DE102020133176A1 - Cleaning device for paint rollers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is based on a cleaning device for paint rollers (12a; 12b), with a closable receiving housing (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) and with a storage unit (42a; 42b; 42c; 42d) which is provided for holding a paint roller ( 12a; 12b) rotatably in the receiving housing (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d). It is proposed that the receiving housing (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) have a liquid storage space (30a; 30b; 30c ; 30d) at least partially delimited, in which a paint roller (12a; 12b; 12c) can be introduced for cleaning.

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a cleaning device for paint rollers according to the preamble of claim 1.

There have already been proposed cleaning devices for paint rollers with a lockable receiving housing and with a bearing unit which is intended to rotatably support a paint roller in the receiving housing.

The object of the invention is in particular to provide a generic device with improved properties in terms of comfort and environmental friendliness. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of patent claim 1, while advantageous configurations and developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

Advantages of the Invention

The invention is based on a cleaning device for paint rollers, with a closable receiving housing and with a bearing unit which is intended to rotatably mount a paint roller in the receiving housing.

It is proposed that the interior of the receiving housing at least partially delimits a liquid accumulation space, in which a paint roller can be introduced for cleaning. A “cleaning device” should preferably be understood to mean a device that is provided for cleaning paint rollers and/or paint brushes that have become soiled through use. The cleaning device is preferably provided in particular for cleaning a paint roller and/or a paint brush from paint residues located therein. A “paint roller” should preferably be understood to mean a commercially available paint roller for painting and/or varnishing.

Paint rollers can preferably have different diameters and/or lengths. A “storage unit” should preferably be understood to mean a unit which is intended to receive an element, such as in particular a paint roller or a brush, in a fixed position and to mount it so that it can rotate relative to another component. “Storage rotatably in the receiving housing” should preferably be understood to mean storing rotatably about an axis of rotation relative to the receiving housing. A “liquid reservoir” should preferably be understood to mean a space that is sealed off from the outside in an operating state and in which a constant quantity of cleaning liquid is arranged during a cleaning process. The liquid storage space preferably holds exactly one charge of cleaning liquid that is required for a cleaning process. The liquid storage space preferably has a volume of approximately 2.5 liters. The liquid accumulation space is preferably designed as a space in which a liquid, in particular a cleaning liquid for cleaning a paint roller or a paint brush, is accumulated. “Provided” is to be understood in particular as being specially designed and/or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function is to be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and/or executes this specific function in at least one application and/or operating state. This can advantageously provide a cleaning device in which a paint roller or a paint brush can be cleaned in a closed liquid space in a defined liquid charge, in particular a water charge, which means that a cleaning process can be carried out with little water consumption. The configuration according to the invention makes it possible in particular to provide a cleaning device which can be operated in a particularly simple and environmentally friendly manner, in particular with low water consumption.

It is further proposed that the storage unit has a variable storage area which is intended to accommodate paint rollers of different sizes. A “variable storage area” should preferably be understood to mean a storage area that can be changed in terms of its size, in particular its length. The variable bearing area preferably has a maximum bearing length of 300 mm and a minimum bearing length of 10 mm. The bearing range can preferably be continuously adjusted between the maximum bearing length and the minimum bearing length. As a result, paint rollers, in particular also paint rollers of different sizes, can be fixed particularly easily in the storage area.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the bearing unit has at least one fastening means, which is provided for the rotationally fixed fixing of a paint roller. A “fastening means” should preferably be understood to mean an element that is provided for fixing an element, such as in particular a paint roller or a holder for a paint brush, in a fixed position. It is conceivable that a single fastening means is provided for fixing the element in a fixed position, the fastening means being able to be designed, for example, as a form-fitting element which engages in a form-fitting manner in the element to be fixed, or a Force-locking element that engages, for example, in a bearing mount of a paint roller and can be clamped there for fixation. A fastening means is preferably designed as a clamping element. The storage unit preferably has two fastening means designed as clamping elements, between which an element to be held, such as in particular a paint roller, can be clamped. A “rotational fixation” is to be understood here in particular as a rotationally fixed fixation of a paint roller relative to the storage unit. The paint roller fixed in a rotationally fixed manner on the bearing unit by means of the at least one fastening means can preferably be rotated together with the bearing unit relative to the receiving housing. The paint roller is fixed in a non-rotatable manner relative to the bearing unit and rotates together with the bearing unit about an axis of rotation relative to the receiving housing of the cleaning device when the bearing unit rotates. As a result, a paint roller can be particularly advantageously fixed in the cleaning device for cleaning.

It is further proposed that the receiving housing has a loading opening through which a paint roller can be inserted into the liquid storage space. A "loading opening" should preferably be understood to mean an opening in the receiving housing that is introduced into the receiving housing and can be closed tightly and through which an element, such as in particular a paint roller, can be introduced into the interior of the receiving housing. The loading opening preferably has a cross section that is larger than a diameter of a largest paint roller to be cleaned. The loading opening is preferably arranged at a longitudinal end of the receiving housing. Basically, it is also conceivable that the loading opening is arranged in a peripheral wall of the receiving housing. As a result, the cleaning device can be designed in a particularly simple manner.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the cleaning device has a closure element which is provided for closing the liquid storage space to be connected to the receiving housing. A “closure element” should preferably be understood to mean an element that can close the interior of the receiving housing, preferably the liquid storage space, in a sealed manner. In an assembled state, the closure element is firmly connected to the receiving housing. The closure element can preferably be connected to the receiving housing in a nondestructively separable manner. The closure element can preferably be connected to the receiving housing in a non-positive and/or positive manner. In principle, it is conceivable that the closure element can be separably connected to the receiving housing via one or more positive and/or force-fitting elements. A “force and/or form-fitting element” should preferably be understood to mean an element that is intended to be connected in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner to a correspondingly designed force and/or form-fitting element, in order in particular to connect two elements with which the power and / or form-fitting elements are coupled to connect to each other. A non-positive and/or positive connection between the two elements can be purely non-positive, purely positive or a combination of non-positive and positive. A force-fitting and/or form-fitting element for connecting the closure element to the receiving housing could be designed, for example, as a hook element that snaps into a recess or eyelet in a form-fitting manner. In principle, it is also conceivable that force-fitting and/or form-fitting elements for fastening the closure element to the receiving housing are designed as latching elements. The non-positive and/or positive locking element is preferably designed as a thread. The closure element can be connected to the receiving housing in a non-destructive, separable manner, so that the loading opening can be repeatedly closed and then opened again by the closure element. As a result, the liquid storage space can be closed particularly advantageously for cleaning.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the closure element can be firmly connected to the receiving housing by means of a screw connection. A “screw connection” should preferably be understood to mean a connection via at least one thread. The closure element preferably forms a thread which is formed to correspond to a thread formed by the receiving housing. It is conceivable that the receiving housing forms the thread on its outer lateral surface and the closure element accordingly on an inside, and that the receiving housing forms the thread on an inside and the closure element accordingly on an outside. As a result, the closure element can be connected to the receiving housing in a particularly simple and secure manner.

In addition, it is proposed that the closure element be provided by means of a closing movement in order to bring the storage unit into a locked state. A “closing movement” should preferably be understood to mean a movement of the closure element relative to the receiving housing, by means of which the closing element is correctly connected to the receiving housing in order to close the loading opening. before preferably, the closing movement in the case of a screw connection is designed as a screwing movement of the closure element, during which the closure element rotates relative to the receiving housing and is simultaneously displaced axially. In principle, it is also conceivable that the closing movement is designed as a purely axial movement of the closure element relative to the receiving housing, for example if the closing element can be connected to the receiving housing via latching hooks. A “locked state of the storage unit” should preferably be understood in particular as a state in which an element to be stored, such as in particular a paint roller, can be fixed in the storage unit in a rotationally fixed manner. As a result, the cleaning device can be designed in a particularly advantageous and easy-to-use manner, in which the element to be stored, preferably a paint roller, is simultaneously fixed in the storage unit in a rotationally secure manner by closing the liquid storage space.

It is further proposed that the cleaning device has a drive unit which is intended to transmit a rotational movement to a paint roller mounted in the storage unit and has a transmission element for this purpose. A “drive unit” should preferably be understood to mean a unit that is provided for the rotational drive of an element that is arranged in the bearing unit of the cleaning device and is to be driven, such as preferably a paint roller. The drive unit is provided at least for forwarding a rotational movement to the element to be driven, such as preferably a paint roller. It is preferably conceivable that the drive unit has an integrated drive unit or can be driven via an external drive unit. If the drive unit does not have an internal drive unit, the drive unit only forwards a rotational movement generated by an external drive unit to the element arranged in the storage unit, in particular the paint roller. It is conceivable that the drive unit has a gear element that converts a speed and/or a torque. A “transmission element” should preferably be understood to mean an element that transmits a rotational movement to the element to be driven, such as in particular the paint roller, by means of a positive and/or non-positive fit. As a result, a paint roller arranged in the cleaning device can be rotated particularly easily for cleaning.

In addition, it is proposed that the transmission element of the drive unit is designed in one piece with one of the fastening means of the bearing unit. “In one piece” is to be understood as being preferably cohesively connected, such as by a welding process and/or gluing process, etc., and particularly advantageously molded, such as by production from a single cast and/or by production in a one-component or multi-component injection molding process. The transmission element is preferably formed by the fastening means. As a result, the drive unit can be of particularly simple design.

It is also proposed that the drive unit has a coupling point for an external drive unit, in particular a drill. A “coupling point” should preferably be understood to mean a non-positive and/or positive locking element to which an external drive unit for transmitting a rotary movement can be non-positively and/or positively connected. For example, the coupling point could be designed as a hexagonal recess or as a hexagonal profile. In principle, it is also conceivable that the coupling point is designed in a different way, or that the frictional and/or form-fitting element has a different shape. An “external drive unit” should preferably be understood to mean a drive unit that is designed separately from the cleaning device and preferably has an electric motor that is provided for generating a rotational movement. For example, the external drive unit could be designed as a drill, another hand-held power tool with a rotating tool, or as a simple electric motor. Basically, it is also conceivable that an external drive unit is designed as a manually operated drive unit, such as a hand crank. As a result, the drive unit and thus the paint roller in the cleaning device can be driven in rotation in a particularly simple manner.

It is also proposed that the drive unit has an integrated drive unit, in particular an electric motor. As a result, an external drive unit can advantageously be dispensed with and the cleaning device can advantageously be used independently.

It is further proposed that the cleaning device has a liquid filling and/or emptying opening through which the liquid storage space can be filled and/or emptied. A “liquid filling opening” should preferably be understood to mean an opening through which a liquid, such as washing water in particular, can be conducted into the liquid storage space. In principle, it is conceivable that a directional flow of a liquid is possible via the liquid filling opening. In principle, it is also conceivable that a check valve is provided, which allows a liquid to flow into the liquid storage space, but prevents a backflow from the liquid storage space. the Liquid filling opening is preferably designed to be closable, so that when the liquid filling opening is in a closed state, the liquid storage space can be closed in a sealed manner. A closure element, such as a closure lid or a closure cap, can preferably be provided for closing the liquid filling opening. A “liquid discharge opening” should preferably be understood to mean an opening through which a liquid, such as washing water in particular, can be conducted out of the liquid storage space. In principle, it is conceivable that a directional flow of a liquid is possible via the liquid discharge opening. In principle, it is also conceivable for a non-return valve to be provided, which allows a liquid to flow out of the liquid storage space but prevents it from flowing into the liquid storage space. The liquid discharge opening is preferably designed to be closable, so that when the liquid discharge opening is in a closed state, the liquid accumulation space can be closed in a sealed manner. A closure element, such as a closure cover or a closure cap, can preferably be provided for closing the liquid discharge opening. It is conceivable that the liquid filling opening and the liquid emptying opening are provided as separate openings. In principle, it is also conceivable that a single opening forms both the liquid filling opening and the liquid emptying opening. As a result, the liquid storage space can be filled or emptied with washing liquid in a particularly simple manner.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the liquid filling and/or emptying opening is designed in one piece with the closure element. The fact that the liquid filling and/or emptying opening is designed in one piece with the closure element should preferably be understood to mean that the liquid filling and/or emptying opening is integrated into the closing element, ie is formed by the closing element. As a result, the liquid filling and/or emptying opening can be designed particularly advantageously in a simple manner.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the receiving housing has at least one flow element on its inside, which protrudes into the liquid storage space. An “inside” should preferably be understood to mean the radial inner wall of the receiving housing, which delimits the liquid accumulation space. A “flow guiding element” should preferably be understood to mean a guiding element which is provided to direct a flow of a liquid flowing in the liquid accumulation space, in particular during a washing process. The flow guide element preferably increases turbulence of the cleaning liquid in the liquid accumulation space. As a result, the cleaning liquid can be swirled within the liquid accumulation space, as a result of which flushing of the paint roller with cleaning liquid can be improved and cleaning can be accelerated as a result.

In addition, it is proposed that the cleaning device has an integrated fluid circuit which has at least one first tank from which clean cleaning liquid can be conveyed into the liquid storage space. An "integrated fluid circuit" should preferably be understood to mean a self-contained fluid circuit that is integrated into the cleaning device or connected to the cleaning device and in which cleaning liquid is routed and stored, which is provided for multiple cleaning cycles, in particular for cleaning multiple paint rollers . An integrated fluid circuit preferably includes a first tank in which a clean, unused cleaning fluid is stored and which can be supplied to the fluid storage space for cleaning. The fluid circuit preferably has a second tank, which is provided for storing a cleaning liquid soiled by cleaning with paint. In principle, it is also conceivable that the integrated fluid circuit includes a recycling module in which a cleaning liquid soiled with paint can be cleaned and prepared in such a way that the cleaning liquid can be used for a further cleaning cycle to clean a paint roller using the cleaning device. A recycling module can have a paint separator, for example, which separates a paint that has been dissolved in the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid and disposes of it in a disposal container. As a result, the cleaning device can be designed to be particularly flexible and a cleaning process can be carried out independently of a cleaning liquid supply, in particular a water connection.

It is further proposed that the drive unit is provided for the purpose of rotating the paint roller arranged in the storage unit for drying in the unfilled liquid accumulation space. As a result, the cleaning device can be used particularly advantageously for drying a cleaned paint roller or a cleaned paint brush, which in particular increases convenience for an operator.

In addition, it is proposed that the cleaning device has a brush holder module for accommodating at least one paint brush, which is provided for connection to the storage unit in order to hold a paint brush for cleaning in the liquid to arrange storage space rotatably. A “brush holding module” should preferably be understood to mean a module that has at least one receiving element in which paint brushes of different sizes can be fixed. As a result, the cleaning device can also be used particularly flexibly for cleaning paint brushes.

character list

Further advantages result from the following description of the drawings. Four exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht einer Reinigungsvorrichtung in einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel und einem als Bohrmaschine ausgebildeten externen Antriebsaggregat,
• 2 eine schematische Schnittansicht durch die Reinigungsvorrichtung, mit einer in einem Aufnahmegehäuse drehbar gelagerten Farbrolle,
• 3 eine schematische Explosionsdarstellung der Reinigungsvorrichtung,
• 4 eine schematische Ansicht eines Verschlusselements der Reinigungsvorrichtung,
• 5 eine schematische Ansicht eines Pinselhaltemoduls der Reinigungsvorrichtung,
• 6 eine schematische Schnittansicht durch die Reinigungsvorrichtung in einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel, mit einer in einem Aufnahmegehäuse drehbar gelagerten kleineren Farbrolle und einem in dem Aufnahmegehäuse angeordneten Strömungselement,
• 7 eine schematische Ansicht eines Verschlusselements einer erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsvorrichtung in einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem integrierten Antriebsaggregat und
• 8 eine schematische Ansicht einer Reinigungsvorrichtung in einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem integrierten Fluidkreislauf.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic view of a cleaning device in a first embodiment and an external drive unit designed as a drill,
• 2 a schematic sectional view through the cleaning device, with a paint roller rotatably mounted in a receiving housing,
• 3 a schematic exploded view of the cleaning device,
• 4 a schematic view of a closure element of the cleaning device,
• 5 a schematic view of a brush holder module of the cleaning device,
• 6 a schematic sectional view through the cleaning device in a second embodiment, with a smaller paint roller rotatably mounted in a receiving housing and a flow element arranged in the receiving housing,
• 7 a schematic view of a closure element of a cleaning device according to the invention in a third embodiment with an integrated drive unit and
• 8th a schematic view of a cleaning device in a fourth embodiment with an integrated fluid circuit.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

the 1 until 5 show a first exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 10a for paint rollers 12a and/or paint brushes 14a. The cleaning device 10a is intended to clean paint rollers 12a or paint brushes 14a soiled with paint.

By means of the cleaning device 10a, paint rollers 12a or paint brushes 14a can be cleaned after use and paint residues can be washed out. The cleaning device 10a is provided for cleaning a paint roller 12a or a paint brush 14a, in particular to rotate the paint roller 12a or the paint brush 14a in a liquid bath, preferably a water bath. For cleaning purposes, the cleaning device 10a is preferably provided to rotate a paint roller 12a or a paint brush 14a in a defined amount of cleaning liquid, which preferably remains constant during the cleaning cycle. The cleaning device 10a is intended to clean a paint roller 12a or a paint brush 14a per cleaning cycle with only a defined cleaning liquid load. The cleaning liquid charge preferably corresponds to 0.5 to 2.5 liters. The cleaning liquid charge is dependent on the size of the paint roller 12a to be cleaned.

The cleaning device 10a includes a closable receiving housing 16a. The receiving housing 16a is designed as an elongate hollow body. The receiving housing 16a is tubular. The receiving housing 16a has an essentially circular cross section. The receiving housing 16a includes a tubular element 18a. The tubular element 18a has a first, lower portion 20a in which the tubular element 18a has a first diameter, and a second, upper portion 22a which has a diameter which differs from the diameter of the first portion 20a. The tubular element 18a preferably has a smaller diameter in the first, lower partial area 20a than in the second, upper partial area 22a. The diameter of the second, upper partial area 22a is larger than the diameter of the first, lower partial area 20a. The tubular element 18a has a constant wall thickness. Basically, it is also conceivable that the tubular element 18a has a varying wall thickness. In principle, it is also conceivable that the tubular element 18a has only a partial area with a constant diameter. The receiving housing 16a includes a base element 24a. The bottom element 24a is arranged on an underside of the receiving housing 16a. The bottom element 24a is firmly connected to the tubular element 18a. The base element 24a is captively connected to the tubular element 18a. The bottom element 24a is glued to the tubular element 18a. Basically, it is also conceivable that the base element 24a is formed in one piece with the tubular element 18a. The bottom element 24a has to Connection to the tube element 18a has an annular groove on its inside, in which the tube element 18a is inserted to form a sealed connection. In principle, it is also conceivable that the base element 24a is separably connected to the tubular element 18a by means of force or form-fitting elements. For example, it would be conceivable for the base element 24a to be firmly connected to the tubular element 18a by means of a screw connection or a clamping mechanism and for example to be able to be separated from the tubular element 18a for cleaning.

The receiving housing 16a has an inner side 26a. The inner side 26a is formed by a circular cylinder in each of the two sections 20a, 22a. The inside 26a of the receiving housing 16a preferably has a diameter of 104 mm in the first partial area 20a. In the second partial area 22a, the inside 26a has a diameter of 113 mm. The inner side 26a delimits an interior space 28a of the receiving housing 16a in the radial direction. The cleaning device 16a has a liquid storage space 30a. The liquid storage space 30a is arranged in the interior space 28a of the receiving housing 16a. The liquid storage space 30a is delimited in the radial direction by the inside 26a of the receiving housing 16a. The liquid storage space 30a is delimited by the base element 24a on the underside. The base element 24a tightly closes the liquid storage space 30a on the underside of the receiving housing 16a. A paint roller 12a or a paint brush 14a can be introduced into the liquid accumulation space 30a for cleaning. The liquid storage space 30a is intended to be completely filled with a cleaning liquid, preferably with water, for cleaning a paint roller 12a. In principle, it is also conceivable that a solvent, for example turpentine, is used as the cleaning liquid. In this way, in particular, paint rollers 12a that are soiled with paint containing solvents can advantageously be cleaned with the cleaning device 10a. The corresponding components of the cleaning device 10a are preferably designed to be resistant to solvents. The liquid storage space 30a can be sealed and closed.

The receiving housing 16a has a loading opening 32a. The interior space 28a of the receiving housing 16a is accessible through the loading opening 32a. The interior space 28a of the receiving housing 16a, that is to say the liquid accumulation space 30a, is accessible from the outside through the loading opening 32a. A paint roller 12a can be introduced into the liquid accumulation space 30a through the loading opening 32a. In order to clean a soiled paint roller 12a, it can be introduced through the loading opening 32a into the liquid accumulation space 30a in order to be cleaned there. The loading opening 32a is arranged at an upper longitudinal end of the receiving case 16a. The loading opening 32a is formed by the end of the tube element 18a. The loading opening 32a has a round cross section. The loading opening 32a has the same diameter as the upper portion 22a of the tubular element 18a.

The cleaning device 10a has a closure element 34a. The closure element 34a is provided for closing the liquid storage space 30a. The closure element 34a is provided for closing the liquid storage space 30a in order to be connected to the receiving housing 16a. The closure element 34a is provided to tightly close the loading opening 32a of the receiving housing 16a. The closure element 34a tightly closes the loading opening 32a in a mounted state. The closure element 32a can be connected to the receiving housing 16a in a detachable manner. The closure element 32a can in particular be connected to the receiving housing 16a in a non-destructively separable manner. The closure element 32a is designed as a cover. The closure element 34a is connected to the receiving housing 16a via a positive connection. The closure element 34a has a form-fitting element 36a, by means of which the closure element 34a can be connected to the receiving housing 16a. The form-fit element 36a is designed as a thread for connecting the closure element 34a to the receiving housing 16a. The form-fitting element 36a designed as a thread is arranged on a cylindrical coupling area 38a of the closure element 34a. The form-fitting element 36a designed as a thread is designed in one piece with the closure element 34a. The form-fitting element 36a is designed as an internal thread. The form-fitting element 36a designed as an internal thread is arranged on an inner side of the cylindrical coupling region 38a of the closure element 34a. The receiving housing 16a has a correspondingly designed form-fitting element 40a, which is provided for coupling to the form-fitting element 36a of the closure element 34a. The positive-locking element 40a of the receiving housing 16a is arranged at the upper longitudinal end of the tubular element 18a. The positive-locking element 40a of the receiving housing 16a is formed in one piece with the tubular element 18a. The positive-locking element 40a of the receiving housing 16a is designed as a thread. The positive-locking element 40a of the receiving housing 16a is designed as an external thread, which is arranged on the outside of the tubular element 18a. In principle, it would also be conceivable that Form-fitting element 36a of the closure element 34a is designed as an external thread and the form-fitting element 40a of the receiving housing 16a as an internal thread. The closure element 34a can be firmly connected to the receiving housing 16a by means of a screw connection. The closure element 34a can be firmly connected to the receiving housing 16a by means of a screw connection via the positive-locking elements 36a, 40a designed as threads.

The cleaning device 10a has a storage unit 42a. The storage unit 42a is provided to rotatably support a paint roller 12a in the receiving housing 16a. A paint roller 12a can be arranged rotatably in the liquid accumulation space 30a of the receiving housing 16a for cleaning by means of the bearing unit 42a. The bearing unit 42a has a bearing rod 44a. The bearing rod 44a is arranged in the interior space 28a of the receiving housing 16a, in particular in the liquid storage space 30a. The bearing rod 44a extends coaxially with a central axis of the tube element 18a. The bearing unit 42a forms an axis of rotation 46a about which the paint rollers 12a arranged in the bearing unit 42a are rotatably mounted. The axis of rotation 46a is coaxial with the bearing rod 44a. The axis of rotation 46a preferably corresponds to the central axis of the tubular element 18a. The bearing bar 44a is provided for receiving the ink rollers 12a to be stored via their bearing mounts 48a. A paint roller 12a introduced into the cleaning device 10a for cleaning is placed with its bearing mount 48a on the bearing rod 44a. For cleaning, a paint roller arranged in the cleaning device 10a can be rotated about the bearing rod 44a. The bearing rod 44a is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in the receiving housing 16a. The bearing bar 44a is fixed in a rotationally fixed manner on the base element 24a. The base element 24a has a fastening receptacle in the middle, in which the bearing rod 44a can be fixed in a rotationally fixed manner. The fastening receptacle is designed as a countersink in which the bearing rod 44a is fixed in a non-rotatable manner in a materially bonded manner, in particular by means of an adhesive bond. In principle, it is also conceivable that the bearing rod is detachably connected to the base element 24a via a thread. The bearing rod 44a is preferably connected to the base element 24a by means of a nut in order to establish a rotational fixation. In a mounted state, the bearing rod 44a extends from the base element 24a to an upper region of the liquid storage space 30a. The bearing bar 44a has a height of 250 mm measured from the base element 24a. In principle, it is also conceivable that the bearing rod 44a only extends in a lower area of the liquid storage space 30a.

The storage unit has two fastening means 52a, 54a, which are provided for fixing a paint roller 12a in the storage unit 42a. The fastening means 52a, 54a are preferably designed as clamping elements between which a paint roller 12a can be clamped for storage. The fastening means 52a, 54a are each designed as hollow cylinders. The fastening means 52a, 54a designed as hollow cylinders each have an outer diameter which is larger than a diameter of bearing mounts 48a of commercially available paint rollers 12a. The fastening means 52a, 54a are aligned concentrically with the bearing rod 44a and the axis of rotation 46a. The fastening means 52a, 54a are formed from a plastic. In principle, it is also conceivable that the fastening means 52a, 54a are formed from a metal. Preferably, the fasteners 52a, 54a are formed from a solvent resistant material. The fastening means 52a, 54a each have a frictional engagement surface 60a, 62a on their inwardly directed side. The frictional contact surfaces 60a, 62a are intended to come into frictional contact with a side surface 66a of a base body 64a of a paint roller 12a. The frictional contact surfaces 60a, 62a are intended to transmit a frictional torque between the fastening means 52a, 54a and a paint roller 12a, in particular a base body 64a of the paint roller 12a. To fasten the paint roller 12a in the storage unit 42a, the paint roller 12a is clamped between the frictional contact surfaces 60a, 62a of the fastening means 52a, 54a. In principle, it would be conceivable that the fastening means 52a, 54a each have a coating on the frictional contact surfaces 60a, 62a, which increases a coefficient of friction.

The bearing unit 42a has a lower bearing element 50a. The lower bearing element 50a is fixed to the bottom element 24a of the receiving housing 16a. The lower bearing element 50a is arranged centered on the base element 24a. The lower bearing element 50a is fixed concentrically to the bearing rod 44a and the axis of rotation 46a. The lower bearing element 50a has one degree of freedom parallel to the axis of rotation 46a. The lower bearing element 50a is linearly displaceable along the axis of rotation 46a by a linear path. The lower bearing element 50a can be displaced against a spring force from an upper maximum position to a lower minimum position. To apply the spring force, the bearing unit 42a has a spring element 72a. The spring element 72a is arranged between the bottom element 24a and the lower bearing element 50a. The spring element 72a is designed as a compression spring. The spring element 72a pushes the lower bearing element 50a upwards into the maximum position, in particular in the direction of the loading opening 32a the cleaning device 10a. A paint roller 12a can be clamped between the fastening means 52a, 54a against the spring force of the spring element 72a by means of the spring element 72a. The first fastening means 52a is designed as a lower bearing element 50a. The first attachment means 52a is rotatably connected to the lower bearing element 50a. The first fastening means 52a is mounted via a roller bearing 56a so that it can rotate in relation to the bearing element 50a. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the first fastening means 52a to be mounted rotatably with respect to the bearing element 50a via a plain bearing. The second fastening means 54a is arranged on the closure element 34a. The second attachment means 54a is rotatably connected to the closure element 34a. The second fastening means 54a is connected to the closure element 34a via a roller bearing 58a. To connect the roller bearing 58a, the closure element 34a has a fastening dome, in which the roller bearing 58a is fastened. The second fastening means 54a is connected to the roller bearing 58a via a rotary shaft 68a.

The storage unit 42a forms a storage area 70a in which a paint roller 12a can be stored. The bearing area 70a is formed by an area between the frictional engagement surfaces 60a, 62a of the fastening means 52a, 54a. The storage area 70a is designed to be variable. The variable storage area 70a is provided so that paint rollers 12a of different sizes can be accommodated by the storage unit 42a. Due to the variable storage area 70a, paint rollers 12a of different sizes can be rotatably stored in the storage unit 42a in the liquid accumulation space 30a. In particular, paint rollers 12a with a length of 10 mm to 280 mm and a diameter of 20 mm to 103 mm can be stored in a functionally reliable manner in the variable storage area of the storage unit 42a. The variable storage area 70a is formed by moving the fastening means 52a, 54a along the axis of rotation 46a relative to one another. The fastening means 52a, 54a can be arranged at different distances from one another in order to form a storage area 70a of different sizes. The bearing unit 42a has a spacer element 74a for varying a distance between the fastening means 52a, 54a. The spacer element 74a is designed as a tubular element 18a. The spacer element 74a is intended to raise the first, lower fastening means 52a relative to the base element 24a and, in particular, to position it closer to the upper, second fastening means 54a. The spacer element 74a is intended to be arranged between the lower bearing element 50a and the floor element 24a. The spacer element 74a is intended to increase a distance between the floor element 24a and the lower bearing element 50a in contrast to use without a spacer element 74a. The spacer 74a is formed separately from a remainder of the storage unit 42a and can be used as needed or removed from the cleaning apparatus 10a. Preferably, the storage unit 42a includes a plurality of spacer elements 74a, which have different lengths (not shown in more detail in the figures). As a result, paint rollers 12a of various different lengths can be stored in the cleaning device 10a simply by means of the storage unit 42a. In principle, it is also conceivable that the spacer element 74a has a variable length and can be extended telescopically, for example. In principle, it is also conceivable for the lower bearing element 50a to be able to be connected directly to the bearing rod 44a in different height positions in order to form the variable bearing area 70a. For this purpose, it would be conceivable, for example, for the bearing rod 44a to have latching recesses at different heights, into which corresponding positive-locking elements of the lower bearing element 50a could snap in order to fix the bearing element 50a on the bearing rod 44a.

The storage unit 42a is intended to store a paint roller 12a in a functionally reliable manner in a locked state. In the locked state of the bearing unit 42a, a paint roller 12a is clamped between the fastening means 52a, 54a, in particular between their frictional contact surfaces 60a, 62a. In the locked state, a paint roller 12a mounted in a functionally reliable manner in the storage unit 42a is clamped in a rotationally fixed manner between the fastening means 52a, 54a. In the locked state, a paint roller 12a mounted in the bearing unit 42a can be rotated relative to the receiving housing 16a together with the fastening means 52a, 54a about the rotating shaft 46a in the interior space 28a of the receiving housing 16a, ie in the liquid storage space 30a. In an unlocked state of the storage unit 42a, a paint roller 12a accommodated in the storage unit 42a is not fixed and can be removed from the interior 26a of the accommodating housing 16a from the liquid accumulation space 30a through the open loading opening. The closure element 34a is provided by a closing movement to bring the storage unit 42a into the locked state. The storage unit 42a is brought into the locked state by a closing movement of the closure element 34a, i.e. by screwing the closure element 34a onto the receiving housing 16a via the positive-locking elements 34a, 36a, in particular by a linear movement component of the closure element 34a coaxially with the axis of rotation 46a. Due to the movement of the closure element 34a coaxially to the axis of rotation 46a, specifically in the direction of the base element 24a the fastening means 52a, 54a are moved towards one another. During the closing movement of the closure element 34a, the upper, second fastening means 54a is moved in the direction of the first, lower fastening means 52a. A paint roller 12a arranged between the two fastening means 52a, 54a in the variable storage area 70a is clamped between the fastening elements 52a, 54a. During the closing movement, the second, upper fastening means 54a initially presses on an upper side surface of the base body 64a of the paint roller 12a. As a result, the paint roller 12a is moved downwards in the direction of the bottom element 24a. The paint roller 12a is pressed against the lower first fastening means 52a. As a result of the movement, the lower bearing element 50a, on which the lower fastening means 52a is attached, is deflected downwards in the direction of the base element 24a, counter to the spring force of the spring element 72a. The closing movement of the closure element 34a clamps the paint roller 12a in the storage area 70a between the fastening means 52a, 54a. A clamping force can advantageously be increased by the spring force of the spring element 72a. In addition, small differences in the length of different paint rollers 12a can be compensated for by the spring element 72a.

The cleaning device 10a includes a drive unit 76a. The drive unit 76a is intended to transmit a rotational movement to a paint roller 12a mounted in the bearing unit 42a. The drive unit 76a is arranged in the closure element 34a. The drive unit 76a is provided to rotationally drive the paint roller 12a fixed in the bearing unit 42a. The drive unit 76a is intended to drive the fastening means 52a, 54a of the bearing unit 42a. The drive unit 76a includes a transmission element 78a, which is provided for transmitting the rotational movement to a paint roller 12a mounted in the bearing unit 42a. The transmission element 78a is formed in one piece with the second, upper fastening means 54a. The transmission element 78a is formed by the second, upper fastening means 54a. The rotary shaft 68a, by means of which the fastening means 54a is rotatably mounted with respect to the closure element 34a, is part of the drive unit 76a.

The drive unit 76a of this exemplary embodiment is intended to be driven by an external drive unit 80a. In particular, the drive unit 76a does not have an integrated drive unit and is only provided for the transmission of a rotational movement from an external drive unit 80a to an ink roller 12a mounted in the bearing unit 42a. An example is in the 1 a drill is shown as the external power unit 80a. In principle, any drive means other than drive units 80a are conceivable, which have a driven output shaft, such as a simple electric motor, an angle grinder or another motor considered appropriate by a person skilled in the art. Basically, it is also conceivable that an external drive unit 80a is designed as a manually operable drive unit, such as a hand crank. The drive unit 76a includes a coupling point 82a. The coupling point 82a is arranged on a side of the rotary shaft 68a opposite the fastening means 52a. The rotary shaft 68a extends to a lateral outside of the shutter member 34a. The coupling point 82a is connected to the rotary shaft 68a outside of the closure element 34a. The coupling point 82a is formed by a form-fitting element. The coupling point 82a is preferably designed as a hexagonal profile. As a result, an external drive unit 80a, such as the drill, can be coupled to the coupling point 82a via a commercially available hexagon nut in order to transmit rotation of the output shaft of the drill to the drive unit 76a and thus the paint roller 12a. The drive unit 76a is provided for the purpose of rotating the paint roller 12a arranged in the storage unit 42a for drying in the unfilled liquid storage space 30a.

The cleaning device 10a includes a liquid filling and emptying opening 86a, through which the liquid storage space 30a can be filled with the cleaning liquid and emptied. Through the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a, both fresh cleaning liquid can be filled from the outside into the interior space 28a of the receiving housing 16a, i.e. the liquid storage space 30a, and dirty cleaning liquid can be filled from the interior space 28a of the receiving housing 16a, i.e. the liquid storage space 30a, to the outside be emptied. When the liquid storage space 30a is closed by means of the closure element 34a, the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a forms the only opening through which a cleaning liquid can be exchanged between the liquid storage space 30a and an environment. The liquid filling and emptying opening 86a is formed in one piece with the closure element 34a. The liquid filling and emptying opening 86a is formed as a through hole in a lateral wall 84a of the closure element 34a. The liquid filling and draining opening 86a is formed as a long hole. The liquid filling and emptying opening 86a is designed in particular as a curved elongated hole. The liquid filling and emptying opening 86a is designed to be sealed and closable. In an open state, a cleaning liquid between the Liquid storage space 30a and an environment are exchanged. When the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a is in a closed state, it is closed in a sealed manner and the liquid storage space 30a is sealed off from the environment via the closing element 34a. In the closed state of the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a, no cleaning agent can be exchanged between the liquid storage space 30a and the environment above the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a. To close the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a, the cleaning device 10a includes a closing plate 88a. The closure plate 88a is movably arranged on the closure element 34a. The closure plate 88a is arranged on an inner side of the lateral wall 84a of the closure element 34a. The closure plate 88a is intended to be adjusted between a closed position and an open position. The closure plate 88a can be rotated relative to the closure element 34a. The closure plate 88a can be pivoted between the closed position and the open position about an axis of rotation arranged coaxially to the rotary shaft. In the closed position, the closing plate 88a is intended to close the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a. In the open position, the closure plate 88a is provided to release the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a. The closure plate 88a has a through-flow opening 90a in order to release the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a in the open position. The flow opening 90a has the same contour as the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a. In the open position of the closure plate 88a, the flow opening 90a is congruent with the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a. As a result, when the closure plate 88a is in the open position, a cleaning liquid can flow through the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a and the flow opening 90a and the liquid storage space 30a can be filled or emptied. In the closed position of the closing plate 88a, the flow opening 90a is moved out of alignment with the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a. In the closed position of the closing plate 88a, the flow opening 90a does not cover the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a. As a result, the closure plate 88a closes the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a in the closed position. The closure plate 88a has a manual operating element 92a. The manual operating element 92a is designed as a pin formed onto the closure plate 88a, which protrudes from the closure element 34a on the lateral outside and can be grasped by a user to pivot the closure element 34a. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a can be closed by a simple sealing plug.

The cleaning device 10a has a brush holder module 94a. The brush holder module 94a is provided for receiving a paint brush 14a. The brush holder module 94a is provided for rotatably supporting a paint brush 14a via the bearing unit 42a in the interior 28a of the receiving housing 16a in the liquid storage space 30a in order to clean it there. The brush holder module 94a has a base body 96a which is designed as a hollow cylinder. The base body 96a, which is designed as a hollow cylinder, has a large number of recesses in its lateral surface, so that a cleaning liquid can easily get into the interior of the brush holder module 94a. Basically, it is also conceivable that the base body 96a of the brush holder module 94a forms only half a hollow cylinder. The brush holder module 94a includes a clamping mechanism 98a, with which a paint brush 12a is clamped with its handle and is thus connected to the base body 96a in a rotationally secure manner. To mount the brush holder module 94a, the base body 96a of the brush holder module 94a is clamped between the fastening means 52a, 54a of the bearing unit 42a. The brush holding module 94a is rotatably arranged in the liquid storage space 30a via the bearing unit 42a, equivalent to a fastening of a paint roller 12a. As a result, a paint brush 14a can also be easily cleaned in the cleaning device 10a.

Furthermore, a method according to the invention for cleaning an ink roller 12a will be briefly described below. In a first method step, the closure element 34a is separated from the receiving housing 16a and the loading opening 32a is thus released. A paint roller 12a to be cleaned can now be introduced through the loading opening 32a into the liquid storage space 30a in the interior 28a of the receiving housing 16a. For this purpose, the paint roller 12a is placed with its bearing mount 48a onto the bearing rod 44a of the bearing unit 42a.

In a second method step, the loading opening 32a is closed again in that the closing element 34a is reconnected to the receiving housing 16a by its closing movement. The closure element 34a is screwed onto the receiving housing 16a by means of its positive-locking element 36a, which is designed as a thread. The closing movement of the closing element 34a brings the storage unit 42a into a locked state and the paint roller 12a is clamped between the fastening means 52a, 54a. The paint roller 12a is thus rotatably mounted in the liquid storage space 30a via the bearing unit 42a.

In a further method step, the cleaning device 10a, in particular the liquid storage space 30a, is filled with a cleaning liquid. To fill the liquid storage space 30a, the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a is opened and a charge of cleaning liquid is filled into the liquid storage space 30a. The cleaning liquid charge is approx. 2.5 liters for a large paint roller. If the liquid storage space 30a is filled with the cleaning liquid charge, the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a is closed again and the liquid storage space 30a is closed in a sealed manner.

In a further method step, an external drive unit 80a is connected to the drive unit 76a via the coupling point 82a in a cleaning cycle. By operating the drive assembly 80a, a rotation is transmitted to the drive unit 76a. The drive unit 76a rotationally drives the paint roller 12a, which is in the cleaning liquid in the liquid accumulation space 30a and is mounted in the bearing unit 42a. Due to the rotation, the cleaning liquid penetrates the paint roller 12a and this dissolves paint residues from the paint roller 12a. The ink washed out of the ink roller 12a dissolves in the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid is set in rotation by the rotation of the paint roller 12a in the liquid accumulation space 30a. The turbulence caused by the rotation of the cleaning liquid increases the cleaning effect. In the cleaning cycle, the paint roller 12a is rotated for about 30-60 seconds. The paint roller 12a is preferably rotated at a speed of 1000-4000 revolutions per minute. In particular, no additional cleaning liquid is introduced into the liquid storage space 30a during the cleaning cycle. A cleaning cycle is performed with only one cleaning fluid load. A cleaning cycle can be performed with a charge of cleaning liquid until the cleaning liquid is saturated with an ink released from the paint roller 12a. As a result, maximum cleaning performance can be achieved from one charge of cleaning liquid. As a result, a paint roller 12a can be thoroughly cleaned in a particularly resource-saving manner.

After the cleaning cycle, in a further method step, the cleaning liquid soiled with paint is let out of the liquid accumulation space 30a. For this purpose, the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a is first opened again by the closing plate 88a being brought into its open position. If the liquid filling and emptying opening 86a is open, the soiled cleaning liquid can be properly disposed of, for example by tipping it into a drain. For this purpose, the cleaning device 10a only has to be lifted and tilted so that the cleaning liquid can flow out of the liquid storage space 30a.

After the soiled cleaning liquid has been emptied from the liquid storage space 30a, the liquid storage space 30a can be filled with a fresh charge of cleaning liquid for another cleaning cycle. Another cleaning cycle can be carried out as described above and the contaminated cleaning liquid can be emptied again. Preferably, two cleaning cycles are performed to clean an ink roller 12a, each with a fresh charge of cleaning liquid. If the desired level of cleanliness of the paint roller 12a has been achieved, the cleaning can also be ended after just one cleaning cycle, or further cleaning cycles can be carried out. A remaining degree of soiling of the paint roller 12a can be read from the soiling of the cleaning liquid when the liquid storage space 30a is emptied after a cleaning cycle.

If cleaning of the paint roller 12a is completed, a drying cycle is carried out in a further method step. For this purpose, the paint roller 12a, which is rotatably mounted in the liquid storage space 30a, is rotated by means of the drive unit 76a in the liquid storage space 30a that is emptied, that is to say essentially free of cleaning liquid. Due to the centrifugal forces acting on the rotating paint roller 12a, the remaining cleaning liquid adhering to the paint roller 12a is separated and collected in the liquid accumulation space 30a. If the liquid storage space 30a is again filled up to a certain limit with cleaning liquid separated from the paint roller 12a during a drying cycle, it may be necessary to empty the liquid storage space 30a in the meantime. In principle, it is conceivable for the cleaning device 10a to have a liquid display which indicates the level of the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage space 30a, as a result of which an operator can easily recognize that the liquid storage space 30a needs to be emptied.

In the 6 until 8th three further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, with regard to components having the same designation, in particular with regard to components having the same reference symbols, also to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular the 1 until 5 , can be referenced. To distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a is den Reference numerals of the embodiment in 1 until 5 adjusted. In the embodiments of 6 until 8th the letter a is replaced by the letters b to d.

the 6 shows a cleaning device according to the invention in a second exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 10b for paint rollers 12b and/or paint brushes. The cleaning device 10b is intended to clean paint rollers 12b or paint brushes soiled with paint.

The cleaning device 10b includes a closable receiving housing 16b. The receiving housing 16b is designed as an elongate hollow body. The receiving housing 16b is tubular. The receiving housing 16b has an essentially circular cross section. The receiving housing 16b includes a tubular element 18b. The tubular member 18b has a first, lower portion 20b in which the tubular member 18b has a first diameter, and a second, upper portion 22b having a diameter that differs from the diameter of the first portion 20b. The receiving housing 16b has an inner side 26b. The inner side 26b is formed by a circular cylinder in each of the two partial areas 20b, 22b. The inner side 26b delimits an interior space 28b of the receiving housing 16b in the radial direction. The cleaning device 16b has a liquid storage space 30b. The liquid storage space 30b is arranged in the interior space 28b of the receiving housing 16b. The liquid storage space 30b is delimited in the radial direction by the inside 26b of the receiving housing 16b. On the underside, the liquid storage space 30b is delimited by a floor element 24b. The base element 24b tightly closes the liquid storage space 30b on the underside of the receiving housing 16b.

The receiving housing 16b has a loading opening 32b. The interior space 28b of the receiving housing 32b is accessible through the loading opening 32b. The interior 28b of the receiving housing, that is to say the liquid accumulation space 30b, is accessible from the outside through the loading opening 32b. The cleaning device 10b has a closure element 34b. The closure element 34b is provided for closing the liquid storage space 30b. The closure element 34b is provided for closing the liquid storage space 30b in order to be connected to the receiving housing 16b. The cleaning device 10b has a storage unit 42b. The storage unit 42b is provided for rotatably storing a paint roller 12b in the receiving housing 16b. A paint roller 12b can be arranged rotatably in the liquid accumulation space 30b of the receiving housing 16b for cleaning by means of the bearing unit 42b. The storage unit 42b has two fastening means 52b, 54b, which are provided for fixing a paint roller 12b in the storage unit 42b. The fastening means 52b, 54b are preferably designed as clamping elements between which a paint roller 12b can be clamped for storage. The storage unit 42b forms a storage area 70b in which a paint roller 12b can be stored. The bearing area 70b is formed by an area between frictional contact surfaces 60b, 62b of the fastening means 52b, 54b. The storage area 70b is designed to be variable. The variable storage area 70b is provided so that paint rollers 12b of different sizes can be accommodated by the storage unit 42b. The bearing unit 42b has a spacer element 74b for varying a distance between the fastening means 52b, 54b. The spacer element 74b is designed as a tubular element 18b. In 6 a storage of a small paint roller 12b is shown, which is mounted by means of the spacer element 74b between the fastening means 52b, 54b. The cleaning device 10b includes a drive unit 76b. The drive unit 76b is intended to transmit a rotational movement to an ink roller 12b mounted in the bearing unit 42b.

In contrast to the first embodiment of the 1 until 5 the receiving housing 16b has a flow element 100b on its inner side 26b. The flow element 100b protrudes into the liquid retention space 30b. The flow element 100b is intended to direct the cleaning liquid, which is also set in rotation during a cleaning cycle by the rotation of the paint roller 12b. The flow element 100b is intended to direct a flow of the cleaning liquid that has been set in rotation. In particular, the flow element 100b is provided to increase turbulence of the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage space 30b during a cleaning cycle. The flow element 100b is designed as a fin arranged on the inside 26b of the receiving housing 16b. The flow element 100b is designed as a guide plate. The flow element 100b has a helical course. The flow element 100b extends in the lower partial area 20b of the receiving housing 16b. In principle, it is also conceivable for the receiving housing 16b to have a plurality of flow elements 100b on its inner side 26b. In particular, it is also conceivable that a flow element 100b has a different course or has a significantly smaller extent in the longitudinal direction.

The cleaning device 10b comprises a first liquid filling and emptying opening 86b, through which the liquid storage space 30b can be filled with the cleaning liquid and emptied. The first liquid filling and emptying opening 86b is preferably provided primarily for filling the liquid storage space 30b with the cleaning liquid. The liquid filling and emptying opening 86b is preferably designed essentially the same as in the first exemplary embodiment of FIG 1 until 5 . In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 10b has a second liquid filling and emptying opening 102b. The second liquid filling and emptying opening 102b is preferably provided primarily for emptying the liquid storage space 30b. The second liquid filling and emptying opening 102b is arranged in a lower area of the receiving housing 16b. The second liquid filling and emptying opening 102b is arranged directly above the bottom element 24b of the receiving housing 16b. The second liquid filling and emptying opening 102b is designed as a pipe connection in the pipe element 18b. The second liquid filling and emptying opening 102b has a pipe connection 104b which is flanged onto the pipe element 18b. The second liquid filling and emptying opening 102b has a closure cover 106b with which the pipe connection 104b can be closed. The closure cover 106b can preferably be closed with the pipe connection 104b via a thread. A cleaning liquid can be drained particularly advantageously from the liquid storage space 30b via the second liquid filling and emptying opening 102b. In particular, the receiving housing 16b does not have to be tilted in order to empty the cleaning liquid from the first upper liquid filling and emptying opening 86b. The receiving housing 16b can stand in its intended manner on the base element 24b on a substructure in order to drain the cleaning liquid via the second, lower liquid filling and emptying opening 102b. An inner surface of the base element 24b can preferably have an inclined surface, which has its lowest point in a region facing the second liquid filling and emptying opening 102b. As a result, the cleaning liquid can be routed particularly well from the liquid storage space 30b to the second liquid filling and emptying opening 102b. Through the second, lower liquid filling and emptying opening 102b, cleaning liquid can flow out of the liquid storage space 30b solely by gravity.

the 7 shows part of a cleaning device according to the invention in a third exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 10c for paint rollers and/or paint brushes. The cleaning device 10c is intended to clean soiled paint rollers or paint brushes. The cleaning device 10c is of essentially the same design as the cleaning device in the first exemplary embodiment. In particular, a receiving housing is of the same design.

The cleaning device 10c has a drive unit 76c, which is provided for the rotary drive of a paint roller mounted in the cleaning device 10c for cleaning. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, the drive device 76c has an integrated drive unit 108c. The integrated drive unit 108c is designed as an electric motor. Trained as an electric motor drive unit 108c is shown schematically in FIG 7 shown. The drive unit 108c designed as an electric motor has an output shaft which is connected in a torque-proof manner to a rotary shaft 68c of the drive unit 76c. The drive device 76c has supply electronics 110c, not shown in detail. The supply electronics 110c includes a power supply, which is designed to supply the drive unit 108c designed as an electric motor. The supply electronics 110c preferably has a power connection via which the supply electronics 110c can be connected to a power supply system with a cable. In principle, it is also conceivable for the supply electronics to have an integrated rechargeable battery, in which electrical energy for operating the drive unit 108c of the drive device 76c can be stored. The supply electronics 110c has an operating panel 112c, via which the drive unit 108c can be controlled by an operator. The control panel 112c includes an on/off switch 114c. The drive assembly 108c can be switched to an operating state or switched off by an operator using the on/off switch 114c. A circuit with the drive unit 108c can be closed or opened by means of the on/off switch 114c. In principle, it is also conceivable that the control panel 112c has a further control element, such as a rotary knob, by means of which a speed of the drive unit 108c can be set by an operator. The additional control element could be designed as a potentiometer. In principle, it is also conceivable that the supply electronics 110c has a control and regulation unit that controls the drive assembly 108c. The control and regulation unit could be designed as a small computing unit. A simple and variable control of the drive unit 108c could be carried out by controlling the drive unit 108c via a control and regulation unit. For example, the duration of a cleaning cycle could be stored in the control and regulation unit and the drive assembly 108c be operated by the control and regulation unit after a start for the preset duration. Variable speeds during a cleaning cycle could also be mapped by control using a control and regulation unit.

As in the first exemplary embodiments, the drive unit 76c is integrated into a closure element 34c of the cleaning device 10c. 7 shows the corresponding closure element 34c. The integrated drive unit 108c and the supply electronics 110c are integrated in a housing of the closure element 34c. The operating panel 112c is arranged on an outside of the closure element 34c. The closure element 34c with the integrated drive unit 108c can also be used in the first exemplary embodiment. By connecting the integrated drive unit 108c in the closure element 34c, a cleaning device 10c can be driven easily with an external drive unit, as in the first exemplary embodiment, or with an integrated drive unit 108c, as described in this exemplary embodiment. By changing the closure element, a closure element 34c with a drive unit with an integrated drive unit 108c or a closure element with a drive unit for driving by an external drive unit, as described in the first exemplary embodiment, can be operated. Advantageously, for example, a cleaning device 10c can be sold with a normal closure element as described in the first exemplary embodiment and a closure element 34c described in this exemplary embodiment can be sold as an additional component in order to facilitate handling.

In principle, however, it is also conceivable for the drive unit 76c with the integrated drive unit 108c to be arranged in a lower area of the cleaning device 10c. In particular, it is conceivable that the drive unit 76c is arranged in a lower region of the receiving housing 16c. It is conceivable that the drive unit 76c is arranged on a base element of the receiving housing 16c.

the 8th shows a cleaning device according to the invention in a fourth exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 10d for paint rollers 12d and/or paint brushes. The cleaning device 10d is intended to clean paint rollers 12d or paint brushes soiled with paint.

The cleaning device 10d includes a closable receiving housing 16d. The receiving case 16d is formed of a solvent resistant material. The receiving case 16d is formed of a metal. For example, the receiving housing 16d is made of stainless steel. All components of the cleaning device 10d are preferably designed to be solvent-resistant. The receiving housing 16d is designed as an elongate hollow body. The receiving housing 16d is tubular. The receiving housing 16d has an essentially circular cross section. The receiving housing 16d includes a tube element 18d. The tube element 18d is designed as a metal tube. The tube element 18d has a first, lower section 20d in which the tube element 18d has a first diameter, and a second, upper section 22d which has a diameter which differs from the diameter of the first section 20d. The receiving housing 16d has an inner side 26d. The inner side 26d is formed by a circular cylinder in each of the two partial areas 20d, 22d. The inside 26d delimits an interior space 28d of the receiving housing 16d in the radial direction. The cleaning device 10d has a liquid storage space 30d. The liquid storage space 30d is arranged in the interior 28d of the receiving housing 16d. The liquid storage space 26d is delimited in the radial direction by the inside 26d of the receiving housing 16d. On the underside, the liquid storage space 30d is delimited by a floor element 24d. The base element 24d tightly closes the liquid accumulation space 30d on the underside of the receiving housing 16d.

The receiving housing 16d has a loading opening 32d. The interior 28d of the receiving housing 32d is accessible through the loading opening 32d. The interior space 28d of the receiving housing 16d, that is to say the liquid accumulation space 30d, is accessible from the outside through the loading opening 32d. The cleaning device 10d has a closure element 34d. The closure element 34d is provided for closing the liquid storage space 30d. The closure element 34d is provided for closing the liquid storage space 30d in order to be connected to the receiving housing 16d. The cleaning device 10d has a storage unit 42d. The storage unit 42d is provided to rotatably support a paint roller 12d in the receiving housing 16d. A paint roller 12d can be arranged rotatably in the liquid accumulation space 30d of the receiving housing 16d for cleaning by means of the bearing unit 42d. The storage unit 42d has two fastening means 52d, 54d, which are provided for fixing a paint roller 12d in the storage unit 42d. The fastening means 52d, 54d are preferably designed as clamping elements between which a paint roller 12d can be clamped for storage. The storage unit 42d forms a storage area 70d in which a paint roller 12d can be stored. The bearing area 70d is of an area between friction End surfaces 60d, 62d of the fastening means 52d, 54d are formed. The storage area 70d is designed to be variable. The variable storage area 70d is provided so that paint rollers 12d of different sizes can be accommodated by the storage unit 42d. The cleaning device 10d includes a drive unit 76d. The drive unit 76d is intended to transmit a rotational movement to an ink roller 12d mounted in the bearing unit 42d. The drive device 76d has an integrated drive unit 108d. The integrated drive unit 108d is designed as an electric motor. The drive unit 108d designed as an electric motor has an output shaft which is connected in a torque-proof manner to a rotary shaft of the drive unit 76d. The drive device 76d has supply electronics that are not shown in detail. The integrated drive unit 108d and the supply electronics are integrated in a housing of the closure element 34d.

The cleaning device 10d includes a first liquid filling opening 86d, through which the liquid storage space 30d can be filled with the cleaning liquid. The first liquid filling opening 86d is preferably provided mainly for filling the liquid storage space 30d with the cleaning liquid. The liquid filling port 86d is formed in the receiving case. The liquid filling opening 86d is fitted in particular in an upper area of the receiving housing 16d. The liquid filling opening 86d is designed as a pipe connection in the pipe element 18d. The liquid filling opening 86d has a pipe connection 116d which is flanged onto the pipe element 18d. The second liquid filling opening 86d has a closure cover, not shown in detail, with which the pipe connection 116d can be closed.

The cleaning device 10d has a second liquid discharge opening 102d. The liquid emptying opening 102d is preferably provided mainly for emptying the liquid storage space 30d. The second liquid discharge port 102d is arranged in a lower portion of the accommodating case 16d. The second liquid discharge opening 102d is arranged directly above the bottom element 24d of the receiving housing 16d. The second liquid discharge opening 102d is formed as a pipe connection in the pipe element 18d. The second liquid discharge opening 102d has a pipe connection 104d which is flanged onto the pipe element 18d.

In contrast to the previous embodiments of 1 until 7 the cleaning device 10d has an integrated fluid circuit 118d. The integrated fluid circuit 118d is intended to store a fresh cleaning fluid and make it available for cleaning. Furthermore, the integrated fluid circuit 118d is provided to receive and store a contaminated cleaning fluid after cleaning. The integrated fluid circuit 118d is intended to direct a fresh cleaning fluid into the fluid storage space 30d before a cleaning cycle and to conduct a used, soiled cleaning fluid out of the fluid storage space 30d after a cleaning cycle. The integrated fluid circuit 118d has a first tank 120d. The first tank 120d is provided for storing a clean cleaning liquid. The first tank 120d is designed as a reservoir for a ready-to-use cleaning liquid, in particular as a fresh water tank. The first tank 120d has a volume that holds clean liquid for several cleaning cycles, in particular of at least ten liters. The integrated fluid circuit 118d has a supply line 122d which fluidly connects the first tank 120d to the liquid storage space 30d. The feed line 122d is connected at a first end to the first tank 120d and at a second end to the liquid filling opening 86d of the cleaning device 10d. The integrated fluid circuit 118d has a second tank 124d. The second tank 124d is provided for storing used, soiled cleaning liquid. The second tank 124d is designed as a waste water tank. The second tank 124d has a volume corresponding to the first tank 120d. The integrated fluid circuit 118d has a discharge line 126d which fluidly connects the liquid storage space 30d to the second tank 124d. The discharge line 126d is connected at a first end to the liquid discharge opening 102d of the cleaning device 10d and at a second end to the second tank 124d. After a cleaning cycle, used, dirty cleaning liquid can be drained from the liquid storage space 30d into the second tank 124d through the drain line 126d.

The integrated fluid circuit 118d has a switchable check valve 128d at the liquid filling opening 86d. The liquid filling opening 86d can be opened or closed by the switchable check valve 128d and a backflow of liquid from the liquid storage space 30d into the feed line 122d can be prevented. The integrated fluid circuit 18d has a further switchable check valve 130d at the liquid discharge opening 102d. The liquid filling opening 86d can be opened or closed by the switchable check valve 130d and liquid can flow back of the discharge line 126d into the liquid storage space 30d can be prevented.

The integrated fluid circuit 118d has a first pump unit 132d, which is provided for pumping a cleaning liquid from the first tank 120d into the liquid storage space 30d. The integrated fluid circuit 118d has a second pump unit 134d, which is provided for pumping used cleaning fluid, in particular after a cleaning cycle, out of the fluid storage space 30d into the second tank 124d.

The cleaning device 10d has a control and regulation unit 136d. The control and regulation unit 136d is provided for controlling the integrated fluid circuit 118d, in particular for controlling the pump units 132d, 134d and the check valves 128d, 130d. The control and regulation unit 136d is also provided for controlling the integrated drive unit 108d of the drive unit 76d for the rotary drive of the paint roller 12d to be cleaned. A cleaning cycle can be carried out fully automatically by the control and regulation unit 136d. The control and regulation unit 136d controls a supply of cleaning liquid from the first tank 120d into the liquid storage space 30d, a rotation of the drive unit, and a pumping out of the soiled cleaning liquid after a cleaning cycle. The cleaning device 10d preferably has a sensor unit 138d, which measures the degree of contamination of the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage space 30d. The control and regulation unit 136d is provided to adapt the duration of a cleaning cycle, an amount of cleaning liquid, i.e. a cleaning liquid charge for a cleaning cycle, and/or a speed of the integrated drive unit 108d to a contamination of the cleaning liquid detected by the sensor unit 138d. As a result, a cleaning cycle can be carried out in a particularly resource-saving manner, since in particular only as much cleaning liquid is used as is required to clean the paint roller 12d.

Claims (20)

Cleaning device for paint rollers (12a; 12b), with a closable receiving housing (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) and with a bearing unit (42a; 42b; 42c; 42d), which is provided for a paint roller (12a; 12b) rotatable in the receiving housing (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d), characterized in that the receiving housing (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) in its interior (28a) at least partially delimits a liquid storage space (30a; 30b; 30c; 30d), in which a paint roller (12a; 12b; 12c) can be introduced for cleaning. cleaning device claim 1 , characterized in that the storage unit (42a; 42b; 42c; 42d) has a variable storage area (70a; 70b) which is intended to accommodate paint rollers (12a; 12b) of different sizes. cleaning device claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the storage unit (42a; 42b; 42c; 42d) has at least one fastening means (52a, 54a) which is provided for fixing a paint roller (12a; 12b). Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving housing (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) has a loading opening (32a; 32b) through which a paint roller (12a) into the liquid storage space (30a; 30b; 30c; 30d) is insertable. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a closure element (34a; 34b; 34c; 34d) which is provided for closing the liquid storage space (30a; 30b; 30c; 30d) with the receiving housing (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d ) to be connected. cleaning device claim 5 , characterized in that the closure element (34a; 34b; 34c; 34d) can be firmly connected to the receiving housing (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) by means of a screw connection. Cleaning device at least after claim 5 , characterized in that the closure element (34a; 34b; 34c; 34d) is provided by a closing movement to bring the storage unit (42a; 42b; 42c; 42d) into a locked state. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a drive unit (74a; 74b; 74c; 74d) which is provided to transmit a rotational movement to a paint roller (12a; 12b) mounted in the bearing unit (42a; 42b; 42d) and has a transmission element (78a) for this purpose. cleaning device claim 3 and 8th , characterized in that the transmission element (78a) of the drive unit (74a) is formed in one piece with one of the fastening means (54a) of the bearing unit (42a). Cleaning device at least after claim 8 , characterized in that the Drive unit (74a) has a coupling point (82a) for an external drive unit (80a), in particular a drill. Cleaning device at least after claim 8 , characterized in that the drive unit (74c; 74d) has an integrated drive unit (108c; 108d), in particular an electric motor. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a liquid filling and/or emptying opening (86a, 86b; 86c, 102c; 86d, 102d) through which the liquid storage space (30a; 30b; 30c; 30d) can be filled and/or emptied . cleaning device claim 12 , characterized in that the liquid filling and/or emptying opening (86a; 86b; 86c) is formed in one piece with the closure element (34a; 34b; 34c). Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving housing (16b) has on its inside (26b) at least one flow element (100b) which projects into the liquid storage space (30b). Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an integrated fluid circuit (118d) which has at least one tank (120d) from which cleaning fluid can be conveyed into the fluid accumulation space (30d). Cleaning device at least after claim 8 , characterized in that the drive unit (76a; 76b; 76c; 76d) is provided to rotate the paint roller (12a; 12b) arranged in the bearing unit (42a; 42b; 42c; 42d) for drying in the unfilled liquid storage space. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a brush holder module (94a) for receiving at least one paint brush (14a), which is provided for connection to the storage unit (42a) so that it can be rotated around the paint brush (14a) for cleaning in the liquid storage space (30a). to arrange. A method of operating a cleaning device (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cleaning cycle is carried out with only one cleaning liquid charge in a sealed liquid space (30a; 30b; 30c; 30d). procedure after Claim 18 , characterized in that no additional cleaning liquid is introduced into the liquid chamber (30a; 30b; 30c; 30d) during the cleaning cycle. procedure after Claim 18 or 19 , characterized by at least one drying cycle in which the paint roller (12a; 12b) is rotated in the emptied liquid storage space (30a; 30b; 30c; 30d).

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