Rotary tool

The present invention relates to a fluid powered rotary tool and in particular but not exclusively to a water powered rotary tool suitable for fitting to a source of pressurised water, such as a power washer.

Vehicle cleaning tools comprising attachments for power washers, garden hoses and the like are well known. However, such attachments tend to be large and unwieldy making use for small intricate areas of a vehicle's body, or accessories such as alloy wheels or the like difficult.

Existing tools specifically designed for cleaning alloy wheels are particularly unsatisfactory as they tend to require a great deal of hard manual work and often leaving unsightly marks and residues. High speed rotary cleaning tools can also cause scratches on the alloy wheels and damage to vehicle paintwork because of their high velocity.

When using a power washer to clean alloy wheels they struggle to remove stubborn dirt and stains from the crevices in the wheel. It is also necessary to turn the wheel through 180 degrees to access the other side (under-side) of the wheel to clean it completely. Even a professional car wash will often neglect to turn the wheel and hence half of the wheel is left very poorly cleaned.

It is an aim of the present invention therefore to provide an improved cleaning tool and in particular to provide an improved tool for cleaning intricate and/or narrow spaces, crevices or the like, for example, those found in alloy wheels.

Accordingly one aspect of the present invention provides a rotary tool for coupling to a fluid source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion mounted for movement relative to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of fluid flowing through the tool into mechanical (for example rotational) energy for moving (e.g. rotating, nutating, reciprocating, and/or vibrating/oscillating) said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey fluid from said source to said head portion for driving said head movement.

The head portion may have an axis of rotation in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path. The tool may be configured for reciprocation / vibratory / oscillatory / nutatory movement of the head possibly in the same direction as the flow path.

The head portion may have a vibratory axis of rotation in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path.

Another aspect of the invention provides a water powered cleaning tool for coupling to a fluid source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion mounted for motion relative to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into mechanical energy for driving said motion of said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey water from said source to said converter for driving said motion of said head portion; and wherein said head portion has an axis of motion in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path.

Having an axis of motion (e.g. rotation) substantially aligned with or at least in the same direction as the fluid inlet can help to provide for a much more compact tool with a generally

elongate configuration which it is thus easier to insert into small crevices or the like without other parts of the tool (e.g. a handle) inhibiting the flexibility to manipulate the tool.

The converter may be configured for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into mechanical energy for motion of the head portion comprising rotation, reciprocation, oscillation, nutation, and/or vibration of said head portion.

The axis of motion may comprise an axis of rotation, reciprocation, oscillation, nutation, and/or vibration of said head portion. The head portion may have at least one further axis of motion.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a water powered rotary tool for coupling to a fluid source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion rotatably mounted to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into rotational energy for rotating said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey water from said source to said converter for driving rotation of said head portion; and wherein said head portion has an axis of rotation in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a water powered rotary tool for coupling to a water source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion rotatably mounted to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into rotational energy for rotating said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey water from said source to said head portion for driving rotation; and wherein said head portion has an axis of rotation in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a water powered rotary tool for coupling to a water source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion rotatably mounted to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into rotational energy for rotating said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey water from said source to said head portion for driving rotation; and wherein said tool comprises at least one chamber for receiving a substance for release into said water flowing through said tool.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a water powered rotary tool for coupling to a water source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion rotatably mounted to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into rotational energy for rotating said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey water from said source to said head portion for driving rotation; and wherein the or at least one said aperture is arranged such that water exiting said aperture under pressure enhances said rotation.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a water powered rotary tool for coupling to a water source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion rotatably mounted to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into rotational energy for rotating said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey water from said source to said head portion for driving rotation; and wherein said tool is provided

with means for diverting at least part of said flow from said primary flow path into at least one secondary flow path.

Another aspect of the invention provides a water powered cleaning tool for coupling to a fluid source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion mounted for motion relative to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into rotational energy for driving said motion of said head portion; and means for reducing the rotational velocity associated with said rotational energy into lower velocity movement (such as rotation) of the head portion; wherein said reducing means is configured for inducing vibratory, nutatory and/or oscillatory movement from said rotational energy, and for inducing the lower velocity movement (for example rotation, oscillation etc) of the head portion from said , nutatory and/or oscillatory movement.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a capsule containing a substance for release into water flowing in a water powered rotary tool according to any of the previous aspects and having a chamber for release of a substance into water flowing through the tool, the capsule comprising a casing for holding a substance wherein said casing is configured for release of said substance into water flowing through said tool when said capsule is located in said chamber.

The capsule preferably comprises a reusable cartridge for receiving said substance, said cartridge being configured for engagement with said chamber. The capsule may comprise a (rigid or semi-rigid) cartridge, and said casing may have apertures for release of said substance. The capsule may be configured to hold a tablet of said substance. The casing may comprise a soluble membrane for releasing said substance when said membrane comes into contact with said water.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a head portion for a water powered cleaning tool, the head portion comprising: means for attaching said head portion for motion relative to a tool body having a flow path to convey water to drive said motion of said head portion, and wherein said head portion has an axis of motion in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path when the head portion is attached to said body portion.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a head portion for a water powered rotary tool, the head portion comprising: means for rotatably attaching said head portion to a tool body having a flow path to convey water to drive rotation of said head portion, and wherein said head portion has an axis of rotation in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path when the head portion is attached to said body portion.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a tool body for a water powered cleaning tool, the tool body comprising: a coupler for connecting said tool to a source of water; means for attaching a head portion for motion relative to the tool body; and a flow path to convey water from said source to said head portion for driving said motion of said head portion when attached; wherein said flow path has a flow axis arranged to run substantially in the same direction as an axis of motion of said head portion when said head portion is attached to said body portion.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a tool body for a water powered rotary tool, the tool body comprising: a coupler for connecting said tool to a source of water; means for rotatably attaching a head portion to the tool body; and a flow path to convey water

from said source to said head portion for driving said rotation of said head portion when attached; wherein said flow path has a flow axis arranged to run substantially in the same direction as a rotational axis of said head portion when said head portion is rotatably attached to said body portion.

Preferably the tool is an alloy wheel cleaner for coupling to a source of pressurised water. Preferably the head portion comprises a rotatable brush.

Preferably the head portion has a diameter of between 20 mm and 150 mm. Preferably the diameter is at least 20mm, more preferably at least 40mm. The diameter may be at least 60mm, or may be at least 80 mm.

Preferably the diameter is no more than 150mm, more preferably no more than 130mm. The diameter may be no more than 110mm, or may be no more than 90mm.

Preferably said body portion is adapted for coupling to a pressure washer. Preferably the pressure washer is capable of dispensing water at a flow rate of anywhere between 15 Itr/hour and 900 Itr/hour. Preferably the rate is at least 15 Itr/hour, more preferably at least 25 Itr/hour, more preferably at least 50ltr/hour. Preferably the maximum rate is no more than 900 Itr/hour, more preferably no more than 600 Itr/ hour, more preferably no more than 500 Itr/ hour, more preferably no more than 350 Itr/ hour.

Preferably the pressure washer has an operational pressure of between 1 MPa and 20MPa. Preferably the operational pressure is at least 1 MPa, more preferably at least 5MP, more preferably at least 10MPa. Preferably the operational pressure is no more than 20MPa, more preferably no more than 15MP, more preferably no more than 10MPa.

Preferably the pressure washer has an operational power of between 250W and 3kW. Preferably the operational power is at least 250W, more preferably at least 500W, more preferably at least 1kW. Preferably the operational power is no more than 3kW, more preferably no more than 2kW, more preferably no more than 1.5kW.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a tool body for a water powered cleaning tool, the tool body comprising: means for attaching a head portion for motion relative to the tool body; and a flow path arranged to convey pressurised water from an associated source to drive motion of said head portion when attached; and at least one chamber for receiving a substance for release into said flow path.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a tool body for a water powered rotary tool, the tool body comprising: means for rotatably attaching a head portion to the tool body, and a flow path arranged to convey pressurised water from an associated source to drive rotation of said head portion when attached; and at least one chamber for receiving a substance for release into said flow path.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a kit for forming a rotary tool according to any associated aspect, the kit comprising: at least one head portion according to any corresponding aspect; and a tool body according to any corresponding aspect.

Where appropriate the kit may comprise a capsule according to any corresponding aspect. The kit may comprise a pressure washer to which the tool body is configured for attachment. The kit may further comprise a hosepipe and/or pressure washer attachment to allow the tool body to be attached to a hosepipe and/or pressure washer.

The kit may comprise a plurality of head portions, each head portion being of a different size and/or configuration for cleaning of different parts of an alloy wheel or different types of alloy wheel.

The tool may comprise means for reducing a first (relatively high) velocity rotational energy (for example, of a turbine) into (relatively) lower velocity movement (rotational, oscillatory, vibratory and/or the like) of the head portion. The reducing means may comprise conventional gearing for example planetary gearing or the like. The reducing means may be configured for inducing vibration/nutation from rotational energy of the converter. The reducing means may be configured for inducing movement (for example rotation, oscillation etc) of the head portion from said nutation/vibration.

The rotational velocity associated with the rotational energy produced by the converter may, for example, be between IOOOrpm and lOOOOrpm, between 2000rpm and 7000rpm, or between 3500rpm and 6500 rpm whilst the reducing means may be configured to reduce rotational velocity by, for example, a factor of between 5 and 1000, between 50 and 500, or between 100 and 250, for example in the region of 100, 150 or 200 (for example, plus or minus 25). The rotational velocity associated with the head portion may thus be considerably lower than that associated with the rotational energy produced by the flow converter, for example, between 5rpm and 500 rpm, 25rpm and 250rpm or between 50rpm and 150rpm, preferably for example in the region 10rpm to 100 rpm. It will be appreciated that these velocities apply to low load conditions (with, for example, an application/contact force in the region of 1 to 10 Newtons) at higher loads the head and turbine may rotate more slowly (event to the point of stalling) and at lower loads the head may rotate faster.

The tool may comprise at least one chamber for receiving a substance for release into water flowing through said tool.

The head portion may be configured to have an axis of rotation in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path when the head portion is attached to said body portion.

The or each chamber may be arranged to receive said substance in tablet form, liquid form, and/or powder form. The or each substance may be a (preferably soluble) chemical agent suitable for cleaning and/or polishing.

The or each chamber may be arranged to receive a capsule containing said substance, which may be a capsule comprising a reusable cartridge for receiving the substance. The cartridge may be configured for engagement with said chamber.

The or at least one chamber may be provided in the body portion and/or the or at least one (or at least one further) chamber may be provided in the head portion.

The head portion may be detachable and may be interchangeable with other similar head portions.

The head portion preferably comprises at least one aperture, the or each aperture being preferably arranged for fluid communication with the flow path for allowing said water to exit said tool under pressure. The or at least one aperture may be arranged to allow fluid to exit substantially: tangentially of a circle centred on said axis of rotation; in the same direction as said axis of rotation; radially of a circle centred on said axis said axis of rotation; and/or perpendicular to an external surface of the head portion relative.

The aperture may be arranged such that water exiting said aperture under pressure enhances said rotation.

The head portion is preferably adapted to conform to the shape of at least part of an alloy wheel.

The tool preferably comprises an alloy wheel cleaner. At least part of the head portion may be shaped in dependence on the specific type of alloy wheel for which the tool is designed (e.g. to allow identification thereof). The tool may comprise a plurality of rotatable head portions.

The head portion may comprise a generally conical or frusto-conical portion, a generally spherical portion, a generally disc shaped portion, and/or any other suitable shape.

The head portion preferably comprises means for cleaning or polishing which may comprises a plurality of bristles forming a brush, at least one pad portion and/or at least one sponge portion.

The flow path may have a portion of increasing cross-sectional area in the direction of flow and/or may have a portion of decreasing cross-sectional area in the direction of flow.

Preferably the flow path comprises a primary flow path and preferably the tool is provided with means for diverting at least part of said flow from said flow path into at least one secondary flow path. The diverting means may be adjustable to allow control of the relative flows in the primary flow path and the or at least one secondary flow path.

The or at least one secondary flow path may be arranged for reducing the pressure of water flowing in the primary flow path and/or may be arranged to convey water under pressure for driving rotation of a further portion of said tool. The or at least one secondary flow path may be provided with at least one chamber (or further chamber) for receiving a (or a further) substance for release into said secondary flow path. The or at least one secondary flow path is preferably arranged to return said diverted flow to said primary flow path.

The tool may comprise a trigger portion for allowing a user to start and stop fluid flow which may be configured to allow the rate of said fluid flow to be controlled.

The converter may comprise a turbine and more particularly may comprise an impeller. The converter may form part of the head portion, part of the body portion or may have components forming part of both the body and the head portions.

The converter may comprise at least one aperture in said head portion, the or each aperture being arranged for fluid communication with the flow path for allowing said water to exit said tool under pressure to induce or contribute to said rotation

The head and body portions preferably comprise means for transferring torque from said converter to drive said rotation of said head portion.

The coupler may be configured for connecting the tool to a pressure washer and/or to a hose pipe.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an alloy wheel cleaner comprising a rotary tool according to (or including features of) any aspect.

The rotary tool may be powered by a fluid other than water.

It will be appreciated that each feature disclosed in this specification (which term includes the claims) and/or shown in the drawings may be incorporated in the invention independently (or in combination with) any other disclosed and/or illustrated features. In particular but without limitation the features of any of the claims dependent from a particular independent claim may be introduced into that independent claim in any combination or individually.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the attached figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a simplified cross-section of a water powered rotary tool according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a possible method for providing vibratory movement for the head of the tool; and

Figures 3a to 3d show various simplified cross-sections of a further embodiment of a water powered tool.

In Figure 1 a water powered rotary tool is shown generally at 10. The tool 10 comprises a generally elongate and cylindrical body portion 12 and a head portion 14 provided at one end of the body portion 12.

The body 12 comprises an inlet portion 20 and a main body portion 22. The inlet portion 20 is configured for connection to a source (not shown) of pressurised fluid (e.g. water). The inlet and main portions 20, 22 of the body 12 together define an internal flow path 24 having respective inlet and main sections 26, 28 for conveying the pressurised fluid in directions as indicated by the flow arrows 'F, from the inlet 20 towards the head 14. The inlet and main sections of the flow path 24 are axially aligned along a flow axis 'A' which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the body portion.

A flow converter 30 is provided in the main section 26 of the flow path 24, for converting the fluid flow into rotational energy as indicated by circumferential arrow 'B ¹ . Any suitable flow converter may be used, for example a turbine, impeller or the like. The flow converter 30 has an axis of rotation aligned with the main flow axis.

The main section 28 of the flow path 24 is provided with a flow diverter 32 upstream from said converter for directing fluid flowing through the tool to the periphery of the converter 30, and for expanding the area over which the fluid flows thereby reducing its pressure. The converter 30 and spreader section 32 are configured for producing a desired rotational velocity of the flow converter when fluid of a particular pressure is applied at the inlet 12.

The down stream side of the converter 30 is provided with a generally conical / frusto-conical portion 34, forming a flow-path section of decreasing cross-sectional area in the direction of flow (thereby increasing the pressure of fluid flowing to the head in operation). The conical portion 34 is mounted to the flow converter 30 for flow induced rotation with the flow converter during operation.

The head portion 14 comprises a generally conical / frusto-conical shaped configuration with at least one (but preferably a plurality) of bristled brush section(s) 36 upstanding from its external inclined surface. The brush section(s) 36 may be arranged in any suitable manner, for example: linearly (e.g. angled relative to axis 'A' as illustrated); helically; circumferentially

(e.g. in a circle centred on axis 'A ¹ ), or the like and may cover all or a major part of the cone's inclined surface.

Helical brushes, for example, have the advantage that they can be designed to remove dirt (in the manner of an Archimedes screw) away from the area being cleaned.

Advantageously, the brushes may have bristles which change colour along their length such that the extent of any wear on the bristles is evident from the outermost colour of the bristles. Such colour coding helps to mitigate the risk of a user using a worn brush head that may cause damage to a surface being cleaned.

It will be appreciated that the head portion need not be conical / frusto-conical but may be of any suitable shape depending on the application for which the tool is intended, for example, substantially spherical, disc shaped, or cylindrical. The head portion may have a shape specifically configured to conform to the contours of part of an alloy wheel.

As another possibility or in addition to the brush sections the head portion may be provided with at least one pad section (e.g. a polishing pad), or sponge section (e.g. for gentle cleaning).

The head portion 14 is configured for detachable mounting to the body portion 12 for rotation about the flow axis ¹ A' (as shown by circumferential arrow 'C). It will be appreciated that whilst the head portion is preferably detachable to allow maintenance and exchange with other head portions (e.g. configured for different applications), the head and body portions may be integrally formed for example to improve durability and/or robustness.

The head and body portions 14, 12 are provided with mutually engagable mounting portions 40, 42 configured for transferring torque from the flow converter to rotate the head portion 14. The mounting portion 40 of the body 12 comprises a tubular protrusion which extends axially along axis 'A' from the conical portion 34 extending the flow path. Thus, in operation the protrusion rotates with the flow induced rotation of the turbine. The mounting portion 42 of the head 14 comprises a recess configured to receive the protrusion 40.

The protrusion 40 and recess 42 have complementary cross-sectional shapes arranged for transferring torque. The protrusion and head may, for example include at least a section having, a star, cross, triangle, square shaped cross-section or the like, may comprise complementary screw threaded sections, and/or may comprise any other configuration suitable for allowing transfer of torque such as an appropriately arranged bayonet, or click / snap type fitting.

The protrusion 40 is provided with a plurality of perforations (as illustrated by the dashed line) through which the pressurised fluid may exit the flow path during operation. The head portion 14 is provided with a plurality of conduits 44, terminating in apertures on it external surface. The conduits 44 are arranged for fluid communication with the flow path to convey pressurised fluid exiting through the perforations to the surface apertures, where in operation the fluid exits the device under pressure for enhanced cleaning.

The conduits and surface apertures may be arranged in any suitable manner. For example, at least one of the conduits and associated surface aperture may be arranged to allow fluid to exit tangentially (e.g. relative to a circle centred on axis 'A') to potentially enhance (or possibly inhibit) rotation of the head. At least one of the conduits and associated surface aperture may be arranged to allow fluid to exit substantially in the same direction as the axis of rotation (e.g.

conduit / aperture arrangement 46). At least one of the conduits and associated surface aperture may be arranged to allow fluid to exit radially relative to the axis of rotation. At least one of the conduits and associated surface aperture may be arranged to allow fluid to exit perpendicular to an external surface of the head portion (e.g. the inclined surface of the cone).

Typical Operation

In typical operation a user selects an appropriate detachable head portion depending on requirements. The user then assembles the tool and connects it to an appropriate source of pressurised water such as a pressure washer, hosepipe, or the like. The user then starts the flow of water and uses the tool to begin cleaning an alloy wheel or the like. During the cleaning operation the user may exchange the heads of the tool for optimum cleaning of different parts of the alloy wheel.

The cone shaped head, for example, is particularly advantageous for cleaning small clefts and crevices in the alloy wheel. A flat or disc shaped head, on the other hand, is particularly useful for cleaning larger areas, for polishing after cleaning, and for finishing type operations. Heads having brushes are particularly useful for initial cleaning to remove ingrained dirt or the like whilst heads having pads or sponges are beneficial for gentler cleaning of lightly soiled alloys and/or for polishing and finishing.

Other embodiments

The embodiment described represents just one example of how the invention may be implemented. Other exemplary embodiments will now be described illustrating additional and/or alternative advantageous features. It will be appreciated that the features disclosed for any embodiment are not restricted to the examples described but may form alternative / additional features in any other embodiment.

One further embodiment, for example, is shown in Figures 3a to 3d.

In Figure 3a a water powered rotary tool is shown generally at 310 in simplified cross-section. The tool 310 comprises a body portion 312 and a generally conical / frusto-conical head portion 314.

The body portion 312 comprises a generally disc shaped plate 312a adjacent which the wide end of the head portion 314 is located when assembled, for movement (e.g. rotation) relative to the plate 312a. It will be appreciated the end of a cone shaped head portion 314 may fit loosely over the plate 312a for movement (e.g. rotation) relative to it.

The body 312 further comprises a generally cylindrical tube comprising inlet and head connection portions 320, 322, and a retaining disc 323 extending outwardly from the tube at the interface between the inlet and head connection portions. The inlet portion 320 passes through a corresponding aperture in the centre of plate 312a and is configured for direct or indirect connection to a source (not shown) of pressurised fluid (e.g. water). The inlet portion 320 defines an internal flow path 324 for conveying the pressurised fluid in the direction indicated by the flow arrow ¹ G ¹ , from the inlet 320 towards the retaining disc 323. The external surface of the inlet portion 320 and the aperture in plate 312a through which it passes are preferably threaded in a complementary manner to allow the plate 312a to be secured to the inlet portion as shown in Figure 3a.

The head portion 314 is generally hollow having an internal cavity 314a in which a cylindrical connection tube 340 is located in axial alignment with the head portion's central axis 'X'. The connection tube 340 is configured for slidable engagement over the head connection portion

322 such that one end of the connection tube 340 abuts the retaining disc 323 of the body 312, in operation to assemble the tool. The connection tube is connected to an internal surface of the internal cavity 314a of the head portion 314 by radial spokes 341 as illustrated in Figure 3c.

The body portion 312 is further provided with a detachable cap portion 334 for retaining the head portion 314 in place when the tool is assembled whilst allowing movement (e.g. rotation, vibration, oscillation and/or the like) of the head portion relative to the body portion. The cap portion includes a threaded shaft configured for threaded engagement with an internal surface of the head connection portion 322 to allow the cap portion to be secured in place thereby to retain the head portion between the retaining disc 323 and the cap. It will be appreciated that the cap may be provided with bristles or the like in a similar manner to those provided on the head portion in the first embodiment. It will be appreciated that the cap may be configured to be recessed relative to the narrow end of the head portion when secured in the head connection portion. Hence the head (and the associated bristles) will extend beyond the cap for enhanced cleaning of small recesses or crevices. The cap and head portions may be configured such that when assembled the cap is effectively concealed by the head portion (or by the bristles of the head portion).

Advantageously the inlet and head connection portions 320, 322, and the retaining disc 323 form a continuous conduit which allows the flow path to be cleaned easily simply be removing the cap portion and inserting a brush, pipe cleaner or the like through the head connection portion to clean the inlet portion.

Radial apertures 328 are provided in retaining disc 323 via which pressurised fluid from the inlet tube can pass, under pressure, to the internal cavity of the head portion in operation as illustrated by arrows 'H'.

A flow converter 330 is provided for converting energy from the fluid flowing through the radial apertures 328 into rotational energy. The flow converter 330 comprises a turbine having a vane section 330a mounted around the periphery of a turbine disc 330b which itself is mounted on a smaller diameter circular boss piece 330c. The turbine 330 is located on the inlet portion 320 with the turbine disc 330b and boss 330c retained between the retaining disc

323 and the plate 312a but free to rotate relative to the body portion 312 around the exterior of the inlet portion 320. The vane section 330a is arranged for general alignment with the radial apertures 328 and comprises a plurality of vanes arranged as seen in Figure 3b such that the fluid passing through the radial apertures 328 causes rotation of the turbine.

The boss piece 330c, is eccentrically offset relative to the inlet portion (as seen in Figure 3d) such that its outer circumference is not coaxial with the tube about which it rotates. The offset between the axis of the boss piece and the inlet portion may be any suitable value typically, for example, between 0.1 mm and 1mm, preferably in the region of 0.5mm or so (e.g. plus or minus 0.1mm to 0.2mm). It will be appreciated that Figure 3d shows the eccentricity in exaggerated form for improved clarity.

An annular disc 332 is provided around the boss piece 330c for movement relative both to the boss piece 330c, the body portion 312, and the head portion 314. A friction ring 333 is fixed

around the circumference of the annular disc 332. The friction ring 333 may be of any suitable material typically, for example rubber or the like. The annular disc 332 has an internal diameter substantially the same as than the external diameter of the boss piece. The annular disc 332 has an external diameter of less than the internal diameter of the head portion 314 adjacent the edge of the disc 332 when the tool is assembled. The external diameter is such that the friction ring 333 is in slight compressive contact (for improving frictional contact) with the internal wall of the cavity 314a for part of its circumference but is spaced from the internal wall for another part of its circumference. For example, the maximum spacing between the friction ring and the internal wall may be approximately equal to but slightly less than twice the eccentric offset of the boss piece 330c.

A pin 315 extends through the plate 312a loosely into a corresponding recess in the annular disc 332 to inhibit the disc from rotating when the turbine rotates. The recess is, however, larger than the pin such that it allows the disc 332 sufficient movement to nutate to the full extent provided for by the eccentricity of the boss piece as the turbine rotates. It will be appreciated that any suitable means may be used to inhibit rotation of the annular disc without impinging on its nutation. For example, the pin may form an integral part of the plate rather than extending through it. The pin may also be provided on/in the annular disc with a corresponding recess in the plate.

The flow converter 330 and annular disc 332 mechanism are located in a housing 350 which is attached to the plate 312a. The housing is permeable to the fluid flowing into the internal cavity of the head portion typically, for example, including large or small apertures depending on requirements.

Thus in typical operation pressurised fluid passes through the inlet portion 320 and the radial apertures 328 in the retaining disc 323 to drive the turbine 330 via the vanes of the vane section 330a. The boss piece 330c thus rotates eccentrically within the annular disc 332. The annular disc 332 is, however, prevented from rotating by the pin 315 and so instead nutates against the internal wall of the head portion. This nutation causes the head portion to rotate but at a much lower rotational velocity than the turbine.

The use of the nutating disc provides an effective way of reducing the velocity of the head portion relative to the flow converter without complex gearing which would take up significantly more space and make the device more prone to failure. Thus the flow converter mechanism can effectively transfer from a low torque / high speed turbine rotation to a relatively low speed / high torque head rotation in a relatively confined space.

The head portion 314 comprises at least one (but preferably a plurality) of bristled brush section(s) upstanding from its external inclined surface. The brush section(s) may be arranged in any suitable manner as described for the first embodiment with reference to Figure 1 , for example linearly; helically; circumferentially, or the like and may cover all or a major part of the head portion's inclined surface.

As described for the first embodiment the head portion 314 is provided with a plurality of conduits, terminating in apertures on it external surface. The conduits are arranged for fluid communication with the internal cavity to convey fluid to the surface apertures, where in operation the fluid exits the device as described previously.

Advantageously the inlet and head connection portions 320, 322, and the retaining disc 323 form a continuous conduit which allows the flow path to be cleaned easily simply be removing

the cap portion and inserting a brush, pipe cleaner or the like through the head connection portion to clean the inlet portion.

It will be appreciated that Figures 3a to 3d are purely illustrative and that cross-sections 3b to 3d, in particular, may have cross-sectional features omitted for the purposes of clarity.

It will be appreciated that many of the different features described for the different embodiments are interchangeable and may be implemented as part of any of the other embodiments as appropriate.

Chambers

In a further embodiment, for example, the body portion is provided with a chamber, accessible to a user, for receiving a substance (such as a chemical cleaning or polishing agent in powder/liquid/tablet form which is preferably soluble) for release into fluid flowing through the tool. The chamber may be located at any appropriate location in the flow path, for example upstream or downstream from the flow converter as appropriate.

A plurality of such chambers may be provided, for example to allow introduction of different substances into the fluid flow for different applications. The tool may also be provided with a release mechanism for each chamber for allowing a user to manually select the corresponding chamber, in operation, to release the substance contained therein. Thus, in operation, the tool may initially be use for cleaning by selection of a chamber containing a chemical cleaning agent and then for polishing by selecting a chemical polishing agent, and/or to apply a protective coating by selecting a chemical finishing agent.

In one embodiment each chamber is adapted to receive a substance in tablet form. Alternatively or additionally the chamber may be adapted to receive a substance in a liquid form and/or in the form of a capsule.

Where the substance is provided in a capsule the capsule may comprise a membrane which is soluble in water so that when it comes into contact with water flowing through the tool it dissolves to release the substance. The capsule may comprise a cartridge configured for insertion into a chamber. The cartridge may be refutable to allow reuse.

It will be appreciated that the chamber(s) may alternatively or additionally be located in the head portion.

Secondary flow path

In a further embodiment the tool is provided with a secondary flow path and a flow splitter for diverting a portion of the fluid flowing through the tool into the secondary flow path. The flow splitter is preferably manually adjustable to allow the relative flows in the main and secondary paths to be adjusted and hence the speed of rotation and/or pressure of fluid exiting the tool to be adjusted.

The secondary flow path may be provided purely for the control the rate/pressure of fluid flowing in the main flow path through the flow converter. Advantageously, however, the secondary flow path is arranged such that the diverted fluid can be put to a beneficial use. For example, the tool may include at least one further rotatable cleaning/polishing head (for example, having a different shape and/or arranged at a different angle). The secondary flow path (or a plurality of such paths) may be arranged to convey water under pressure for driving rotation of each head.

Furthermore, the secondary flow path may be provided with a chamber for receiving a substance for release into fluid flowing through the tool as an alternative, or in addition, to a similar chamber in the main flow path. A plurality of secondary flow paths may each be provided with such a chamber, for example to allow release of different substances (having different properties) into the fluid flowing through the tool. The tool may be provided with a selector for allowing a user to select which of the additional flow paths (and hence which substance) to use in dependence on requirement (e.g. cleaning, polishing, buffing, applying a protective finish or the like).

The secondary flow path may be arranged either to allow fluid to return to the main flow path (e.g. to allow rotational speed to be controlled whilst maintaining the pressure of fluid exiting the head portion) or to allow fluid to exit the tool by another route (e.g. through a further cleaning / polishing head).

The tool

Advantageously, the liquid acts as a lubricant to rotation of the flow converter (and potentially the head also) thereby reducing friction during operation. The configuration of the tool shown in Figure 1 and in particular its axial arrangement enhances the lubricant contribution of the fluid. The axial arrangement also enhances the efficiency of the converter.

In another embodiment the tool is provided with gearing for transferring torque between the converter and the head portion such that the head portion rotates at a different speed, in a different direction to, and/or with a different power relative to the converter. The axis of rotation may be off-set from but in the same direction as the flow axis 'A'.

Body portion

It will be appreciated that the body portion need not be cylindrical. It may, for example, be configured to fit into a palm of a hand for improved grip.

Flow converter variations

In another embodiment of the invention the flow converter (e.g. turbine/impeller) is provided as part of the head portion. This arrangement has the advantage that the connection between the head and the body is only required to allow rotation and does not need to transfer torque from the body portion to the head portion.

Vibratory Movement

In yet another embodiment of the invention the tool is configured to provide vibratory/oscillatory movement of the head, for example for the removal of stubborn marks especially where pure rotary movement may not be as effective.

As seen in figure 2 vibratory/oscillatory movement may be provided by a flow converter 30 which converts the flow 'A' into rotary movement 'B' of a cam surface 50 (or the like) against which a corresponding surface of the mounting portion 40 is biased for vibratory movement. It will be appreciated that the shape of the two surfaces may be configured in any of several different ways to provide different types of vibratory movement, for example reciprocation movement 'C in the same direction as the flow path 'A', movement perpendicular to the flow path (not shown), or tangential movement at another angle to the flow path. Of course the cooperating surfaces may additionally/alternatively be provided between the head and mounting portion.

It will be appreciated that vibratory/oscillatory movement may also be provided in other ways, for example by appropriate eccentric weighting and/or by appropriate eccentric shaping of the flow converter, the mounting portion 40, and/or the head.

It will be appreciated that vibratory/oscillatory movement of the head may be provided either instead of or in addition to rotary movement of the mounting portion / head portion.

In a particularly advantageous example using vibratory movement, the user is provided with a choice of a variety of different heads for the tool, each head being configured for a different type of vibratory movement, purely vibratory, or purely rotary movement.

It will be appreciated that whilst it is beneficial to use both rotary and vibratory motion a simplified version of the tool may be configured to provide only vibratory motion.

Splash Guard

A guard configured to protect against splash back from the pressurised cleaning fluid exiting the tool against a surface being cleaned may also be provided for the tool. The guard may, for example, be in the form of a removable (for easy cleaning) or integral (for robustness) shield on the tool body. A guard of this type is particularly important where chemical cleaners are used, for example those which may irritate or harm if splashed onto a user's skin or into their eyes.

Gun Shaped

Whilst axial alignment of the flow axis 'A', and the rotational axis' of the flow converter and the head portion is advantageous for providing a particularly compact hand held tool, the flow path may have portions which are not aligned with the main flow axis.

The inlet section 26 of the flow path 24, for example, need not be axially aligned with the main section 28 of the flow path. In another advantageous embodiment the rotary tool is configured in the form of a handgun in which the inlet portion 20 comprises a grip of the 'gun' and the main portion 22 comprises its 'barrel'. The head portion is located at the end of the 'barrel' and is configured as generally described previously. However, in this embodiment the inlet section of the flow path is angled relative the main section of the flow path (down the 'barrel' of the 'gun') to convey pressurised fluid from the base of the grip to the main section thereby to drive rotation of the head portion. Similarly, a trigger may be provided (in a similar manner to that of a gun) to allow a user to start and stop fluid flow by respectively engaging and releasing the trigger. Advantageously the trigger portion may be configured to control the pressure of the flow according to the pressure applied by the user to the trigger.

This embodiment has the advantage that the tool can be better gripped, and the fluid flow controlled more easily, using a single hand. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that a similar 'gun shaped' tool could also be provided in which the inlet and main sections of the flow path are still axially aligned with the 'barrel' of the 'gun'.

Kit embodiment

In another embodiment of the invention a kit is provided comprising a tool body as generally described previously and a plurality of interchangeable head portions. The kit may also include one or more adaptors to allow connection to different fluid sources such as a pressure washer, hosepipe, and/or the like. Alternatively the kit may provide a single 'general use' head portion with other interchangeable head portions being available separately.

Each head portion is configured for optimal performance in different applications. For example, the configuration of one head may be optimised for polishing and another for cleaning. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of heads may each be optimised for use with a different type of alloy wheel and/or a different part of an alloy wheel.

Where the heads are configured for use with a particular type of alloy wheel they may be provided with an identification section shaped to allow easy identification the associated type of alloy wheel. For example, the head may have at least a section having a shape matching the appearance of the corresponding alloy wheel or makers badge and/or a section of bristles (or pad/sponge) arranged for such identification.

Where the body (and/or head) is of a type including a chamber for receiving a substance, the kit may further comprise capsules, tablets, sachets or the like containing the substance.