CLEANING SYSTEM DESIGNED TO BE INSTALLED ON A SURFACE THAT IS EXPOSED TO POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS

Abstract

The invention teaches a cleaning system designed to be installed on a surface exposed to poor weather conditions or on a roof. Said system comprises a plurality of reactive surfaces consisting of a metal surface, preferably containing copper, said surface producing, combined with water, compounds having a cleaning, preferably fungicidal and/or bactericidal, action. When they are dissolved, said compounds can cover the roof at least partly. The inventive system is characterized in that it comprises at least one partly metallic layer, at least one partly metallic layer arranged on the surface to be cleaned and at least one partly metallic intermediate layer partly, at least two layers being separated from one another over at least part of their surface by spacers such that between the coats gaps are formed wherein natural moisture can infiltrate.

Description

The invention is a cleaning device that fits to a surface exposed to the weather, in particular a roof, a roof surface, a solar system surface or a facade. The device has a large number of reactive surfaces, which are arranged in layers and have a metallic, preferably copper-containing, surface which generates preferably fungicidal and/or bactericidal compounds which clean in conjunction with water and, when dissolved in water, can at least partly wet the roof.

Cleaning devices for roofs and therefore for surfaces exposed to the weather have generally been identified. In particular, reference is made to patent specification DE 100 58 855 C1. This patent specification describes a roof ridge element made of copper which, parallel to the side surfaces, has a capillary metal sheet which carries moisture and is intended to generate a capillary gap, and therefore water which collects in a turned-up edge of the sheet metal arranged at the bottom and is to be sucked upwards with the aid of a capillary action between the walls. The walls form the capillary gap and are located close beside each other.

The problem with this device is that, in order to form such a capillary gap, there must be very accurate fabrication in order to keep the capillary action approximately the same over a relatively large region. Although the capillary action ensures that some water is sucked in between the gaps, flow of the water through the capillary gap is not possible since, due of the surface tension, a feed resistance to the water flow is produced, so that an insufficient interchange of water between the capillary gaps and the surroundings is produced. This means that substances that may be formed within the capillary gap cannot emerge adequately. Moreover, practical trials with such capillary gaps arranged close beside one another have resulted in inadequate weathering of the material surfaces being produced. This means that the formation of cleaning substances is ultimately prevented.

Furthermore, reference is made to Utility Model specification DE 201 04 999 U1. This Utility Model specification also discloses a metallic roof ridge element, which is preferably produced from copper sheets, where a chamber is formed over the length of the roof ridge element which, on the underside, is bounded by a continuous metal sheet and, on the outer side, has a grille which is intended to achieve a surface-enlarging action. On account of the symmetrical configuration of the ridge element, a chamber is formed on both sides of the roof and, according to the design of the invention described, the chamber can also be filled by a non-woven material or net that stores moisture. Practical trials with such a design of a roof covering have shown that there is not sufficient storage volume in the chamber formed in this way. The storage period for natural water is extremely small since premature evaporation of any moisture occurs.

It is therefore an object of the invention to find a cleaning device for fitting to a surface exposed to the weather or a roof which, as compared with the devices outlined above, exhibits an improved action of the surface cleaning.

The inventor has recognized that, in order to improve the self-cleaning action of cleaning devices for fitting to a surface exposed to the weather, it is important that an optimum combination between the moisture intercepted and stored and the reactive surface of the metal that is made available, in particular of the copper, is necessary, it being additionally necessary to ensure that a sufficient possibility for the temporarily stored liquid to flow away is necessary as soon as a new supply of water, that is to say new rain, occurs. In this case, it additionally appears important that the configuration of the cleaning device, specifically the chambers in which the moisture is retained can be configured in such a way that the solar radiation occurring on the outside does not heat the internal chambers excessively, thus avoiding premature evaporation of the moisture from the chambers.

In addition to the necessity of an adequate flow of water, it is also necessary, by means of an adequate spacing of the layers, to ensure that the surfaces or reactive surfaces come into adequate contact with air, thereby generating sufficient weathering of the surface, which this is a precondition for the effectiveness of the cleaning device. Therefore, very small distances between the layers are not adequate in a region in which capillary forces become active. With small distances such as these, it has been shown that even after a prolonged period of time the surfaces do not exhibit adequate weathering.

Accordingly, the invention proposes to improve the cleaning devices known as such for fitting to a surface exposed to the weather, in particular a roof, a roof surface, a solar system surface or a facade. The cleaning device has a large number of reactive surfaces, which are arranged in layers and have a metallic, preferably copper-containing surface which, in conjunction with water, generates cleaning, preferably fungicidal and/or bactericidal compounds which, when dissolved in water, can at least partly wet the roof. According to the invention, the improvement is that at least an upper layer, a lower layer and one intermediate layer are provided; at least two layers are separated from one another by spacers, at least over a sub region of the area, in such a way that spaces are formed between the layers, into which natural moisture, in particular rainwater, can flow and can be rinsed out again.

As a result of this configuration, the accumulation of water which occurs is distributed to a plurality of moisture levels, which are formed by spacers. The moisture stored in these chambers are heated relatively little, perhaps by solar radiation, because of the layers located above, especially if the spacers touch the adjacent surface only virtually in the manner of points. In this way, the stored moisture is providing sufficient time to react with the metallic, preferably grilled surfaces and dissolves the substances needed for the cleaning action of the metallic surface, which forms the reactive surface. In addition, the configuration according to the invention ensures that, when water occurs again, the rinsing of these chambers is carried out, without hindrance, so that the substances formed there can be washed out and can develop their action on the surface to be cleaned.

Although it is not absolutely necessary, it can be very advantageous to provide at least the outer layer with a large number of apertures, so that rain occurring on the surface of the cleaning device can also penetrate to the underside of the respective layer with relatively little hindrance. Accordingly, not only the outer layer but also the intermediate layers arranged underneath it and, if appropriate, the lower layer, can be provided with apertures in order to produce permeability there as well; however, the apertures should be sufficiently small in order to prevent the liquid simply rushing through. It is therefore necessary to achieve a compromise between storage action and hindrance to the flow of liquid.

In order to achieve this objective, the individual layers can be arranged parallel to one another or else conically, since it is particularly advantageous if the distance between the individual layers increases upwards. In any case, it is advantageous if the area of the sum of the entry openings is greater than the area of the sum of the exit openings.

The spacers between the layers can, for example, be configured in such a way that they touch the surfaces which are held at a distance as far as possible in the manner of points or at most in the manner of lines. It should be noted that the spacers do not necessarily have to be separate elements; instead, the layers can be produced by punching tools and, the spacers can be integrated into the surface of the individual layers by means of shaping the surface appropriately and, if needed, by cutting openings out. In this case, hardly any limit is placed on the shaping of the spacers, but it is advantageous if the highest possible enlargement of the reactive surface is met by such spacers.

A further embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention provides for at least one layer at the bottom to have a bead and/or a hinge for a layer placed above it, which supports at least one layer arranged above it linearly, preferably in sections. Such an embodiment permits a plurality of layers to be laid over one another, the beads formed in each case protect the layer above it against sliding off or, if hinges are provided between the layers, it is also made possible to fold up the individual layers. Since the cleaning device, according to the invention, is exposed to external weathering and therefore also to contamination by dust or deposition of leaves from trees close by, it can be advantageous to move the individual layers apart or to fold them and therefore to be able to carry out cleaning in the intermediate regions. In addition, by means of folding up the individual layers conically, the result is also the possibility of producing a safeguard against the slippage of snow as soon as snow lying on an inclined roof begins to move, so that the said snow is broken by spreading layers of the cleaning device.

The cleaning device according to the invention can be adapted to an extremely wide range of shapes of roofs and surfaces, since it is possible for example for such a cleaning device to also be formed as a roof ridge or roof ridge covering. In addition, the contour and/or the surface of the cleaning device can be matched to the contours and/or the surfaces of known roofing boards and roofing tiles. With respect to the possible shapes of roofing boards, roofing tiles or other roof coverings or surfaces, references made by way of example to the internet pages www.braas.de or www.creaton.de. In particular, it should also be noted that the roof cleaning device of the aforementioned type can likewise be used on thatched roofs or roofs which are covered with shingles, roofing felt, corrugated asbestos cement boards or similar. An application to solar systems or other glass or plastic roofing is also possible and perhaps especially advantageous.

With respect to the number of intermediate layers present, in the Bavarian region, two intermediate layers, a total of four layers, have proven to be particularly beneficial. In order to optimize the spacing of the individual layers, it may be advantageous in this case not to keep the spacing and to produce intermediate spaces of different heights, so that the most optimal retention of water is possible, depending on the given weather conditions of specific regions.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if between at least two layers, and preferably between all the layers, the water entry gap, or the gap between the layers which is oriented towards the water flow direction, is larger than the water exit, which is the gap from which the rainwater emerges when the cleaning device is installed; this is normally the lower edge of the individual layers.

A further improvement in the effectiveness of the clinging devices can be achieved so that the t copper material has a greatly enlarged surface, preferably granules and/or flakes and/or net and/or pellets and/or fibers of copper and/or sintered pieces are arranged in the spaces formed by the layers. The use of such surface-enlarging media widens the reaction surface made available, to a large extent so that a greater effectiveness of the cleaning device is possible.

The individual layers can be arranged to be offset laterally and/or vertically in relation to one another. In addition, the layers can have bent-up and/or bent-down edges at two opposite ends. The layers can individually lie loosely upon one another. Alternately, at least the outer and lower layer, preferably all the layers, can be joined to one another. Known joining techniques such as screws, nails, rivets, welded connections or adhesive connections are used in this embodiment. At least the lower layer and preferably all the layers can be matched to the three-dimensional surface shape of roof sections and/or roof tiles and/or solar systems or other surfaces exposed to the weather. For the purpose of secure fastening of the cleaning device, at least the lower layer can have fastening elements and/or fastening clamps. Such fastening elements can consist at least partly of plastic and can be equipped such that they can be clipped onto one of the layers, preferably the lower layer.

A particular configuration of the spacers can consist when formed of nets and/or woven fabrics, so that the layers are kept apart in a sprung manner and, at the same time, allow for the smallest possible flow of heat between the individual layers.

According to the invention, these layers can be produced from one piece, while the appropriate intermediate spaces are preferably being produced by means of turning down edges and folding.

Additional features and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings and through the Patent claims.

The invention is to be explained in more detail below using the drawings in which, in detail:

FIG. 1 shows a cleaning device for a roof ridge tile in longitudinal section;

FIG. 2 shows a cleaning device for a roof ridge tile with divided layers in longitudinal section;

FIG. 3 shows a cleaning device for fitting to a roof tile in longitudinal section;

FIG. 4 shows further cleaning devices for fitting to a roof tile in longitudinal section;

FIGS. 5a-5d show various contours of the cleaning device in cross section (=section in the ridge direction);

FIGS. 6a-6b show a plan view of the contour of cleaning devices according to the invention;

FIGS. 7a-7c show different contours of a cleaning device for a roof ridge in longitudinal section;

FIG. 8 shows a cleaning device on a flat roof surface with 4 layers that have lateral spacers in the longitudinal section;

FIG. 9 shows the section A-A through FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a cleaning device on a flat roof surface with 4 conically arranged layers that have lateral spacers in the longitudinal section;

FIG. 11 shows a 3-D illustration with a wire model of the roof cleaning device from FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 shows a 3-D illustration with a wire model of the roof cleaning device from FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of a roof cleaning device with layers of different designs;

FIG. 14 shows a longitudinal section through a folded roof cleaning device with 4 perforated layers;

FIG. 15 shows a longitudinal section through a roof cleaning device with 3 layers folded in a V-shape and pushed together, 2 layers are perforated;

FIG. 16 shows a longitudinal section through a singly-folded roof cleaning device with an inserted perforated intermediate layer;

FIG. 17 shows a cleaning device on a flat roof surface with 4 layers with lateral spacers in longitudinal section;

FIG. 18 shows a roof cleaning device configured as a roof ridge element in a 3-D illustration as a wire model.

FIG. 1 shows a roof cleaning device according to the intervention to be laid on a roof ridge tile 3. The cleaning device comprises four layers 1.1-1.4, which largely embrace the roof ridge tile 3 on the upper side, each layer extending over both sides of the roof ridge tile. The individual layers in this case have punched bulges 2, which act as spacers between the individual layers. On the underside of the respective layers are beads 8 which are turned upwards, against which the respective layer located above is supported by its long side. As a result of the shaping of the individual layers with the spacers as illustrated, adequate spaces 14 are produced between the layers, into which rainwater or melt water can penetrate into the layers from above via openings 6 and can collect in the interspaces. The layers are configured such that, on account of the spacers, there is a very low thermal contact between them, so that even solar irradiation does not lead to rapid evaporation of the water lying in the interspaces 14. In this way, sufficient time and surface area are available for the formation of the chemical substances which lead to roof cleaning. On the left-hand side of the figure, inserts 7 are additionally shown in the interspaces 14, which consist of copper-containing material or copper which effect an enlargement of the reaction area and, moreover, produce a certain water retention effect. In addition, on the left-hand side the apertures are illustrated as intensified, so that rain which occurs can easily penetrate the individual layers.

FIG. 2 shows a similar cleaning device 1 on a roof ridge tile 3, but here only the lower layer 1.4 is configured such that it embraces the entire roof ridge tile 3, while the further layers 1.1-1.3 arranged on it are only arranged at the sides and are prevented from sliding down by the connecting elements 5 in the form of screws, nails, rivets or the like. The configuration of the individual layers substantially corresponds to the illustration of FIG. 1. It is possible here, between the layers for inserts, which are perhaps made of copper granules, pellets, sintered elements, nets or the like, to be introduced into the spaces 14 between the layers.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show two cleaning devices 1 which are arranged on flat roof tiles 9, these are also being formed with 4 layers. The equipment of the layers corresponds to FIGS. 1 or 2, and interspaces 14 is also formed between the individual layers 1.1-1.4, in which moisture can be stored.

In addition, FIG. 3 illustrates the fact that, between the lowest layer 1.4 and the intermediate layer 1.3 lying above it, a fabric is drawn in, which additionally has a water retaining function and surface-enlarging function; this insert 7 should expediently consist of a copper material so that the desired reactions can be produced to an increased extent. In this case, it should be pointed out that it is more beneficial to accommodate such inserts in the lower layers, since inserts of this type provide an increased flow of heat between the upper and lower layer, but this is in principle undesirable. However, if a plurality of well-thermally isolated layers is already arranged on the upper side, then the preferred effect of water storage and surface enlargement predominates over the thermal insulation.

FIG. 4 shows a variation of the layers with respect to its spacers, to the effect that the first layer 1.1 located at the bottom is a flat design and has spacers 2 which are produced from well-insulating plastic. In this way, there is little thermal contact between the lower layer 1.4 and the layer 1.3 lying above it. Additionally, the heat is also introduced as little as possible into the layers lying above by the tile lying underneath. In the same way, the outer layer 1.1 is also insulated from the intermediate layer 1.2 lying underneath it by clipped-in spacers consisting of plastic.

Overall, in this way, there exists an optimal combination between water retention and simultaneous insulation with respect to the action of solar irradiation from outside. If an increased amount of water is supplied to the cleaning device from above, the water previously stored can emerge through the slots or outlet openings 12 present in the lower region of the individual layers or between the end supporting points of the layers, and therefore result in the cleaning of the roof or the other surfaces located in the direction of flow.

The cleaning devices illustrated in this text merely represent selected examples and simple geometric shapes have also been selected for the purpose of simpler illustration. This relates firstly to the surface on which the cleaning devices rest and also to the structure and shape of the spacers which, of course, can be implemented differently by means of appropriately formed punching tools, it being possible for an extremely wide range of shapes to be used. In this case, it is normally advantageous if at least the lower layer matches the shape of the covered surface, in particular the tiles lying underneath; however, it can also be partially advantageous if work is carried out with spacers with respect to the surface lying below and to be cleaned. The configuration of the spacers themselves, if they are shaped from the individual layers themselves, can be particularly beneficial if they lead to large additional surfaces and at the same time produce as far as possible a low transfer of heat to the next layer which should be kept at a distance.

FIGS. 5a to 5d show cross-sections through possible contours of the cleaning device. For example, the contour of FIG. 5a corresponds, for example, to a Frankfurt pantile while the contour of FIG. 5b can, for example, be used on a corrugated asbestos cement roof. FIGS. 5c and 5d represent simple, easily bent or flat contours of a cleaning device as can be used on relatively flat surfaces.

Of course, all known roof tile contours and contours of all known roof shapes can also be used.

FIGS. 6a and 6b show two exemplary outlines of a roof cleaning device seen from above. FIGS. 7a to 7c showing longitudinal sections transversely with respect to the ridge direction of the contour of cleaning devices as are used in the ridge area.

FIG. 8 is intended to illustrate a further variant of a cleaning device according to the invention, which here rests on a roof surface with flat even roof tiles or roofing slabs 9. The cleaning device has 4 layers of copper sheet which, by means of spacers 2 fitted at the sides, fix the layers 1.1 to 1.4 and are substantially parallel.

The spacers can, for example, consist of plastic, so that there is only a little transfer of heat between the layers. At the top, rainwater can penetrate into the openings 6 which is formed as it runs off and, between the layers 1.1 to 1.4. Then, the rainwater is stored in the interspaces 14, so that there is sufficient time to react with the weathered copper surface, so that the requisite chemical reactions can take place. In the end region of the cleaning device, as a result of the not completely tight butting of the layers, drainage slots are formed, through which the enriched water can emerge to the surface to be cleaned. In addition in this region slots, small openings or perforations can also be machined in the end region of the respective layer, preferably in the region of the bead 8, so as to result in the emergence of water in a manner distributed as uniformly as possible.

The section A-A of FIG. 8 is illustrated in FIG. 9. Here, the contour of the exemplary spacers 2 can easily be seen. On one side or two sides, these can be provided with slots for fixing the layers, into which the layers are inserted and therefore fixed in their spacing. As an alternative to the conically formed slots shown, these can also be formed so as to be parallel and rectangular.

In the embodiment shown here, the spacers are designed in such a way that they rest directly on the surface of the roof tile 9 and also keep the lower layer at a distance from the roof surface, in order to generate adequate weathering and the correctly metered passage of water. Here, the spacers are fixed to or between the roof tiles 9 at the sides by lugs 10. For the purpose of fixing between spacer 2 and lug 10, here—illustrated on the right—use is made of a fastening element 13 in the form of a nail, screw or a rivet. As shown on the left, the lug 10 engages in a slot in the spacer 2. It should also be mentioned that the length of the individual layers is the same and therefore an offset by the width of the bead 8 results in the longitudinal direction.

FIG. 10 shows a cleaning device on a flat roof surface 9 also with 4 layers with lateral spacers, in the longitudinal section. However, here the 3 upper layers that are completely enclosed laterally by the spacers 2; the layers taper conically downwards towards one another. As a result of the lateral enclosure, the water is retained particularly well in the spaces formed by the layers. Here, the lower layer 1.1 is formed to be substantially longer than the remainder of the layers and in this way can be clamped or hooked onto a tile arranged above.

Furthermore, the figure shown can also be considered merely as a one-sided part of a symmetrically formed ridge element, in which the lower layer 1.1 covers the roof ridge or even itself forms the ridge.

In addition, it should be pointed out that this type of embodiment, if it is fitted in the lower regions of a roof, is particularly well-suited as a snow brake or at least additionally performs this function. Combinations of layers arranged parallel and conically are also possible.

For the purpose of improved illustration, FIG. 11 shows a 3-D illustration with a wire model of the roof cleaning device from FIG. 8, while FIG. 12 shows a 3-D illustration of the roof cleaning device from FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-section through a roof cleaning device similar to FIG. 8 or 10 but with layers of different designs. On the left, the lower layer is shown without apertures with a sintered insert located above it. Above this there is a finely perforated layer 1.2, and above that a more coarsely perforated layer 1.3, followed by the upper layer 1.4 penetrated by large holes or slots 6. In addition, a resilient connecting element 11—here with spring elements—is arranged between two layers, which prevents the spacers 2 sliding apart and therefore helps to clamp the layers securely. It should be pointed out that the position and number of the connecting elements can be varied.

The right-hand side of FIG. 13 shows another arrangement of the layers 1.1 to 1.4. Here, the top layer 1.4 is formed so as to be closed. Under this there is a highly structured, uniformly thick sintered surface 1.3, followed by a sintered layer 1.2, which is formed so as to be thicker at the center than at the edge, once more followed by a highly perforated lower layer 1.1.

It should be noted that, on the basis of different climatic conditions, the optimal arrangement of the individual layers also varies. The object of the arrangement is to achieve the most permanent storage of water paired with optimal weathering rapport so that a good washing out of the reaction products is produced.

According to the invention, the cleaning device can be punched out of a flat copper material. It is necessary to point out that punching is understood to mean all fabrication methods which fall under this term: in this regard, see for example DIN 9870 or “Der Werkzeugbau” [Toolmaking], 1997, ISBN 3-8085-1202-4, in particular Chapter 1 “Stanztechnik” [Punching technology]. FIG. 14 shows by way of example such a cleaning device in longitudinal sections which has 4 perforated layers produced by means of repeatedly turning down the edges and folding. One side of a ridge element is illustrated; the symmetrically arranged opposite side is not shown in the figure. Of course, this type of configuration and production can also be used for other types of cleaning devices, which for example may be configurations similar to those in the preceding figures.

A special variant is shown in FIG. 15, which shows a cleaning device 1 made of 3 layers folded in a V-shape and pushed together, of which 2 layers are perforated. Here, the turned-down edges are arranged at the top function as spacers, and are each supported on the lower layer and therefore determine the spacing and alignment of the layers.

FIG. 16 shows a longitudinal section through a singly folded roof cleaning device 1, which forms a type of pocket into which an intermediate layer 1.3 with integrated spacers 2 is inserted. In the lower region, the intermediate layer is pushed into a groove, which likewise serves as spacer 2 here. In addition, at the bottom in the folded pocket formed by the layers 1.1 and 1.3, there are small outlet openings 12, which permit the stored liquid to run out after an appropriate reaction time and as new rainwater is being pushed from behind.

FIG. 17 shows a variant of a cleaning device on a flat roof surface with 4 layers 1.1 to 1.4 with lateral spacers 2, in a longitudinal section. For improved fixing of the layers 1.2 to 1.4, two spacers are fitted per side, which are themselves clipped into the lower layer 1.1. The lower layer 1.1 is kept at a distance from the surface lying underneath by the ends of the holders 2 and is hooked to the roof tile arranged above to prevent it from sliding down.

A roof ridge element which is configured as a roof cleaning device and of which the construction fundamentally corresponds to the cleaning device from FIG. 16 is shown as a wire model in a 3-D illustration in FIG. 18. These curved surfaces can also be produced very easily and economically with punching methods.

In addition, it goes without saying that the above mentioned features of the invention can be used not only in the respectively specified combinations but also in other combinations or on their own without departing from the scope of the invention. Similarly, it is within the scope of the invention to effect a mechanical reversal of the functions of the individual mechanical elements of the invention.

Overall, therefore, the invention presented discloses a cleaning device which, on account of the particularly beneficial storage of moisture and the simultaneous enlargement of the reactive surface, is suitable to result in the cleaning of surfaces exposed to the weather under an extremely wide range of climatic conditions. In this regard, it should be pointed out in particular that cleaning devices of this type can be used not just for cleaning roofs but, in addition, also for cleaning other surfaces exposed to weathering. For example these other surfaces can be solar systems, glass frontages, glass roofs or else building facades.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1 Cleaning device

1.X Layers

2 Spacer

3 Roof ridge tile

4.X Connecting elements

5 Nails/screws

6 Apertures/openings/slots

7 Inserts

8 Bead/turned-up edge

9 Roof tile

10 Lug

11 Connecting element/spring element

12 Outlet gap

13 Nail

14 Interspace

Claims

1. A Cleaning device (1) for fitting to a surface exposed to the weather, in particular a roof, a roof surface, a solar system surface or a facade, the cleaning device having reactive surfaces, which are arranged in layers and have a metallic, preferably copper-containing, surface which, in conjunction with water, generate cleaning, preferably fungicidal and/or bactericidal compounds which, dissolved in water, can at least partly wet the roof, characterized in that at least one outer layer (1.n), a lower layer (1.1) and at least one intermediate layer (1.2-1.n-1) are provided, at least two layers being separated from each other, at least over a sub region of their area, by spacers (2) in such a way that spaces (14) are formed between the layers, into which natural moisture, in particular rainwater, can flow and can be rinsed out again.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer layer (1.n) has a large number of apertures (6).

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one metallic intermediate layer (1.2-1.n-1) has a large number of apertures (6).

4. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one layer (1.1) arranged on the roof side has a large number of apertures (6).

5. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two layers (1.x) are arranged parallel to one another with the aid of the spacers (2).

6. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two layers (1.x) are arranged conically in relation to one another with the aid of the spacers (2).

7. The cleaning device as recited in claim 1, characterized in that the spacers (2) between two layers touch a layer (1.x) only in the manner of a point or in the manner of a line.

8. The cleaning device as recited in claim 1, characterized in that the spacers (2) represent part of a deformed layer (1.x) and are preferably produced by a punching tool.

9. The cleaning device according to one claim 1, characterized in that at least one layer (1.x) has a bead (8) and/or hinge for at least one layer (1.x+1) arranged above it, which supports the at least one layer (1.x+1) arranged above it at the ends, preferably at least sectionally in the manner of a line.

10. The cleaning device are recited in claim 1, characterized in that it is formed as a roof ridge slab.

11. The cleaning device as recited in claim 1, characterized in that its contour and/or surface are matched to known roof slabs and roof tiles.

12. The cleaning device as recited in claim 1, characterized in that the spacers (2), at least in the upward region, effect a minimum spacing of preferably more than 1 mm, preferably 2 mm to 3 mm, in which capillary action with respect to penetrating water can be disregarded.

13. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding Patent claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least two intermediate layers (1.2-1.n-1) are provided, preferably exactly two intermediate layers (1.2, 1.3).

14. The cleaning device a as recited in claim 1, characterized in that all the layers (1.x) are separated from one another by spacers (2).

15. The cleaning device as recited in claim 1, characterized in that the spacers (2) have different heights.

16. The cleaning device as recited in claim 1, characterized in that, at least between two layers, the water inlet gap (6) is larger than the water outlet gap (12).

17. The cleaning device as recited in claim 1, characterized in that copper material with a highly enlarged surface, preferably granules and/or flakes and/or a net and/or pellets and/or fibers made of copper and/or sintered pieces, is arranged in the spaces (14) formed by the layers.

18. The cleaning device as recited in claim 1, characterized in that the layers are arranged to be offset laterally and/or vertically in relation to one another.

19. The cleaning device as recited in claim 1, characterized in that the layers (1.x) have turned-up and/or turned-down edges at two opposite ends.

20. The cleaning device as recited in claim 1, characterized in that at least the outer and lower layer (1.1, 1.n), and preferably all the layers (1.x), are connected to one another, preferably by means of screws and/or nails (5) and/or rivets and/or welded connections and/or adhesive connections.