摘要 |
A self-propelled washing apparatus comprises a housing having an interior which opens toward an open side of the housing; a flexible member air-tightly coupled to the open side of the housing; a drive mechanism for engaging a vertical or inclined support surface along which the apparatus is to be propelled to wash the support surface; and a device for producing reduced pressure in the interior of the housing. When the open side of the housing is placed against the support surface, the reduced pressure in the interior of the housing causes the housing to move toward the support surface and to flex the flexible member. Most of the reaction force to the moving of the housing comes from a contact force between the drive mechanism and the support surface. This contact force maintains positive and accurate driving of the apparatus along the support surface.
|