Cleaning method for brushes

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device for brushes, which cleaning device has a rotatable nozzle assembly (6) having a plurality of nozzles (8) and has a plurality of brush holders (10). Brushes can be held in the brush holders (10) in such a way that the nozzles (8) extend into the trim of the brushes during the operation of the cleaning device. Good cleaning effect is thus achieved.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a cleaning device for brushes according to the preamble of claim 1. background

[0002] Proper cleaning of brushes after use is of great importance in practice. To achieve good results, the brush's bristles or hairs must be freed from residue. This is usually done manually with a cleaning fluid, such as water (possibly with dish soap or detergent) or solvent.

[0003] There are also devices that hold the brush in a cleaning position in which its bristles are immersed in a cleaning bath or sprayed by means of one or more nozzles.

[0004] US 6355114 describes a device for cleaning paint guns, which in the broadest sense could also be used to clean certain brushes.

[0005] KR 1020100040157 describes a cleaning device for brushes. The brushes are held by a brush holder in such a way that their bristles come into contact with a moving brush. Description of the invention

[0006] The task is to provide a method for operating a cleaning device for brushes, with which a good cleaning effect is achieved.

[0007] This problem is solved by the method according to claim 1.

[0008] Accordingly, the cleaning device has at least the following components: At least one brush holder for positioning the bristles of a brush within a cleaning area: The brush holder holds the bristles in the cleaning area. At least one nozzle for applying cleaning fluid to the bristles within the cleaning area: The nozzle is positioned so that it can apply cleaning fluid to the bristles while they are in the cleaning position. A cleaning fluid supply for delivering cleaning fluid to the nozzle. This device supplies the nozzle with cleaning fluid. A movement device for moving the nozzle relative to the brush through the cleaning area and thus the bristles: A device is provided for guiding the nozzle through the bristles. The bristles, the nozzle, or both can be moved.

[0009] According to the procedure for operating the cleaning device, the nozzle is guided through the bristles relative to the brush.

[0010] By guiding the nozzle through the bristles, the bristles are thoroughly cleaned. In particular, the nozzle and / or the cleaning fluid cause the hair or bristles of the bristles to move vigorously, allowing the cleaning fluid to penetrate deep into the bristles and flush away residues.

[0011] According to the invention, the movement device moves the nozzle. In this case, the brush can remain in a fixed position during cleaning.

[0012] The movement device can thus include a rotatable nozzle holder and a drive for rotating the nozzle holder around a rotational axis. The at least one nozzle is arranged on the nozzle holder.

[0013] Furthermore, the device advantageously features a jet control tube arranged in the rotatable nozzle holder, which has at least one opening. This opening is positioned so that the nozzle communicates with the interior of the jet control tube only during a portion of its rotation. Additionally, the cleaning fluid supply delivers the cleaning fluid to the interior of the jet control tube. This ensures that cleaning fluid is only supplied to the nozzle when it is within the brush bristles. This allows the cleaning fluid to be applied precisely to the correct location.

[0014] It is advantageous to have multiple nozzles. This allows for increased cleaning performance, and / or enables cleaning of the bristles in several different areas, and / or allows for cleaning multiple brushes simultaneously.

[0015] In this case, at least some of the nozzles can be arranged offset from each other along the axis of rotation, meaning that at least one of the nozzles is positioned at different axial locations. This makes it possible to clean the bristles at several different points and / or to clean several brushes side by side simultaneously.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, at least some of the nozzles can be arranged at different angular positions around the axis of rotation, i.e., at least some of the nozzles point in different directions from the axis of rotation. In this way, these nozzles come into contact with the brush bristles at different times during the rotation of the nozzle holder.

[0017] The brush holder may have a clamp to hold the handle of a brush.

[0018] The device advantageously has multiple brush holders for several brushes, allowing multiple brushes to be cleaned simultaneously. In this case, the brush holders can be arranged offset from each other along the rotation axis of the nozzle holder to interact with nozzles at different points on the holder.

[0019] It is advantageous to expel cleaning fluid through the nozzle while it is guided through the bristles. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] Further embodiments, advantages, and applications of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the following description with reference to the figures. These figures show: Fig. 1 a view of a cleaning device, Fig. 2 a cross-section of the device of Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 a top view of the device after Fig. 1 without a lid Fig. 4 a view of a nozzle arrangement, Fig. 5a top view of the nozzle arrangement of Fig. 4 , Fig. 6 a section along line BB of Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 a section along line CC of Fig. 5 , Fig. 8 a view of a brush holder, and Fig. 9 the brush holder from Fig. 8 from the side. Ways to implement the invention Overview:

[0021] Fig. 1 - 3 show a cleaning device for brushes 1a, 1b, 1c.

[0022] The device has a housing 2 in which a cleaning tray 3 is provided. The cleaning tray 3 is accessible from above via a pivoting lid 4.

[0023] A rotatable nozzle assembly 6 is arranged in the cleaning trough 3, to which a plurality of nozzles 8 are attached. The design of the nozzle assembly 6 is described in more detail below.

[0024] Furthermore, several brush holders 10 are arranged under the lid 4. They serve to hold the brushes 1a, 1b, 1c so that they can be cleaned.

[0025] During operation of the device, the brushes 1a, 12b, 1c are positioned such that their covering 14 (i.e. the hairs or bristles, cf. Fig. 2 ) in an occupation area 15 of the cleaning tub 3, through which the nozzles 8 move.

[0026] As the nozzles 8 move through the bristles 14, they release cleaning fluid, thereby increasing the cleaning effect.

[0027] The cleaning device has a user side 9a and a back side 9b opposite the user side 9a (see below). Fig. 2 , 3 The cover 4 is preferably pivotable upwards about a pivot axis 5 ( Fig. 2), which is located in the area of ​​the rear 9b of the device, so that in the open position it allows access to the interior of the device from the user side 9a. Nozzle arrangement:

[0028] The nozzle arrangement is best made of Fig. 4-7 It has a nozzle holder 16 on which the nozzles 8 are arranged. With a drive which is in Fig. 4 As shown schematically under item 18, the nozzle holder 16 can be rotated about a rotation axis 20.

[0029] The axis of rotation 20 is advantageously horizontal.

[0030] Coaxial to the axis of rotation 20, the nozzle holder 16 has a cylindrical interior in which a jet control tube 22 is arranged, which is in Fig. 4 is partially shown pulled out.

[0031] Via a cleaning fluid supply 24, which is located in Fig. 5As shown schematically, cleaning fluid can be supplied to the interior 26 of the jet control tube 22.

[0032] The cleaning fluid supply 24 can, for example, be designed as a circulation pump, which takes cleaning fluid from the cleaning trough 3 and supplies it to the interior 26 of the jet control tube 22 via a conveying means.

[0033] As from Figs. 4, 6 and 7 As can be seen, several openings 28 arranged in a row are provided on the jet control tube 22. These face the crew chamber 15 and act as valve openings, which release the nozzles 8 when they are aligned towards the crew chamber 16.

[0034] The jet control tube 20 is arranged stationary in the nozzle holder 16, while the nozzle holder radially surrounds the jet control tube 22 and rotates around the jet control tube 22 during operation.

[0035] What next? Fig. 4 - 7As can be seen, the nozzles 8 are distributed axially and tangentially around the nozzle holder 16.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, several nozzles 8 are arranged in the same axial position (i.e., position along the axis of rotation 20), e.g., three. Axially adjacent nozzles 8 are tangentially offset from each other, so that they are activated under different angular positions of the nozzle holder 16. This ensures a more uniform flow of the cleaning fluid.

[0037] The nozzles 8 are provided that are axially offset from each other, i.e., nozzles are provided in different axial positions (i.e., positions along the axis of rotation 20).

[0038] The optimal axial distance between adjacent nozzles depends on the bristle type and the size of the brush. For paintbrushes, a suitable distance is greater than 0.2 cm and / or less than 2 cm.

[0039] How best to Fig. 4 As can be seen, each nozzle 8 has at least one leading edge 30, which is located at the front in the direction of movement of the nozzle, i.e., it is the edge that first enters the stocking. Starting from this leading edge 30, the nozzle widens towards the rear, so that upon entering the stocking it spreads it outwards.

[0040] In the execution according Fig. 4 Each nozzle has two entry edges 30 on opposite sides. This allows the nozzle assembly 6 to be rotated in both directions, e.g., once forward and then back, which can improve the cleaning effect.

[0041] Each nozzle 8 is permeated by a liquid channel 32 ( Fig. 6, 7), which extends, preferably radially, from the jet control tube 22 to the radially outer end of the nozzle 8. When the liquid channel 32 communicates with one of the openings 28 of the jet control tube 22, the nozzle ejects cleaning fluid.

[0042] The nozzle holder 16 and the nozzles 8 attached to it are arranged in the cleaning tray 3 of the cleaning device. Brush holder:

[0043] The cleaning device has one or more brush holders 10 for the brushes. In the version shown, there are three, but it may also have only one brush holder, or two or more than three brush holders.

[0044] Each brush holder 10 is designed to hold at least one brush during the cleaning process.

[0045] In the execution according Figs. 8 and 9The brush holder has a handle lever 38 which is pivotably arranged about a holder axis 40 parallel to the axis of rotation 20, preferably horizontal (see figure). Fig. 1 , 3 and 8 The brush holder 10 can be swivelled by at least 90° to its advantage.

[0046] By pivoting about the pivot axis 40, the brush holder 10 can be moved from a loading position to an operating position. In the version according to Fig. 1 The second brush holder from the left is in the loading position, in which the brush can be easily changed. The remaining 10 brush holders are in the operating position, in which the brush bristles can be cleaned.

[0047] In Fig. 2 A brush holder is shown in position 11a in the loading position, and a second brush holder is located in position 11b in the operating position.

[0048] In the embodiment shown, each brush holder 10 has at least one clamp 42 to clamp the handle of the brush during the cleaning process and thus hold the brush in a stable position ( Fig. 8 ).

[0049] In the Figs. 8 and 9 In the illustrated versions, several clamps 42 are arranged at different angular positions on the handle 38. They serve to hold brushes of different shapes, e.g., to hold straight and angled brushes. The user selects the appropriate clamp 42 depending on the shape of the brush (see illustration). Fig. 9 , in which the recording of two different brushes 1b, 1c is shown.

[0050] As also shown, each terminal 42 advantageously has two clamping jaws 44a, 44b.

[0051] To be able to securely hold as many brushes with different handle shapes as possible, it has proven advantageous to design one clamping jaw (here jaw 44a) concavely, with, for example, a U- or V-shaped recess 46 in which the handle of the brush partially rests. In contrast, the second clamping jaw (here jaw 44b) can be designed flat or convex.

[0052] A clamping jaw is considered to have a "convex" or "concave" shape if it is convex or concave in a section perpendicular to the intended brush handle axis. In a section parallel to the intended brush handle axis, the clamping jaw is advantageously flat (see clamping jaw 44a) or concave (see clamping jaw 44b).

[0053] The two clamping jaws 44a, 44b can be pressed against each other, for example, by means of a spring.

[0054] In the embodiment shown, one of the clamping jaws 44a, 44b, preferably the clamping jaw 44b, is pivotable about a clamping axis 47 and can be separated from the other clamping jaw against the force of the aforementioned spring.

[0055] To accommodate brushes of varying widths, the brush holders 10 are preferably movable along the axis of rotation 20. For example, in Fig. 3 As shown, this creates, for example, ample space for a particularly wide brush.

[0056] The cleaning device should be dimensioned to ensure that the bristles 14 can be penetrated by the nozzles 8 for the types of brushes used.

[0057] For paintbrushes, this can be achieved, for example, if the minimum distance of the clamps 42 from the nozzles 8 (i.e., the distance between the clamps 42 and the nozzles 8 in their uppermost position, i.e., the nozzles 8 in their position closest to the clamps) is in the range of 1 to 12 cm.

[0058] As from Fig. 2 As can be seen, the terminal 42 of a brush holder 10 is located closer to the user side 9a of the device in the loading position 11b than in the operating position 11a. This simplifies clamping and removing the brush. On the other hand, in the operating position, the terminal 42 is located vertically above or inside the cleaning tray 3.

[0059] How to continue Fig. 2 As can be seen, in operating position 11a, the brush is pressed down onto the nozzles 8 by gravity, ensuring good contact between the nozzles 8 and the bristles 14. Cleaning process:

[0060] The cleaning process can be adapted to the specific requirements and may depend, for example, on the type of brush and how dirty it is. In many cases, a process with the following steps is advantageous: Pre-rinse: During the pre-rinse phase, the brush is placed in cleaning tray 3 and filled with water, while the nozzles 8 are guided through the bristles 14. This removes the coarsest dirt. Water change: The water in cleaning tray 3 is changed. Main cleaning: In the main cleaning phase, a cleaning agent, especially a surfactant such as soft soap, is added to the water. The brush is again placed in cleaning tray 3 with this added cleaning water, while the nozzles 8 are guided through the bristles 14. Water change: The water in cleaning tray 3 is changed. Rinse: During the rinse, the brush is again placed in cleaning tray 3 and filled with water, while the nozzles 8 are guided through the bristles 14. In this phase, a brush conditioner, for example, may be added to the water.

[0061] To support the cleaning process, the cleaning device can use one or more ultrasonic transducers 48 ( Fig. 2 ) exhibit, with which the stocking 14 can be cleaned using ultrasound.

[0062] Advantageously, during cleaning, the bristles 14 of the brush are at least temporarily fully immersed in the cleaning fluid, i.e., the fluid level in the cleaning tray 3 is at least temporarily higher than the top edge of the bristles, in order to, for example, subject the entire bristles to ultrasound.

[0063] On the other hand, it is also conceivable to keep the liquid level in the cleaning basin 3 below the crew chamber 15, or even below the nozzle arrangement 6, especially while the nozzles 8 are moved by the crew and discharge cleaning fluid. Remarks:

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzles 8 are driven to rotate. However, a forward and backward movement of the nozzles 8 is also conceivable, e.g., along a straight or curved path.

[0065] Alternatively, the brushes can be moved opposite the nozzles 8 to guide the nozzles 8 through their bristles. Both the nozzles 8 and the brushes can also be moved simultaneously.

[0066] In addition to a rotary movement, the nozzles 8 can perform a relative movement with respect to the brush holders 10 in the direction of the axis of rotation 20, so that, for example, they are not in the same axial position with every revolution. This allows the bristles to be cleaned even more effectively. For this purpose, for example, a Fig. 5A schematically depicted axial drive 50 is provided, with which the nozzle arrangement 6 and thus the nozzles can be moved axially (i.e., in the direction of the rotation axis 20) back and forth. This is a relative movement, i.e., the axial drive 50 can act on the nozzles 8 or on the brush holders 10.

[0067] While preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the present application, it should be clearly pointed out that the invention is not limited to these and can also be carried out in other ways within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for operating a cleaning device for paint brushes, wherein the cleaning device comprises: - at least one nozzle (8) for engaging the bristles of the brush in a cleaning region (15), and - a cleaning fluid supply (24) for supplying cleaning fluid to the nozzle (8), wherein the brush is held by at least one brush holder (10) of the cleaning device in such a way that the bristles of the brush are positioned in the cleaning region (15), characterized in that the nozzle (8) is guided through the bristles relative to the brush by a movement device (16, 18) of the cleaning device.

2. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the movement device (16, 18) has a rotatable nozzle holder (16) and a drive (18) for rotating the nozzle holder (16) about an axis of rotation (20), wherein the at least one nozzle (8) is arranged on the nozzle holder (16), and in particular wherein the nozzle holder (16) and the nozzle(s) (8) are arranged in a cleaning tub (3) of the cleaning device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the cleaning device has a jet control tube (22) which is arranged in the nozzle holder (16) and has at least one opening (28), in particular several openings (28) arranged in a row (28), such that the nozzle (8) communicates with an interior space (26) of the jet control tube (22) over part of the rotation, wherein the cleaning fluid supply (24) is designed to supply cleaning fluid into the interior space (26) of the jet control tube (22), and in particular wherein the jet control tube (20) is arranged stationarily in the nozzle holder (16) and / or wherein the nozzle holder (16) radially surrounds the jet control tube (22).

4. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device has an axial drive (50) for moving the nozzle (8) relative to the brush holder (10) in the direction of the axis of rotation (20).

5. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device has a plurality of nozzles (8).

6. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the nozzles (8) are arranged offset from one another along the axis of rotation (20).

7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the nozzles (8) are arranged at different angular positions around the axis of rotation (20).

8. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle (8) has a leading edge (30) arranged at the front, in a direction of movement relative to the bristles, starting from which the nozzle (8) widens.

9. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the brush holder (10) has a clamp (42) for clamping a handle of the brush, and in particular wherein the clamp (42) has a first, concave, and a second, flat or convex clamping jaw (44a, 44b).

10. The method of to claim 9, wherein the brush holder (10) is moved between an operating position (11a) and a loading position (11b), wherein the clamp (42) is closer to a user side (9a) of the cleaning device in the loading position (11b) than in the operating position (11a), and in particular wherein the clamp (42) is located vertically above or within a cleaning tub (3) in which the at least one nozzle (8) is arranged in the operating position (11a).

11. The method of any of the claims 9 or 10, wherein the brush holder (10) further comprises a handle lever (38) pivotable about a holder axis (40), on which the clamp (42) is arranged, and in particular wherein several clamps (42) are arranged on the handle lever (38) at different angular positions for the purpose of holding straight and angled brushes.

12. The method of the claims 2 and 11, wherein the holder axis (40) runs parallel to the axis of rotation (20).

13. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device has several brush holders (10) for several brushes.

14. The method of the claims 2 and 13 and of any of the claims 9 to 12, wherein the brush holders (10) are arranged offset from one another along the axis of rotation (20), and in particular wherein the brush holders (10) are displaceable along the axis of rotation (20).

15. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device has one or more ultrasonic transducers (48) for applying ultrasound to the bristles.

16. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein cleaning fluid is ejected through the nozzle (8) while it is guided through the bristles.

17. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least the following phases are carried out to clean the brush: - in a pre-rinsing phase, the brush is exposed to water in a cleaning tub (3) while the nozzle(s) (8) is / are guided through the bristles (14) of the brush - the water in the cleaning tub (3) is replaced, - in a main cleaning phase, a cleaning agent is added to the water and the brush is exposed to the water in the cleaning tub (3) while the nozzle(s) (8) is / are guided through the bristles (14). and in particular wherein, following the main cleaning phase, a further water change and a clear rinse phase are performed.

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