US3425082A - Self-propelled device for cleaning the window and wall surfaces of a building structure - Google Patents

Self-propelled device for cleaning the window and wall surfaces of a building structure Download PDF

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US3425082A
US3425082A US553351A US3425082DA US3425082A US 3425082 A US3425082 A US 3425082A US 553351 A US553351 A US 553351A US 3425082D A US3425082D A US 3425082DA US 3425082 A US3425082 A US 3425082A
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gear
shaft
window
liquid
cleaning
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US553351A
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Frank W Hetman
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L1/00—Cleaning windows
    • A47L1/02—Power-driven machines or devices

Definitions

  • the invention relates broadly to a device for cleaning the windows and wall portions between rnullions or extension members of a building structure and more particularly to a device which is self-propelled upon and in connection with the outer surface of the building structure, the device having means for cleaning and drying the windows and/or wall surfaces as the device is moved over the window and wall surfaces.
  • the device includes cleaning means whereby Window and wall surfaces are cleaned automatically as the device is propelled, the device being portable, easily operated and moved from place to place on a building by a single operator.
  • FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of the device in operative position between the rnullions of a building structure.
  • FIGURE 2 is a rear elevational view of the device in the position shown in FIGURE 1, portions thereof being broken away.
  • FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the device on the line 3-3 of FIGURE 1.
  • FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view opposite to that of FIGURE 3 on the line 44 of FIGURE 1 with the drive rollers shown in driving engagement with the flange of a window mullion, the flange being shown in section.
  • FIGURE 5 is a view on the line 55 of FIGURE 4.
  • FIGURE 6 is a sectional view on the line 6-6 of FIGURE 2.
  • FIGURE 7 is a sectional view on the line 77 of FIG- URE 4, portions of which are broken away and showing in particular the driving mechanism for the unit.
  • FIGURE 8 is a sectional view on the line 8-8 of 3,425,082 Patented Feb. 4, 1969 FIGURE 4, portions of which are broken away and showing in particular the driving mechanism for the unit.
  • FIGURE 9 is a sectional view on the line 99 of FIGURE 2.
  • FIGURE 10 is an enlarged view of two pairs of opposed drive rollers shown in engagement with the flanges of opposed rnullions, offset slightly on the flanges of the mullions.
  • FIGURE 11 is a view on the line 1111 of FIGURE 2.
  • FIGURE 12 is a sectional view on the line 1212 of FIGURE 2.
  • FIGURE 13 is a sectional view on the line 13-13 of FIGURE 2.
  • FIGURE 14 is a sectional view on the line 1414 of FIGURE 2.
  • FIGURE 15 is a sectional view on the line 15-15 of FIGURE 2.
  • FIGURE 16 is a sectional view on the line 1616 of FIGURE 4.
  • FIGURE 17 is a perspective view of a guide bolt removed from a drive roller unit.
  • FIGURE 18 is a vertical section on the line 1818 of FIGURE 13.
  • FIGURE 19 is a fragmentary front elevational view detail of one of the pivotal squeegee elements of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 20 is a schematic diagram of the circuitry for operation of the device.
  • the device A includes the first side support plate 30 and a second side support plate 32 spaced from the first plate 30.
  • the plates 30 and 32 are secured in spaced relation by the right angle transverse bar 34 and the housing element 36 hereinafter described.
  • the second side support plate 32 is formed with the thickened portion 38 acting as a gear mount, particularly FIGURES 3, 7, 8, 9 and 11.
  • the portion 38 is formed with the vertical elongated recess 40, and mounted on the portion 38 is a plurality of spaced gear elements including the gear 42 keyed to the upper shaft 44, the shaft 44 being rotatably mounted in the bearing 46 mounted in the cover plate 48, particularly FIGURES 3, 4, 7 and 11.
  • the gear 42 meshes with the idler gear 50 mounted for rotation on the shaft 52 carried by plate 48 and portion 38 by means of the bearings 54.
  • the idler gear 50 meshes with the gear 56 keyed to the shaft 58 mounted for rotation in the bearings 60 and 62 mounted in the plate 48 and thickened portion 38, respectively.
  • the gear 56 in turn meshes with the gear 64 keyed to the shaft 66 mounted for rotation on the bearings 68 and 70 mounted in the cover plate 48 and thickened portion 38, respectively.
  • the gear 64 meshes with the gear 72 keyed to the shaft 74 for rotation on the bearings 76 and 78 carried by the cover element 48 and the thickened portion 38, respectively.
  • the gear 72 meshes with the idler gear 80 mounted for rotation on the shaft 82 carried by cover plate 48 and portion 38 by means of bearings 84.
  • the idler gear 80 meshes with the gear 86 keyed to the lower shaft 88 mounted for rotation in the bearing 90.
  • the thickened portion 100 substantially identical to the thickened portion 38 and formed on the first side support plate 30.
  • the thickened portion 100 is formed with the vertically elongated recess 102, and mounted on the thickened portion 100 in the recess 102 thereof is a plurality of spaced gear elements including the gear 104 keyed to the opposite end of the shaft 44, the shaft 44 being rotatably mounted in the bearing 106 mounted in the cover plate 108.
  • the gear 104 meshes with the idler gear 110 mounted for rotation on the shaft 3 112 carried by the thickened portion and the plate 108 by means of the bearings 114.
  • the gear 110 meshes with the gear 116 keyed to the shaft 118 for rotation in bearings 120 and 122 carried by the thickened portion 100 and the plate 108, respectively.
  • the gear 116 meshes with the gear 124 keyed to the shaft 126 mounted for rotation in the bearings 128 and 130 carried by the thickened portion 100 and the plate 108, respectively.
  • gear 132 which meshes wit-h the gear 124 and is keyed to the shaft 134 mounted for rotation in the bearings 136 and 138 mounted in the thickened portion 100 and cover plate 108, respectively.
  • the gear 132 meshes with the idler gear 140 mounted for rotation on the shaft 142 carried by the thickened portion 100 and plate 108 by means of the bearings 144.
  • the gear 140 meshes with the gear 146 keyed to the opposite end of the shaft 88, the shaft mounted for rotation in the bearing 148 carried by the cover plate 108.
  • Fixedly keyed to the outer ends of the shafts 44, 118, 134 and 88 are the drive rollers 150, 152, 154 and 156, respectively.
  • the numeral 158 designates a first vertically disposed adjustable movable elongated gear carriage, FIGURES 1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 15 and 16 in particular, which has formed therein the elongated recess 160, and rigidly mounted on the gear carriage 158 is the cover plate 162.
  • the carriage 158 is mounted for adjustment relative to the thickened portion 38 by means of the upper and lower holes 164 and 166 extending transversely therethrough and in which are mounted the upper and lower threaded bolts 168 and 170, respectively, representatively shown in FIGURE 17.
  • the inner ends of the bolts 168 and 170 are secured in the thickened portion 38 by means of pins 172 hereinafter described in detail and identical to the construction found in FIGURE 16.
  • the support plate 32 is recessed as at 174, FIGURES 1, 3, 8, 9, to receive and allow movement of the carriage 158 relative to the thickened portion 38.
  • the upper bolt 168 is provided with the indexed nut 176, and the upper bolt 170 is provided with the indexed nut 178.
  • Each of the bolts 168 and 170 is formed with a notch 180, the purpose of which will be hereinafter set forth.
  • gear 182 keyed to the shaft 184 mounted for rotation in the bearings 186 and 188 carried by the cover plate 162 and the carriage 158, respectively.
  • Gear 182 meshes with the idler gear 190 mounted for rotation on the shaft 192 by means of the bearings 194, the shaft 192 carried by the cover plate 162 and carriage 158.
  • the idler gear 190 meshes with the gear 196 keyed to the shaft 198 mounted for rotation in the bearings 200 and 202 carried by the plate 162 and the carriage 158.
  • the gear 196 meshes with the gear 204 keyed to the stub drive shaft 206 mounted for rotation in the side support 32 by means of the bearing 208.
  • the gear 204 meshes with the gear 210 keyed to the shaft 212 mounted for rotation by means of bearings 214 and 216 carried by the cover plate 162 and carriage 158.
  • the gear 210 meshes with the idler gear 218 mounted for rotation on the shaft 220 carried by the cover plate 162 and carriage 158 by means of the bearings 222.
  • the idler gear 218 meshes with the gear 224 keyed to the shaft 226 mounted for rotation by means of bearings 228 and 230 carried by the cover plate 162 and the carriage 158, respectively.
  • Fixedly keyed to the outer ends of the shafts 184, 198, 212 and 226 are the drive rollers 232, 234, 236 and 238, respectively.
  • the second vertically disposed adjustable movable elongated gear carriage 240 FIG- .URES l, 4, 5, 8 and 9 in particular, which has formed therein the elongated recess 242, and rigidly mounted on the gear carriage 240 in overlying relation to the recess is the cover plate 244.
  • the second carriage 240 is mounted for adjustment relative to the thickened portion 100 by means of the upper and lower holes 246 and 248, respectively, extending transversely therethrough and in which are mounted the upper and lower threaded bolts 250 and 252, respectively, representatively shown in FIGURE 17.
  • the inner ends of the bolts 250 and 252 are secured in the thickened portion 100 by means of pins 172 identical to the construction shown in FIGURE 16.
  • the support plate 30 is recessed as at 254, FIGURES l, 4, 8, 9, 15 and 16, to receive and allow movement of the carriage 240 relative to the thickened portion 100, FIGURES 15, 16.
  • the upper bolt 250 is provided with the indexed nut 256, and the lower bolt 252 is provided with the indexed nut 258.
  • Each of the bolts 250 and 252 is formed with a notch 180, identical to that found in bolts 168 and 170, the purpose of which will be hereinafter set forth, and as shown by bolt 168 in particular in FIGURE 17.
  • gear 260 keyed to the shaft 262 mounted for rotation in the bearings 264 and 266 carried by the cover plate 244 and the carriage 240, respectively.
  • the gear 260 meshes with the idler gear 268 rotatably mounted on the shaft 270 carried by the cover plate 244 and carriage 240 by means of the bearings 272.
  • the gear 268 meshes with the gear 274 keyed to the shaft 276 mounted for rotation in the bearings 278 and 280 carried by the cover plate 244 and the carriage 240, respectively.
  • the gear 274 meshes with the gear 282 which is keyed to the outer end of the drive shaft 284.
  • the gear 282 meshes with the gear 286 keyed to the shaft 288 mounted for rotation in the bearings 290 and 292 carried by the cover plate 244 and the carriage 240.
  • the gear 286 meshes with the idler gear 294 rotatably mounted on the shaft 296 carried by the cover plate 244 and the carriage 240 by means of the bearings 298.
  • the gear 294 meshes with the gear 300 keyed to the shaft 302 mounted for rotation in the bearings 304 and 306 carried by the cover plate 244 and carriage 240.
  • the drive rollers 308, 310, 312 and 314, respectively which coact with the fixed rollers 150, 152, 154 and 156, respectively to form a first roller drive unit B associated with the first support 30.
  • the drive rollers 232, 234, 236 and 238 of the carriage 158 coact with the fixed drive rollers 192, 194, 196 and 198, respectively, to form a second roller drive unit C associated with the second support 32.
  • the numeral 316 designates a transmission mounted at one side in the opening 318 of the side support 30 and by means of a plurality of bolts 320. Extending into the transmission 316 is the power output shaft 322, FIGURES 8 and 9, of the electric motor 323. Keyed to the shaft 322 is the worm gear 324 which engages the gear 326 keyed to the shaft 284 to thereby drive the same.
  • the drive shaft 284 is connected to the first coupling sleeve 328 which is connected to one end the common shaft 330 of the conventional dual pumps 332 and 334. Connected to the other end of the shaft 330 is the second coupling sleeve 336 which is connected to the shaft 206 for driving the rollers of movable carriage 158, FIGURE 9 in particular.
  • gear 338 is keyed to the shaft 284 and meshes with the gear 340 of the transmission, the gear 340 fixedly keyed to the inner end of the shaft 126 thereby driving central gear 124 in counter rotation to shaft 284 and 206.
  • Gear 124 drives the gears associated therewith previously described.
  • the shafts 44 and 88 are rotated which rotate gears 42 and 86, respectively, which rotate the gears meshing therewith in the recess 40.
  • the upper shaft 44 extends transversely of the unit between the support walls 30 and 32 connecting the gears 42 and 104 and the lower shaft 88 similarly connects the gears 86 and 146.
  • the side supports 30 and 32 are held in rigid spaced relation by the outer wall portion 344, the top wall portion 346, and the bottom Wall portion 348 of the housing element 36, said outer wall, top and bottom walls being secured to the end supports 30 and 32 by means of rivets or the like to complete the housing which leaves substantially the entire inner face of the unit A open for placement adjacent a Window.
  • first liquid reservoir 350 extending transversely between the side supports 30 and 32 together with a similar second liquid reservoir 352.
  • shroud 354 which extends transversely between the side supports 30 and 32 to define a chamber 356 communicating with the first reservoir 350.
  • the cylindrical brush 358 mounted on the shaft 88 is the cylindrical brush 358 having a diameter to extend outwardly of the open inner face of the device A for pressure engagement with the adjacent surface of the window W as hereinafter more fully described.
  • the position of the shroud 354 and the shaft 88 places the brush 358 in the upper portion of the chamber 356.
  • the position of the shaft 88 determines the radius of the brush 358.
  • the numeral 360 designates a lower liquid supply outlet pipe which extends transversely of the device between the supports 30 and 32 immediately below the brush, the pipe 360 being mounted on the brackets 362 and 364 at the ends thereof connected to the end supports 30 and 32, respectively.
  • the pipe 360 has formed therein a plurality of spaced outlet holes 366 providing a first supply of liquid each of which is directed angularly upwardly whereby liquid from the pipe 360 strikes the window W at a point directly below the point of contact of the brush 358 with the window.
  • the pump 332 is connected to the outlet pipe 360 by means of the hose 368.
  • the pump 332 is secured to the outer portion 344 of the housing element 36 by means of the bracket 370.
  • the pump 332 receives a supply of fluid from the first reservoir 350 by means of the hose 372 connected to the pump and extending into the-reservoir.
  • the numeral 374 designates an upper liquid supply outlet pipe which extends transversely of the device between the side support 32 and the housing of the trans mission 316 secured at opposite ends by brackets 376 and 378.
  • a plurality of spray heads 380 which communicate with the interior of the pipe and adapted to spray a second supply of cleaning fluid in the form of a fine mist outwardly and upon a window W or surface adjacent the device A.
  • the pump 334 is connected to the pipe 374 by means of the hose 382.
  • the pump 334 is secured to the outer portion 344 of the housing element 36 by means of the bracket 384.
  • the pump 334 receives a supply of fluid from the second reservoir 352 by means of the hose 386 connected to the pump and extending into the reservoir 352. It will be seen that the shroud 354 also forms a second chamber 388 in which the pumps, upper supply pipe 374 and transmission are located together with other elements which follow.
  • the final liquid pick-up roller 390 which is formed of a sponge-like porous liquid absorbing material and mounted for rotation on the shaft 392 by means of sleeve 393 and the axially spaced bearings 395.
  • the shaft 392 is secured at one end to the bracket 394 pivotally connected at its upper end to the support 30 by means of the bolt 396, particularl FIGURE 6.
  • the bracket 394 is connected to the shaft 392 by means of the nut-equipped threaded pin 398 which is connected to the bracket 394 and extends through a transverse hole in the shaft 392 the details of which are shown in the identical companion bracket 400 illustrated in FIGURES 13 and 14.
  • the bracket 400 is pivotally connected at its upper end to the support 32 by means of the bolt 402, particularly FIGURES 13 and 14, and the bracket 400 is connected to the shaft 392 by means of the nut-equipped threaded pin 404 which is connected to the bracket 400 and extends through a transverse hole in the shaft 392.
  • the numeral 406 designates a fixed stop for bracket 394 secured to the side support 30 inwardly of the bracket
  • the numeral 408 designates a movable stop mounted on the side support 30 outwardly of the bracket 394.
  • the movable pin 408 is a conventional spring urged pin, FIG- URE 18, extending through the wall 30 for temporary removal from the path of the bracket 394 for the purpose hereinafter explained.
  • the pin 412 is identical to pin 408 and is shown in detail in FIGURE 18 and extends through the wall 32 for temporary removal from the path of the bracket 400 for the purpose hereinafter explained.
  • the pins 406 and 410 are in horizontal and vertical alignment as are the pins 408 and 412.
  • the compression drive roller 414 which is a companion roller -for and in pressure engagement with the pick-up roller 390 when the brackets 396 and 400 are in engagement with the respective stops 408 and 412, FIGURES 6, 13 and '14.
  • a wiper blade 416 is provided for engagement with the roller 414 at a point on its lower curvature to remove liquid from the drive roller 414 and cause it to drop therefrom into the reservoir 352.
  • the wiper blade 416 is supported by a bracket 418 extending between and secured to side supports 30 and 32.
  • the double lipped flexible transverse stop 420 mounted on the right angular transverse brace 34, FIGURES 2, 6 and 14.
  • the stop 420 catches cleaning liquid emanating from the lower supply pipe 360 and directs the same to the reservoir 350.
  • the stop 420 maintains contact with the window W during operation of the device A.
  • the lower transverse flexible squeegee 422 secured to the end of the shroud 354 adjacent the open front of the device A and extending between the side supports 30 and 32 and positioned so as engage the glass W when the device is in operative position.
  • An intermediate transverse squeegee 424 is provided which extends between the side supports 30 and 32.
  • the squeegee 424 is mounted in an elongated base 426 connected to end brackets 428 and 430, the brackets 428 and 430 being pivotally connected to the side supports 30 and 32, respectively.
  • Connected to the underside of the squeegee base 426 in spaced relation thereto is the transverse deflecting splash plate 432, the spaces 434 allowing liquid to pass from the squeegee 424 onto the plate 433 thence to the reservoir 352, see FIGURES 14, 19 an 6.
  • An upper and final squeegee 436 is provided which is identical to squeegee 424 in parts thereof and parts supporting the same, and the same includes the deflecting splash plate 438 identical to plate 432.
  • the portions of squeegee 436 and the support therefor identical to those of squeegee 424 have the same reference numeral but accompanied with a prime mark, thus The squeegee 436 operates in the same manner as squeegee 424.
  • first flexible vertically elongated splash skirt 440 secured by pins 441 in the vertically elongated slot 442 formed in an elongated boss 444 formed on the thickened portion 38 of side support 32 at one side of the open inner end of device A, FIGURES 2, 5, 9 and 12 in particular.
  • second flexible vertically elongated splash skirt 446 secured by pins 447 in the vertically elongated slot 448 formed in the elongated boss 450 on the thickened portion of the side support 30, FIGURES 2, 5, 9 and 15, the skirt 446 being identical to skirt 440 and shown in detail in FIGURE 12.
  • the skirts 440 and 446 extend substantially the length of the device A and cooperate with the transverse stop 420 and the upper squeegee 436 to form a peripheral barrier to collect and contain liquid cleaning fluid within the device.
  • the skirts 440 and 446 are laminated and identical, each including a central rubber core 452, a Teflon outer element 454 for contact with one of the flanges 456 mounting the glass W together with the brass back up member 458 divided into fingers 460, see FIGURES 12 and 13 in particular. Also provided as part of the skirt 440 is the stainless steel support portion 462.
  • the width of the back up member 458 and the support portion 462 is less than the width of the rubber core 452 and Teflon outer element 454 so that the same do not engage the flanges 456.
  • the portions 458 and 462 are arcuate in transverse cross-section so as to maintain the portions 452 and 454 of the skirt turned inwardly of the device.
  • Each of the drive rollers of the roller drive units B and C includes a hub portion 464 formed with the teeth 466 and the circumferential groove 468, FIGURES 4, 7 and 8.
  • Each drive roller also includes the tire portion 470 which is formed with the annular rib 472 which engages in the groove 468 to prevent axial displacement.
  • the tire portion 470 is also formed with cooperating teeth 474 which mesh with the teeth 466 of the hub 464 to prevent relative rotary displacement.
  • the outer circumferential surface 476 of the drive roller is angularly disposed approximately 3 to the axis of the hub 464 tapering inwardly toward the respective side supports 30 and 32, FIGURES 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15 and 16, the purpose of the taper being hereinafter set forth.
  • the letters M and MM represent opposed spaced mullions of building structure between which the window W is mounted.
  • the mullion M is formed with the longitudinally extending flange F
  • the opposed mullion MM is formed with the longitudinally extending flange FF.
  • the flanges F and FF provide a track means for driving the washer device A and are incorporated in the building structure.
  • the flanges F and FF and the mullions M and MM thereof together with operations thereof are identical, only flange F and rnullion M and its operation will be described, particularly FIGURES 9 and 10.
  • the flange F extends normal to the flat surface 478 of rnullion M, and the longitudinally extending side surfaces 480 and 482 diverge outwardly from the point of connection with the rnullion, an angle of 3 divergence being found to be satisfactory, said angle being identical to the angle formed by the surface 476 of each drive wheel of the units B and C.
  • FIGURE 9 shows the normal engagement of the drive rollers with the flanges F and FF, the device A caused to be generally centered as of mullions M and MM due to the engagement of the angular surfaces of the drive wheels of the units B and C upon the angular side surfaces 480 and 482 of the respective flanges.
  • the rolling radius of each drive wheel in unit B increases or expands due to the resiliency of the tires 470 and the assumed position of the tires 470 of the flange F at a point where the flange has less transverse dimension, shown by position indicated as X in broken lines to the position shown as Y in full lines, particularly FIGURE 10.
  • the bolts 168, 170, 250 and 252 bypass the flanges of the mullions due to the notch of each of the bolts and as representative of such action see FIGURE 16 in particular.
  • the unit A centers itself due to the wedging action of the tires 470 upon the flanges F and FF tapered in opposite directions.
  • an upper limit switch 500 mounted on the upper end of the side support 30 which engages an upper stop element 502 mounted on and extending from the rnullion M, the stop 502 being shown in broken lines only for illustrative purposes, the same being normally positioned at the top of the rnullion course.
  • the stop 506 is pivoted out of the way of the device A when the device is fully lowered for removal from the flanges F and FF, said flanges terminating at points P and PP to permit such removal and insertion of the device, FIGURE 1 in particular.
  • gears 206 and 284 are rotated by gears 324 and 326 of the transmission, and gear 282 mounted on the outward end of shaft 284 rotates gears 274, 286, 268, 294, 260 and 300 of gear carriage 240.
  • Gear 204 mounted on the outer end of shaft 206 rotates gears 196, 210, 190, 218, 182 and 224 of gear carriage 158.
  • Gear 338 on shaft 284 meshes with gear 340 on shaft 126 thereby rotating shaft 126 and the gear 124 mounted on the outer end of shaft 126 rotates gears 116, 132, 110, 140, 104 and 146 of the thickened portion 100.
  • gear 104 being secured to transverse shaft 44 on one end rotates the shaft 44 and the gear 42 mounted on the opposite end of shaft 44 is thereby rotated.
  • gear 42 rotates gear 50 and gear 50 rotates gear 56 which rotates gear 64 which in turn rotates gear 72 which rotates gear 80 which rotates gear 86 mounted on driven transverse shaft 88.
  • shafts 44 and 88 carry driving power from the upper and lower gears, respectively, of thickened portion 100 over to the upper and lower gears of thickened portion 38, respectively.
  • the device A In using the device A to clean the windows and wall sections between the mullions M and MM of a building structure, the device A is placed between the mullions M and MM and moved upwardly until the rollers of the drive units B and C engage the flanges F and FF thereof. With the drive rollers in the position of FIGURE 1, upon the flanges F and FF, the drive rollers of the units B and C are brought into compressive engagement with the flanges by means of the indexed adjustment nuts 176 and 178 for the unit C and nuts 256 and 258 for the unit B.
  • the motor 323 is started by closing switch 508, FIG- URE 20, thereby rotating the drive rollers of each of the units B and C in the directions indicated in FIG- URES 3 and 4 which causes the device A to move upwardly on the flanges F and FF, Also, the brush 358 is rotated in the direction of the arrow of FIGURE 6 as the device moves upwardly which brush removes and loosens dirt from the window W and/or wall of the building.
  • the shaft 44 and pressure roller 414 thereon rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIGURE 6 and operates to move the liquid pickup roller 390 from engagement with the glass W by forcing the brackets 394 and 400 to pivot about the pivot connections 396 and 482, respectively, into contact with the respective stop elements 406 and 410, particularly FIGURES 6 and 14.
  • the squeegee elements 424 and 436 pivot to cause the squeegees to scrape or ride on the uppermost corner edge and not the lower corner edge which is the effective working edge as a squeegee when the device travels downwardly.
  • the brush 358 is working.
  • the upper limit switch 500 engages the stop 502 Which reverses the rotation of the motor 323 thereby reversing the direction of rotation of the drive rollers of the units B and C.
  • the device A is driven downwardly on the flanges F and FF at which time the wet cleaning is effected.
  • the direction of the rotation of the shaft 330 is also reversed to cause rotation of the pumps 332 and 334 in a direction to cause a pumping action so as to pump liquid by means of pump 334 from reservoir 352 to outlet pipe 374 and be sprayed in a mist to the window W.
  • Pump 332 simultaneously pumps liquid from reservoir 350 to lower outlet pipe 360 and out holes 366 thereof and onto window W.
  • the brush 358 utilizes liquid sprayed from pipe 360 via holes 366 to wet-scrub the window W or wall portion as the device travels downwardly. Stop 420 acts to return the water used to reservoir 350, and squeegee 422 cleans the washed surface.
  • the shroud 354 tends to keep any water in movement within the device directed to reservoir 350.
  • the spray heads 380 deposit a fine mist of water on the window W or wall surface for further cleaning of foreign material from the surface to be cleaned.
  • Squeegee 424 has returned to the position of FIGURE 6 as a result of the downward travel of the device A, and the squeegee 424 acts to remove the liquid sprayed from the heads 380 on the glass W or other surface and return same toward reservoir 352 off the plate 432.
  • the squeegee 436 As a final cleaning action the squeegee 436, as a result of the downward movement of the device A, like squeegee 424 is returned to the full line position of FIGURES 6 and 14 and serves to remove any cleaning fluid on W which may be left by roller 390 such liquid collected collects on and rolls off plate 438 from which it is returned to reservoir 352.
  • the limit switch 504 contacts the lower stop 506 and the motor is deenergized thereby stopping the drive rollers of the units B and C.
  • the device may then be removed from the mullions by lowering the device A below the limits P and PP of the flanges F and FF. The device may then be moved to a further pair of mullions and the cleaning procedure repeated.
  • a device for cleaning the outer window and wall surfaces of a building structure comprising:
  • said support means includes first and second spaced side support members,
  • said liquid cleaning supply means includes a reservoir
  • said fluid directing means includes a plurality of outlet nozzles adapted to direct fluid upon the window and wall surfaces of a building over which the device is moved.
  • said plurality of nozzles is divided into upper and lower nozzles extending transversely of the device.
  • said brush means includes a brush having a cylindrical formation and mounted for rotation on shaft means on said support means.
  • said brush actuating means includes drive means connected to said brush shaft and associated with (b) a motor carried by said support means.
  • said liquid-collecting means includes means for causing said liquid-absorbing roller to be inoperative during one direction of travel of said device and in operative contact with the window and wall surfaces of a building in the opposite direction of travel.
  • said liquid-collecting means includes a liquid-absorbing roller rotatably mounted on said support means for rolling contact with a building window or wall, and
  • said first and second drive roller actuating means includes cooperating gear and shaft means associated therewith, and
  • said liquid-collecting means also includes squeegee means carried by said support means adapted to contact the windows and wall surface of a building and remove cleaning liquid therefrom.
  • said liquid-collecting means further includes means for directing liquid collected by said squeegee means from said squeegee means to said liquid supply means.
  • said liquid-collecting means further includes a companion roller in pressure engagement with said liquidabsorbing roller for driving the same and squeezing liquid from said liquid-absorbing roller.
  • said drive roller actuating means further includes means for reversing the same when the device assumes the desired limit of travel on a building in one direction.
  • said liquid-collecting means further includes a first splash skirt mounted on one side of said Support means, and
  • said liquid cleaning supply means includes areservoir, and
  • said fluid directing means includes a plurality of outlet nozzles.
  • said brush means includes a brush having a cylindrical formation and mounted on shaft means on said support means for rotation.
  • said brush actuating means includes drive means connected to said brush and associated with (b) a motor carried by said support means.
  • said liquid-collecting means includes a liquid-absorbing roller rotatably mounted on said support means for rolling contact with a building window or wall.
  • said liquid-collecting means also includes squeegee means carried by said support means adapted to contact the window and wall surfaces of a building and remove liquid therefrom.
  • said liquid-collecting means further includes means for directing liquid collected by said squeegee means from said squeegee means to said liquid supply means.
  • said liquid-collecting means further includes a companion roller in pressure engagement with said liquidabsorbing roller for driving the same and squeezing liquid from said liquid-absorbing roller.
  • said first and second drive roller actuating means includes cooperating gear and shaft means associated therewith, and
  • said first and second drive roller actuating means includes cooperating gear and shaft means associated therewith,
  • said drive roller actuating means further including means for reversing the same when the device assumes the desired limit of travel on a building.
  • the device of claim 1 further characterized by:
  • said first opposed spaced drive rollers include means for relatively adjusting the same for regulated pressure engagement with a first vertical extension of a building therebetween, and
  • said second opposed spaced drive rollers include means for separating and relatively adjusting the same for regulated pressure engagement with a second vertical extension of a building therebetween.
  • said support means includes a housing element.
  • a device for cleaning the window and wall surfaces of a building structure comprising:
  • a device for cleaning the window and wall surfaces of a building structure comprising:
  • a device for cleaning the window and wall su: faces of a building structure comprising:

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  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Movable Scaffolding (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Organic Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds And Preparation Thereof (AREA)
US553351A 1966-05-27 1966-05-27 Self-propelled device for cleaning the window and wall surfaces of a building structure Expired - Lifetime US3425082A (en)

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US (1) US3425082A (xx)
JP (1) JPS5016098B1 (xx)
BE (1) BE699070A (xx)
DE (1) DE1684272B1 (xx)
GB (1) GB1154983A (xx)
LU (1) LU53730A1 (xx)
NL (1) NL151625B (xx)
NO (1) NO125911B (xx)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS4916262A (xx) * 1972-06-05 1974-02-13
JPS4948974U (xx) * 1972-08-05 1974-04-30
US4257138A (en) * 1979-07-23 1981-03-24 Nicholas Clements Automatic device for washing windows
US4797969A (en) * 1987-01-09 1989-01-17 Caduff Edward A Building exterior cleaning apparatus
US4809384A (en) * 1987-02-24 1989-03-07 Nihon Biso Kabushiki Kaisha Horizontally moving automatic outer surface cleaning
WO2002019885A2 (en) * 2000-09-07 2002-03-14 Tennant Company Side skirt for a surface treating apparatus
WO2014187499A1 (de) * 2013-05-23 2014-11-27 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Bodenreinigungsvorrichtung, insbesondere selbstfahrendes und selbstlenkendes bodenreinigungsgerät
CN108678406A (zh) * 2018-07-26 2018-10-19 江苏广源幕墙工程有限公司 一种便携式幕墙清洁装置
US10111563B2 (en) 2013-01-18 2018-10-30 Sunpower Corporation Mechanism for cleaning solar collector surfaces
CN115365203A (zh) * 2021-12-30 2022-11-22 铜仁职业技术学院 一种生态渔业信息化电子展示器
CN116116766A (zh) * 2022-12-29 2023-05-16 浙江华东测绘与工程安全技术有限公司 一种坝体表面污损附着物清除机器人

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2607097C2 (de) * 1976-02-21 1984-09-13 Wolfgang 4224 Hünxe Maasberg Vorrichtung zum Reinigen von Oberflächen, insbesondere Metalloberflächen, Oberflächen von Baukörpern o.dgl.
DE2827363C2 (de) * 1978-06-22 1984-09-13 Metasco Chemisch-Technische Produkte GmbH, 6200 Wiesbaden Vorrichtung zum Reinigen von anodisch oxidierten Aluminiumfassaden
DE10317479B4 (de) * 2003-04-16 2005-07-07 Institut für Luft- und Kältetechnik gGmbH Abreinigungsanlage für Photovoltaik-Generatoren und Sonnenkollektoren
CN105193341A (zh) * 2015-10-09 2015-12-30 深圳市宝乐机器人技术有限公司 一种带水箱自清洁功能的擦窗机器人
CN112471984B (zh) * 2020-11-23 2021-11-16 佛山市南海区德弗尼卫浴有限公司 一种淋浴房隔间的清洗消毒装置

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1383018A (en) * 1919-10-17 1921-06-28 John J Peterson Window-cleaning device
US2693609A (en) * 1949-10-24 1954-11-09 Briceno Manuel Window washing apparatus
US3080592A (en) * 1961-01-23 1963-03-12 Hassage Charles Automatic window washer
FR1350632A (fr) * 1962-07-12 1964-01-31 Montalta Corproation Appareil et procédé pour le nettoyage et l'application d'enduits
US3163943A (en) * 1962-08-17 1965-01-05 John W Bell Mechanical blackboard eraser
US3298052A (en) * 1965-03-05 1967-01-17 Max G Wolfe Automatic window washer and dryer for modern skyscrapers
US3344454A (en) * 1966-02-18 1967-10-03 Mikalson Severine Albert Remote controlled window washer for high rise buildings

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DD39566A (xx) *

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1383018A (en) * 1919-10-17 1921-06-28 John J Peterson Window-cleaning device
US2693609A (en) * 1949-10-24 1954-11-09 Briceno Manuel Window washing apparatus
US3080592A (en) * 1961-01-23 1963-03-12 Hassage Charles Automatic window washer
FR1350632A (fr) * 1962-07-12 1964-01-31 Montalta Corproation Appareil et procédé pour le nettoyage et l'application d'enduits
US3163943A (en) * 1962-08-17 1965-01-05 John W Bell Mechanical blackboard eraser
US3298052A (en) * 1965-03-05 1967-01-17 Max G Wolfe Automatic window washer and dryer for modern skyscrapers
US3344454A (en) * 1966-02-18 1967-10-03 Mikalson Severine Albert Remote controlled window washer for high rise buildings

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS4916262A (xx) * 1972-06-05 1974-02-13
JPS4948974U (xx) * 1972-08-05 1974-04-30
US4257138A (en) * 1979-07-23 1981-03-24 Nicholas Clements Automatic device for washing windows
US4797969A (en) * 1987-01-09 1989-01-17 Caduff Edward A Building exterior cleaning apparatus
US4809384A (en) * 1987-02-24 1989-03-07 Nihon Biso Kabushiki Kaisha Horizontally moving automatic outer surface cleaning
WO2002019885A3 (en) * 2000-09-07 2002-06-13 Tennant Co Side skirt for a surface treating apparatus
WO2002019885A2 (en) * 2000-09-07 2002-03-14 Tennant Company Side skirt for a surface treating apparatus
US6507968B1 (en) 2000-09-07 2003-01-21 Tennant Company Side skirt for a surface treating apparatus
US10111563B2 (en) 2013-01-18 2018-10-30 Sunpower Corporation Mechanism for cleaning solar collector surfaces
WO2014187499A1 (de) * 2013-05-23 2014-11-27 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Bodenreinigungsvorrichtung, insbesondere selbstfahrendes und selbstlenkendes bodenreinigungsgerät
CN108678406A (zh) * 2018-07-26 2018-10-19 江苏广源幕墙工程有限公司 一种便携式幕墙清洁装置
CN115365203A (zh) * 2021-12-30 2022-11-22 铜仁职业技术学院 一种生态渔业信息化电子展示器
CN116116766A (zh) * 2022-12-29 2023-05-16 浙江华东测绘与工程安全技术有限公司 一种坝体表面污损附着物清除机器人

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL6706545A (xx) 1967-11-28
NL151625B (nl) 1976-12-15
GB1154983A (en) 1969-06-11
LU53730A1 (xx) 1967-07-24
NO125911B (xx) 1972-11-27
BE699070A (xx) 1967-11-27
JPS5016098B1 (xx) 1975-06-10
DE1684272B1 (de) 1970-03-19

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