Laterally extendable, height-adjustable cleaning arm for automatic cleaning of baseboards on floor cleaning machines

Abstract

Laterally extendable and height-adjustable cleaning arm (1) for automatic cleaning of baseboards (2), characterized in that the cleaning arm (1) is adjustable both horizontally (0-15 cm) and vertically (0-20 cm) and can be attached to a cleaning device (3).

Description

1. Title of the invention and technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a laterally extendable and height-adjustable cleaning arm that can be attached to floor cleaning devices – in particular vacuuming or mopping robots as well as combination vacuum cleaners and mops. The cleaning arm is designed to automatically clean baseboards during the floor cleaning process by extending laterally from the device, adjusting its working height to different baseboard heights, and being guided along the baseboard surface with a cleaning module (e.g., microfiber roller, pad, or brush). The technical field thus encompasses cleaning technology and, in particular, additional modules / attachments for autonomous or guided floor cleaning machines. 2. State of the art

[0002] Well-known floor cleaning devices, especially robotic vacuum cleaners and mops, are capable of reliably cleaning floor surfaces. However, their cleaning effect is almost exclusively limited to horizontal surfaces. Baseboards are still predominantly cleaned manually. While some accessories or brush attachments exist, these lack automatic height adjustment and are therefore of limited use. An integrated, laterally extendable cleaning arm that adapts to different baseboard heights is not currently known. 3. Object of the invention

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a technical module that enables the automatic cleaning of baseboards during the normal cleaning process. This is intended to reduce the user's workload and significantly improve cleaning quality. The cleaning arm should be extendable laterally and also be able to automatically adjust its height to different baseboards. 4. Solution to the problem (description of the invention)

[0004] The task is accomplished using a laterally extendable and height-adjustable cleaning arm that can be attached to a floor cleaning machine. The cleaning arm consists of the following essential elements: - Mounting module for attaching to the main housing of a cleaning device. - Horizontally extendable arm with an extension range of 0-15 cm. - Vertically adjustable guide element with a height range of 0-20 cm. - Cleaning head with microfiber roller, pad or brush. - Optional liquid nozzle for wetting the baseboards. - Optional suction unit for collecting liquid and dirt. - Sensors for detecting the wall and automatically adjusting the height. - Control unit that automatically regulates the extension and cleaning process.

[0005] This combination of features makes it possible to clean baseboards automatically and efficiently during normal floor cleaning. 5. Examples of Implementation

[0006] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments: - In the first version, the cleaning arm automatically extends laterally as soon as the device detects a wall with baseboards using distance sensors. The height of the cleaning head is adjusted to the height of the baseboard by a motorized adjustment mechanism. - In another version, the height adjustment is achieved by a spring-based mechanism that automatically adapts to different slat heights. - The cleaning module can consist of a microfiber roller that is continuously rotated, or alternatively a pad or a brush. - Optionally, a liquid nozzle can be provided to wet the strips, as well as a suction unit to pick up dirt and liquid. - The module is designed so that it can be mounted on different cleaning devices and can be replaced as an independent accessory. Explanations of the characters

[0007] Explanations of the figures (utility model - side arm module for cleaning baseboards) Fig. 1: Top view of the cleaning device (3) with the side arm (1) retracted. The side arm is guided in the housing (8) and is not active. Fig. 2: Top view with the side arm (1) extended, cleaning the baseboard (2) on the wall (6). The cleaning head (4) rests against the baseboard; a distance sensor (7) can detect the side wall. Fig. 3: Side view. Illustration of the height adjustment (5) of the cleaning head (4) relative to the baseboard (2) on the wall (6) to accommodate different height ranges (0-20 cm). The side arm (1) is coupled to the vertical guide (8). Fig. 4: Detailed view of the cleaning head (4) with microfiber roller, liquid nozzle (9) and suction channel (10) for wet cleaning of the baseboard (2) on the wall (6). Fig. 5: Alternative design of the cleaning head (4) with cleaning pad / brush (14) instead of the microfiber roller; arranged laterally on the baseboard (2). Fig.6: Version with spring mechanism (15) for pressing the side arm (1) or the cleaning head (4) against the baseboard (2) to ensure constant contact pressure during cleaning. List of reference symbols

[0008] List of reference symbols 1 side arm 2 skirting boards 3 Cleaning device (housing / body) 4 cleaning heads 5 Height adjustment mechanism (actuator) 6 Wall 7 Sensor (distance / optical) 8 Vertical guide / guide shaft for side arm 9 Liquid nozzle 10 Extraction channel 14 Cleaning pads / brushes (alternative to the roller) 15 Spring mechanism for pressure

Claims

[1] Laterally extendable and height-adjustable cleaning arm (1) for automatic cleaning of baseboards (2), characterized by , that the cleaning arm (1) is adjustable both horizontally (0-15 cm) and vertically (0-20 cm) and can be attached to a cleaning device (3). [2] Cleaning arm according to claim 1, characterized by that the arm includes a motor-driven cleaning head with a microfiber roller. [3] Cleaning arm according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the arm has a liquid nozzle and a suction unit. [4] Cleaning arm according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the height adjustment is controlled by a sensor that detects the height of the baseboard. [5] Cleaning arm according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a pressure sensor regulates the contact pressure. [6] Cleaning arm according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat it is modularly interchangeable and attached to the cleaning device.

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