or needles are located near the roots of the bristles. (It is clear that damage to the bristles due to excessive force must be avoided.)

According to one embodiment, the housing is designed as a circumferentially closed box with access opening and drain. This means that the housing is substantially closed or closable in all spatial directions. The shape may be substantially cuboid or wedge-shaped, wherein the inclined surface is preferably aligned to an operator and particularly preferably also has the access opening. The drain can run at the bottom, for example, in a corner, or along an edge. The advantage of this embodiment is that the cleaning device can be used as a stand-alone device, provided that cleaning liquid can be added to and sewage discharged.

Optionally, the housing has one or more handles, with which it is liftable and easy to implement.

According to another embodiment, the housing is designed as an at least partially open on its underside hood with access opening and drain. The drain is thus formed by the open bottom. This means that the housing lacks the bottom, so that such a cleaning device is preferably operated in a pool or the like. This is advantageous if a basin for cleaning is present anyway, which then also serves to collect the wastewater. A cleaning device according to this embodiment comprises less material, and is therefore easier and cheaper.

It should be noted that in the following, however, even in the case of a floor designed as an opening, it is nonetheless referred to as a "floor".

According to a further embodiment of the cleaning device, the spray device or parts thereof are interchangeable. In the often harsh everyday operation of cleaning devices is to be expected with a pollution of the nozzles in particular; especially if they have small cross sections. However, small cross sections may be necessary because of the desired high impact velocity of the fluid on the one hand, and the desired low mass flow rate of fluid on the other hand, so that the interchangeability - both for ease of cleaning and rapid adaptation to changing impact speeds or mass flow rates - is advantageous.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the cleaning device, the spraying device comprises exactly one single nozzle. In this way, a fluid and in particular liquid-saving operation is possible, since a plurality of nozzles might possibly lead to a (still) better cleaning result, but also to an increased fluid consumption, which is undesirable. This nozzle can produce a fan-shaped jet, but preferably an approximately round or conical jet. The nozzle is aligned so that it points exactly to the top of the (usually only partially) introduced into the interior of the housing brush, so that a specific cleaning / rinsing the brush tip is possible, or the brush is manually aligned with its tip in that the fluid jet can hit it exactly.

Particularly preferably, the nozzle at a (average) distance of 3 cm to 6 cm from the bristles of the brush and in particular the roots of the bristles positionable, with distances of 1 cm to 10 cm, preferably from 2 cm to 8 cm are advantageous. Experiments have shown that at these distances a very good cleaning effect coupled with a low liquid consumption is possible. The distances between the location of the liquid dispensing and the painting tool in cleaning devices of the prior art are typically significantly larger, which leads to a higher liquid consumption or a deteriorated cleaning result. In the present case, due to the coordination between the nozzle, pressure, positioning and distance, the desired low liquid consumption is possible with a good and gentle cleaning result.

Preferably, the spray device with a pressure of 2 bar to 18 bar can be acted upon. As tests have shown, a pressure in this range, but especially in a range above 3.5 bar, offers a particularly good compromise between fluid consumption and cleaning result. If the pressure is preferably higher than the typically prevailing in water lines pressure of 2 bar to 3.5 bar, it is preferably provided by an optional high-pressure pump. Significantly higher pressures than 18 bar, however, would lead to a greater Verscheiß both the nozzle and the paint tool and are therefore not preferred. It should be noted that "actable" means that forms at the selected pressure and a targeted ausbringbarer, defined fluid jet. An unsuitable nozzle, however, would not pass through at lower pressure these are damaged, but also produce no defined fluid jet.

According to a further embodiment of the cleaning device, the same further comprises a scraper, which projects into the interior and has at least one comb-like structure, which is arranged on the inside of the housing. Accordingly, such a scraper is not to be equated with the "rust" described above, which does not have any comb-like structures.

The scraper according to the invention leads to a significantly improved cleaning result, since it leads in conjunction with the simultaneously acting targeted fluid jet to a cleaning, which is better than a sequential application of scraper on the one hand and fluid jet on the other. The technical function of the scraper is based essentially on a fanning of the area of the roots of the bristles, so that this area is better accessible from the fluid jet.

The scraper can additionally fulfill the function of the abovementioned stop.

Preferably, the scraper has a plurality of mutually parallel comb-like structures. This means that upon movement of the tip of the brush perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a comb-like structure (at least) another comb-like structure follows. When moving the bristles over the first comb-like structure, they are first bent over, then accelerate when overcoming the first comb-like structure, and - assuming a suitable distance to the next comb-like structure - to the latter, which - again in conjunction with the targeted fluid jet - to results in a further improved cleaning result. Conversely, in a shorter time and with less liquid consumption, an equally good cleaning result can be achieved.

The (possibly average) spacing of successive comb-like structures depends on the length of the bristles of a brush and is typically 0.5 to 1 times the bristle length (e.g., 1 cm to 5 cm).

In one embodiment, the comb-like structures have different angles to the bottom of the cleaning device. The respective angle is measured in the present case between the bottom and the longitudinal extent of the "tines" of a comb-like structure. At an angle of 90 °, the "tines" are therefore perpendicular to the floor surface. The angles are preferably between about 30 ° and 85 °.

According to another embodiment, the angle (s) of the comb-like structure (s) is variable. This means that the "tines" of possibly successive comb-like structures can not only have the same or decreasing or increasing angles. Also within a comb-like structure, the angle, e.g. vary from one end to the other or from the middle to the outside. The above-mentioned angles are preferred.

According to another embodiment, the comb-like structure (s) is (linearly) movable. This means that they are not fixed and immovable to a base, but can change in position and / or angle. The movement can take place in the direction of the longitudinal axis (s) of the comb-like structure (s), or perpendicular thereto (but parallel to the ground). The periodic back and forth rotation around the "base" of the "prongs" results in a change in the angle. Finally, the comb-like structures can also be designed in the manner of a rotating brush with a plurality of rows of prongs. Since cleaning is effected according to the invention in conjunction with the targeted jet of liquid, only a slow rotation (e.g., 0.5 to 5 revolutions / second) is sufficient so that mechanical damage to the bristles of the brush is not expected.

The drive of the movable components is preferably effected by the supply pressure of the fluid. Thus, it is possible to dispense with a further form of energy (in particular electricity). An adjustability of the frequency and / or the amplitude of the movements may e.g. done by interposing a control valve.

According to another combinable embodiment, the cleaning device comprises means for pulsing the fluid. Under certain circumstances, a fluid impinging in short, successive pulses can lead to a better cleaning effect, since the resulting vibrations dissolve stubborn paint better.

The invention also relates to a cleaning station for cleaning painters tools such as rollers and brushes. This comprises a basin for receiving liquid, wherein the cleaning station according to the invention further comprises a cleaning device for brush according to the above definition. A repetition of the details of such a cleaning device will be omitted and refer instead to the above explanations. Optionally, the cleaning station also comprises a pump for conveying the fluid, and / or a filter device for (pre) cleaning the wastewater.

Such a cleaning station has over the known from the prior art cleaning stations the advantage of a simple, fast, liquid-saving and gentle cleanability of brushes.

• - Einbringen mindestens der Borsten des Pinsels in das Innere des Gehäuses;
• - Einbringen des Fluids unter Druck in Form eines Fluidstrahls in den Innenraum, wobei das Fluid eine Flüssigkeit ist, und wobei Fluidstrahl und Borsten des Pinsels exakt zueinander ausgerichtet werden, so dass der Fluidstrahl exakt die Spitze des Pinsels trifft;
• - Reinigen der Borsten sowie deren Wurzeln durch Abspülen derselben mittels des Fluids.

The invention also relates to a method of cleaning brushes using a device as defined above, to which reference is made to avoid repetition. According to the invention, the method for cleaning comprises the following steps:

• - introducing at least the bristles of the brush into the interior of the housing;
• - Introducing the fluid under pressure in the form of a fluid jet into the interior, wherein the fluid is a liquid, and wherein the fluid jet and bristles of the brush are aligned exactly with each other, so that the fluid jet exactly hits the tip of the brush;
• - Clean the bristles and their roots by rinsing them by means of the fluid.

The exact alignment can be done by manipulating the orientation of the nozzle, but easier by manually aligning the bristle tip of the brush. In addition, a stop or the like may be provided for this purpose, which simplifies the exact positioning of the brush or its tip and / or the roots of the bristles.

According to the invention, the gentle, rapid and liquid-saving cleaning is brought about by an interaction between the liquid directed precisely onto the bristles of the brush and reaching it with high impact velocity, and the fact that the cleaning takes place in a housing.

Optionally, after sufficient cleaning of the bristles of the brush, the liquid is replaced by a gas, with which the bristles are finally blown dry. In this way, the brush can be effectively and quickly brought into an easily storable state. Even moist brushes with natural bristles may cause mildew; In addition, the bristles still wet brush may not be crushed or bent, otherwise they could dry in this position.

Also optionally, the fluid pulsates during at least portions of the treatment. Reference is made to the above explanation.

It is clear that in order to carry out the last-described step, the cleaning device must be suitable for dispensing a gaseous fluid by providing a corresponding pump or a corresponding compressed-air connection, and enabling switching between liquid and gaseous fluid.

According to a further embodiment of the cleaning method, the pressure of the fluid is in the range between 2 bar to 3.5 bar (typical pressure of a water pipe), or in the range between 15 bar to 18 bar (typical range of a high-pressure pump).

A pressure in the former range has the advantage that no special pump is to be provided to provide this pressure, as long as the cleaning fluid is water and is provided via a conventional water line. This leads to a particularly cost-effective solution.

A pressure in the latter area has the advantage that with lower liquid consumption, a higher impact velocity on the bristles of the brush can be achieved, so that the cleaning result is improved. However, to provide this pressure usually a corresponding high pressure pump is necessary.

According to a further embodiment of the cleaning method, the (average) distance between the bristles of the brush (and in particular the roots of the bristles) and the spray dispensing the fluid is set between 2 cm to 8 cm, and preferably between 3 cm to 6 cm. This distance is low in comparison to the prior art, which in the present case leads to an improved, because more targeted cleaning effect. The small distance is possible because the fluid is exactly aligned with the bristles of the brush. Again, an optional stop or the like is available, which simplifies compliance with the optimum distance.

For a further embodiment of the cleaning method, the device further comprises a wiper as defined above. During wetting with liquid, the bristles of the brush are positioned in the region of action of the comb-like structure (s) of the scraper and thus contacted, wherein then a relative movement between the scraper and the brush tip of the brush is performed. The relative movement takes place by moving the tip of the brush and / or by automatically moving the comb-like structure (s).

In other words, the brush or its tip is moved back and forth relative to the scraper, so that - with simultaneous cleaning by the liquid fluid - an improved cleaning effect can be achieved. In addition to the targeted introduction of fluid according to the invention, the mechanical contact accelerates the cleaning, since in this way the distances between the bristles are temporarily increased so that the fluid easily penetrate into the interstices and this, in particular the area of the roots of Clean paint residues. In addition, color remains attached to the "tines" of the comb-like structure (s), from where it can also be easily rinsed off.

As already indicated above, the movement can be manual or automated, and relate to both the linear movement of the comb-like structure (s), as well as a tilting thereof (change of the angle). Of course, a combination of both, typically periodic bidirectional running types of movement is possible.

list of figures

• 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention.
• 2 shows a plan view of parts of this cleaning device.

In the 1 and 2 an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention is shown in side view and as a plan view. Accordingly, the cleaning device comprises a housing 1 , which in the present case is designed as a (substantially) completely closed body. In the side view it can be seen that the housing 1 wedge-shaped. For easy observability of the brush 3 is at least the top of the case 1 made transparent.

At the top of the case 1 is an access opening 2 arranged (only in 1 shown). Through this is the brush 3 (also only in 1 shown) at least with its bristles comprehensive tip 3A in the interior of the case 1 insertable.

In the interior is directed a spray 4 , which for dispensing a fluid F suitable is. This is in the form of a defined fluid jet exactly in the direction of the bristles of the brush 3 output. In this way, the bristles of the fast brush 3 and cleaned effectively. The fluid loaded with paint F can through a present slit-like drain 5 out of the case 1 escape.

As shown, the sprayer comprises 4 a single nozzle 4B , Thus, the consumption of fluid is less than in known devices, which typically have a plurality of parallel-operated nozzles.

At the bottom inside of the case 1 is a wiper 6 arranged, which has several comb-like structures 6A . 6B . 6C includes. The latter point away from the floor level and form different angles with it. The "prongs" of the comb-like structures have the effect of bristles of the brush 3 fanned out when this with its tip against the comb-like structures 6A . 6B . 6C is moved back and forth (arrow 7 ).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

casing

2

access opening

3

brush

3A

top

4

spraying

4A

jet

5

outflow

6

scraper

6A, 6B, 6C

comb-like structure

7

arrow

F

fluid

Claims (14)

Brush cleaning device (3) comprising a housing (1) having an access opening (2) for passing at least the bristle-comprising tip (3A) of the brush (3) into the interior of the housing (1) and manually moving the brush (3) at least one spraying device (4), which is suitable for dispensing a sharp, defined fluid jet directed into the interior of the housing (1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the bristles of the brush (3) through the access opening (2) and exactly onto the bristles the brush (3) can be aligned, and a drain (5) for discharging the fluid (F), so that a liquid-saving cleaning is possible waiving mechanically movable components. Cleaning device after Claim 1 , wherein the housing (1) as a circumferentially closed box with access opening (2) and drain (5) is formed. Cleaning device after Claim 1 , wherein the housing (1) as a on its underside at least partially open hood with access opening (2) and drain (5) is formed. Cleaning device according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , wherein the spray device (4) is replaceable. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spraying device (4) comprises exactly one single nozzle (4A) which can be positioned at a distance of 3 cm to 6 cm from the bristles of the brush (3) and / or with a pressure of 2 bar can be acted upon up to 18 bar. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it further comprises a protruding into the interior, at least one comb-like structure (6A, 6B, 6C) having scraper (6), which on the inside of the housing (1) is arranged. Cleaning device after Claim 6 wherein the scraper (6) comprises a plurality of mutually parallel comb-like structures (6A, 6B, 6C). Cleaning device after Claim 7 wherein the comb-like structures (6A, 6B, 6C) have different angles to the bottom of the cleaning device. Cleaning device according to one of Claims 6 to 8th , wherein the angle (s) of the comb-like structure (s) (6A, 6B, 6C) is variable, and / or wherein the comb-like structure (s) (6A, 6B, 6C) is movable or are. A cleaning station for cleaning paint tools, comprising a pool for containing liquid, the cleaning station comprising a brush cleaning device (3) as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 9 includes. Method of cleaning brushes (3) using a device as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 9 or a cleaning station as defined in Claim 10 comprising the steps of - introducing at least the bristles of the brush (3) into the interior of the housing (1); Introducing the fluid (F) under pressure in the form of a sharp, defined high-velocity fluid jet directed perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the bristles into the interior, the fluid (F) being a liquid, and fluid jet and bristles of the brush (3) be aligned exactly to each other; - Cleaning the bristles and their roots by rinsing them by means of the fluid (F) with manual movement of the brush and without the use of mechanically movable components; optionally, after sufficient cleaning of the bristles of the brush (3), the fluid (F) is a gas with which the tip (3A) is finally blown dry. Method according to Claim 11 , wherein the pressure of the fluid (F) in the range between 2 bar to 3.5 bar or in the range between 15 bar to 18 bar. Method according to Claim 11 or 12 , wherein the distance between the bristles of the brush (3) and the spray (4) emitting the fluid (F) is set between 2 cm to 8 cm, and preferably between 3 cm to 6 cm. Method according to one of Claims 11 to 13 wherein the apparatus further comprises a wiper (6) as defined in any one of Claims 6 to 9 and wherein, during wetting with liquid, the bristles of the brush (3) are positioned and contacted in the area of action of the comb-like structure (s) (6A, 6B, 6C) of the scraper (6), with subsequent relative movement between scrapers (6 ) and the bristle-comprising tip (3A) of the brush (3) is performed, the relative movement being achieved by moving the tip (3A) of the brush (3) and / or by automatically moving the comb-like structure (s) (6A, 6B, 6C).

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