Cleaning device for glass fronts

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device for glass fronts, such as those of pergolas, glass roofs, or glass facades, comprising a central control unit with at least one stationary base station, wherein the cleaning bar is movable relative to the base station along the glass front and comprises a drive, a control unit, and a battery. The invention further relates to a pergola, a glass roof, or a glass facade, comprising a glass front and at least one cleaning device, wherein preferably several, in particular adjacent, base stations comprising a cleaning bar are provided, wherein the control units of the cleaning bars are controlled via the central control unit.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning device for glass fronts, such as those of pergolas, glass roofs or glass facades, in particular according to the features of the independent claims.

[0002] DE202006003917 (U1) describes a glass roof with water outlets that serves for cooling and UV protection. A film of water spreads across the glass surface to reduce heat and create a calming atmosphere. Gutters and water collection tanks allow for the reuse of the water.

[0003] DE202007006491 (U1) discloses a cleaning system for inclined surfaces such as solar panels. A movable spray device sprays water or cleaning agent under pressure onto the surface to remove dirt. Brooms and cloths for additional cleaning and drying can be integrated. The system is easy to retrofit and prevents limescale stains.

[0004] DE202007006874 (U1) describes a conservatory awning with integrated glass cleaning. Squeegees and nozzles spray water onto the glass surfaces to remove dirt. The cleaning device is integrated into the awning system and can be controlled manually or automatically. This reduces the need for manual cleaning.

[0005] EP1927705 (A1) discloses an awning with an integrated cooling spray system. Spray nozzles in the frame distribute a fine mist that lowers the temperature under the awning. The system is aesthetically pleasing and retrofittable, with adjustable nozzles. Fans can be optionally integrated for improved mist distribution.

[0006] EP3626905 (A1) deals with an automated cleaning system for glass roofs, especially for conservatories. The modular design includes cleaning nozzles integrated into the support profiles. The system enables multi-stage cleaning, controlled by sensors, and is easy to install and maintain. All components are protected against environmental influences.

[0007] DE202007006491 (U1) describes a cleaning system for solar cells with a movable spray device that sprays cleaning fluid under pressure. The system enables efficient cleaning through even distribution and can be used in combination with brooms and cloths.

[0008] EP3626905 (A1) describes an automated cleaning system for glass roofs, specifically for conservatories. It consists of modular cleaning units with adjustable cleaning nozzles that spray water or cleaning agents. The system is easy to install, requires minimal maintenance, and can be operated manually or automatically.

[0009] The present invention relates to such objects.

[0010] In the prior art, chain and toothed belt drives are used to move cleaning systems along the surface to be cleaned. These drives offer the advantage of precise movement and can handle high loads; however, over time they can exhibit wear such as stretching or abrasion, which can lead to inaccurate movement and increased maintenance. Difficulties in synchronizing the movement can also cause the system to tilt. Furthermore, these drives often require an energy chain, which is usually visible through the glass surface being cleaned and detracts from the cleaning system's appearance. Additionally, the prior art cleaning devices for glass fronts are often limited in their flexibility and efficiency. In particular, many of these devices cannot be operated independently.Furthermore, they are often not modularly expandable, which makes cleaning larger or more complex glass surfaces more difficult.

[0011] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a cleaning device for glass fronts that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art, works more efficiently, requires less maintenance and can be better adapted to the specific requirements of different glass fronts.

[0012] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims according to the invention. The dependent claims represent particularly preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0013] The invention relates to a cleaning device for glass surfaces, such as those of pergolas, glass roofs, or glass facades, comprising a central control unit with at least one stationary base station and a cleaning bar that can be moved along the glass surface relative to the base station. The cleaning bar includes a drive, a control unit, and a battery. The central control unit is preferably wirelessly connected to the control unit, or can be wirelessly connected, in order to drive the cleaning bar independently of the base station and to move it relative to the base station. The advantage of this design is that the cleaning bar can be used autonomously and flexibly.

[0014] In this configuration, at least one cleaning bar can include its own drive unit, decoupled from the base station. The advantage of this design is that the cleaning bar can be operated independently of the base station, significantly increasing its flexibility and range of applications. According to a particular embodiment, the cleaning bar is designed as a mobile, self-contained device that can be operated without a base station, further enhancing the flexibility and range of applications. This can be achieved by the central control unit being, or being capable of being, in communication with the control unit of the cleaning bar in order to drive it or its components.

[0015] Preferably, the base station is designed to be fixed relative to the glass front and functions as a loading or filling station for the cleaning bar as well as a pre-washing device for the glass front, for example using water. This allows for efficient pre-treatment of the glass surfaces before the actual cleaning process begins.

[0016] Advantageously, the cleaning bar comprises a conveying element, such as a pump, a cleaning tank, and at least one cleaning nozzle for applying the cleaning medium to the glass front. The at least one cleaning nozzle is connected to the cleaning tank of the cleaning bar via the conveying element or can be brought into such a connection. The cleaning tank includes a filling unit for filling it with cleaning medium from the base station. The filling unit of the cleaning bar can be detachably connected to a correspondingly configured filling unit of the base station to fill the cleaning tank with cleaning medium via the base station. Preferably, the conveying element for selectively applying cleaning medium to the glass front is in communication with the control unit of the cleaning head to actuate it.

[0017] Preferably, the cleaning bar and / or the base station are powered by solar cells and batteries, thus enabling an environmentally friendly and independent energy supply. These can be mounted on the cleaning bar or the base station itself.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, at least one cleaning nozzle is adjustable and can be moved by actuators or other mechanical components, which allows for precise and effective application of the cleaning medium to the glass front.

[0019] The cleaning tank is advantageously heated and / or designed to hold cleaning agents such as de-icing agents, in order to ensure efficient cleaning even at low temperatures.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the cleaning head comprises electrical contacts that are at least indirectly electrically conductively connected to its battery, in order to be detachably connected to correspondingly designed contacts of the base station. This enables a simple and safe connection for the power supply.

[0021] Preferably, the base station includes a connection for a cleaning medium, such as water or a water mixture, which is either flow-conducting and connected to the filling unit of the base station or can be brought into such a flow-conducting connection in order to fill the cleaning tank with cleaning medium. Furthermore, the base station includes an electrical connection that can be optionally electrically connected via the contacts of the base station and the cleaning head in order to charge the battery of the cleaning bar as soon as the cleaning bar docks with the base station.

[0022] In a particular embodiment, the drive of the cleaning bar can be coupled to at least one drive wheel, wherein the drive wheels run on cables, guide rails, or directly on the surface of the glass front. The at least one drive wheel or the cleaning bar is designed such that it can be selectively attached to the surface of the glass front by means of negative pressure or electrostatic suction.

[0023] Preferably, the drive system of the cleaning bar comprises at least one electric motor for driving the at least one drive wheel. Preferably, the cleaning bar has a drive wheel driven by a separate motor at each of its two ends.

[0024] Advantageously, the cleaning bar comprises a brush and a squeegee arranged parallel to each other at a distance. The brush and the squeegee are mounted on a rocker arm, allowing them to be pivoted either towards or away from the glass front. Preferably, an actuator is provided, which is connected or connectable to the control unit of the cleaning bar, to pivot either the squeegee or the brush towards or away from the glass front.

[0025] In a particular embodiment, the brush is designed as a brush rotatable about its axis of rotation and rotates relative to the rocker. Preferably, the brush has bristles arranged spirally around the axis of rotation, which enables a particularly effective cleaning action.

[0026] Preferably, the cleaning bar includes additional brushes designed to reach the lateral edges of the glass front. The brushes can be segmented to extend the cleaning device according to a specific grid pattern.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment, the cleaning head and / or the base station comprises at least one of the following sensors: sensors for detecting the upper and lower end stops, the weather, such as precipitation, in particular rain or snow, the tank level of the cleaning tank and the water flow from the cleaning nozzles.

[0028] It is advantageous if the central control unit or the respective control unit of the respective cleaning bar is connected or connectable to an external control, such as a smart home system, an app or a remote control, which preferably provides various cleaning programs, statistics and maintenance information.

[0029] In a particular embodiment, when multiple base stations or cleaning bars with their respective control units are provided, the central control unit operates according to a master-slave principle. At least one master hub and a plurality of slaves are provided, with the master hub being the central control unit and the slaves being the base stations or cleaning bars equipped with a wireless communication interface. This enables communication with the slaves via protocols such as WLAN, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, or Matter.

[0030] Preferably, communication between the master hubs and the slaves is bidirectional, with control commands being sent and status and feedback data being received.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment, each slave and each cleaning bar is provided with a unique network address, which is used by the master hubs for identification and targeted communication.

[0032] The master hubs advantageously arrange the slaves in a star, tree or mesh topology to create a flexible and expandable network structure.

[0033] According to a particular embodiment, in a mesh topology each slave can act as a repeater for other slaves to increase the range and reliability of the communication.

[0034] Preferably, the master hubs are equipped with a synchronization module, which ensures that all slaves receive synchronized control commands.

[0035] In a particular embodiment, synchronization is achieved through time-aligned signals that are sent periodically or as needed by the master hubs.

[0036] Advantageously, the master hubs monitor the charge level of the batteries in the slaves or the cleaning bars and optimize charging strategies to ensure uninterrupted operation.

[0037] According to a particular embodiment, in the event of a critical battery level of a slave, the master hubs send automatic instructions to reduce energy consumption or put the unit into standby mode.

[0038] Preferably, the master hubs are equipped with a diagnostic module that detects communication and functional errors in the slaves and uses alternative communication routes to maintain the connection.

[0039] In a particular embodiment, the master hubs send warnings of mechanical or functional errors to a central monitoring software or a mobile app, which notifies the user and suggests possible solutions.

[0040] The master hubs advantageously support a modular expansion, allowing new slaves or cleaning bars to be integrated into the existing system without extensive reconfiguration.

[0041] According to a particular embodiment, each new slave or cleaning bar is automatically detected by the master hubs, assigned an address, and integrated into the existing communication network.

[0042] In a particular embodiment, the nozzle inclination of the at least one cleaning nozzle of the cleaning bar is adjustable, with additional nozzles preferably being directed towards the brush or mounted on the brush. This allows for a more precise and effective application of the cleaning medium, especially at different angles of inclination of the glass front.

[0043] The cleaning bar is advantageously equipped with a snowplow that acts as a scraper. The snowplow can be attached to the rocker arm, for example, to remove snow from the glass front or to de-ice it. This design allows for efficient cleaning of the glass front even during snowfall or ice formation, and also helps to reduce the snow load, thus relieving the additional weight caused by the snow or ice on the glass front.

[0044] Preferably, two additional motors are provided on the left and right of the cleaning bar to drive the brush, which ensures even and powerful cleaning of the glass front.

[0045] In a particular embodiment, two linear motors (also called magnetic actuators) are provided to actuate the rocker arm on the left and right sides of the cleaning bar. This allows for flexible adjustment of the cleaning tools to respond to different levels of soiling and glass front shapes.

[0046] In addition to the cleaning bar's cleaning tank, a wastewater tank with a suction device for collecting the cleaning medium dispensed through the at least one cleaning nozzle is also advantageously provided. This design enables environmentally friendly collection, recovery, or even reuse of the cleaning medium, which reduces operating costs and increases the sustainability of the system.

[0047] The advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and the figures.

[0048] It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a cleaning device according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 a spatial view of the cleaning device made of Fig. 1 according to one possible embodiment; Fig. 3 a partially cutaway detail view of the cleaning bar of the cleaning device according to another embodiment.

[0049] In Fig. 1 Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a cleaning device for glass fronts, as used in pergolas, glass roofs or glass facades.

[0050] The device comprises a stationary base station 1, which is permanently mounted to the glass front 2. A cleaning bar 3, driven by a motor 4, moves along this glass front 2 relative to it. The cleaning bar 3 also includes a battery 5 and a control unit 7. The battery 5 is electrically connected to electrical contacts 6 so that it can be detachably connected to correspondingly configured contacts 14 of the base station 1. The base station 1 can include an electrical connection 15, which can be connected to a voltage source (see the diagram) to supply voltage and charge the battery 5. For this purpose, the electrical connection 15 can be selectively electrically connected via the electrical contacts 14 of the base station 1 to the electrical contacts 6 of the cleaning head 3 and thus to the battery 5.This occurs when cleaning bar 3 is in a docking position near base station 1. Elements 4, 5, 6, and 7 are connected to each other, for example, electrically, as shown by the dashed lines.

[0051] The control unit 7 is wirelessly connected to a central control unit 13, which coordinates the movements and operation of the cleaning bar 3. This wireless communication link can be established, for example, via a wireless communication interface based on radio technology or other protocols, as described above. This allows the cleaning bar 3 to operate independently, i.e., energy-independently of the base station 1. In other words, the cleaning bar 3 operates without a cable or other energy chain connecting to the base station 1. The advantage of this wireless connection is that the cleaning bar 3 can operate at a greater distance from the base station 1 without being bound to a physical connection. There is also no visible energy chain that would, for example, need to rest on the glass front 2.

[0052] The cleaning bar 3 is equipped with several features that enable it to perform its cleaning task. It has a pump 8 that delivers a cleaning medium from a cleaning tank 9 to one or more cleaning nozzles 10, of which only one is shown here. The cleaning nozzles 10 can, of course, extend along the entire length of the cleaning bar 3. Furthermore, elements 8, 9, and 10 are connected to each other in a flow-conducting manner (see the connection lines). The pump 8 thus delivers the cleaning medium from the cleaning tank 9 and supplies it to the cleaning nozzles 10. The latter apply the cleaning medium directly to the glass front 2, ensuring a precise and uniform distribution of the cleaning medium along the length of the cleaning bar 3.

[0053] The cleaning tank 9 can be filled with cleaning medium from the base station 1 via a filling unit 11. The base station 3 has a connection 12, such as a water connection, which is flow-conducting and connected to the filling unit 11 of the base station 1. This allows the cleaning medium to flow into the cleaning tank 9 via connection 12 and the filling unit 11 (indicated here by the arrow) as soon as the cleaning bar 3 is in its docking position in the base station 1. The advantage of this automated filling is that the cleaning process can be carried out without interruption, as the cleaning bar 3 does not need to be refilled manually.

[0054] The cleaning bar 3 has a drive wheel 17 at each of its two ends, which is characterized by the fact that the drive 4 can be coupled to drive the drive wheel 17 via an electric motor 16 (only one is shown here). Each drive wheel 17 can be assigned a separate motor 16, which can also be located in the area of ​​the end of the cleaning bar 3. The drive wheels 17 can, for example, run directly on the glass front.

[0055] How to view the partially cutaway representation of the Fig 3 The cleaning bar 3, on its underside facing the glass front 2, is equipped with a brush 18 and a squeegee 19, which extend substantially along the entire length of the cleaning bar 3 and substantially along the entire width of the glass front 2, respectively. The brush 18 and squeegee 19 run parallel to each other. Both are mounted on a rocker 20, which allows the brush 18 or the squeegee 19 to be pivoted either towards or away from the glass front 2, so that they come into contact with it or out of contact with it. An actuator connected to the control unit 7 of the cleaning bar 3 controls these pivoting movements.

[0056] Brush 18 can rotate around its own axis via a drive mechanism and is equipped with spirally arranged bristles that ensure particularly thorough cleaning of the glass surface of the glass front 2. The advantage of this configuration lies in the flexibility of the cleaning process: depending on the degree of soiling, either brush 18 can be used for scrubbing or the squeegee 19 for removing liquids, such as cleaning agents or larger debris. Furthermore, the rotation of brush 18 ensures deeper cleaning, while the rocker arm 20 allows for precise adjustment to the glass surface of the glass front 2.

[0057] In Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows one possible embodiment of the invention. The cleaning bar 3 starts its work at the base station 1. When docked to the base station 1, it is supplied with cleaning medium and electrical energy. After activation by the central control unit 7, the cleaning bar 3 travels along the glass front 2, here away from the base station 1, with the drive wheels 17 running either on cables, rails, or directly on the glass surface. Fig. 2These are ropes. During the movement of the cleaning bar 3, the cleaning medium is applied to the glass front 2 via the cleaning nozzles 10 by the pump 8. Simultaneously, the brush 18 can also rotate to remove dirt from the glass front 2. Subsequently, the squeegee 19 is pivoted towards the glass front 2, for example, via the rocker 20, so that the brush 19 is no longer in contact with the glass front 2, in order to remove excess water or cleaning fluid and leave a streak-free surface. The advantage of this combined cleaning process is that both stubborn dirt and excess liquid can be removed, which significantly increases efficiency. This cleaning process shown here can be carried out several times in succession in different sequences.

[0058] Once the cleaning process is complete, the cleaning bar 3 returns to base station 1, where the cleaning tank 9 is refilled and the battery 5 is recharged. Sensors on the cleaning bar 3 and base station 1 continuously monitor the fill level of the cleaning tank 9, the weather conditions, and the water flow from the nozzles 10. These sensors ensure that the cleaning process can be automatically adapted to environmental conditions and operating states. The advantage of this sensor integration lies in the automation and the prevention of disruptions in the cleaning process, as malfunctions can be detected and rectified early.

Claims

1. Cleaning device for glass fronts (2), such as those of pergolas, glass roofs or glass facades, comprising a central control unit (7), at least one stationary base station (1), a cleaning bar (3) movable relative to the base station (1) along the glass front (2), wherein the cleaning bar (3) comprises a drive, a control unit and a battery, wherein the central control unit is preferably wirelessly connected or connectable to the control unit in order to drive the cleaning bar (3) independently of the base station (1) and to move it relative to the base station (1).

2. Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatThe cleaning bar (3) comprises a conveying means, such as a pump, a cleaning tank and at least one cleaning nozzle for applying the cleaning medium to the glass front (2), wherein the at least one cleaning nozzle is in flow-conducting communication with the cleaning tank of the cleaning bar (3) via the conveying means or can be brought into such communication, and the cleaning tank comprises a filling unit for filling the cleaning tank with cleaning medium from the base station (1), wherein preferably the filling unit of the cleaning bar (3) is detachably connectable with a correspondingly oppositely designed filling unit of the base station (1) in order to fill the cleaning tank with the cleaning medium via the base station (1), wherein preferably the conveying means for selectively applying cleaning medium to the glass front (2) is in communication communication with the control unit of the cleaning head or can be brought into such communication in order to actuate it.

3. Cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the cleaning head includes electrical contacts which are at least indirectly electrically connected to its battery in order to be detachably connected to correspondingly oppositely designed contacts of the base station (1).

4. Cleaning device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that the base station (1) includes a connection for cleaning medium, such as water or a water mixture, which is connected to the filling unit of the base station (1) in a flow-conducting manner or can be brought into such a flow-conducting connection in order to fill the cleaning tank with cleaning medium and / or the base station (1) includes an electrical connection which can be optionally electrically connected via the contacts of the base station (1) and the cleaning head in order to charge the battery of the cleaning bar (3).

5. Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact thatthe drive can be coupled to at least one drive wheel of the cleaning bar (3), wherein the drive wheels run on ropes, guide rails or directly on the surface of the glass front (2).

6. Cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the drive of the cleaning bar (3) comprises at least one electric motor for driving the at least one drive wheel, wherein preferably the cleaning bar (3) has a drive wheel driven by a respective motor in the region of its two ends.

7. Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact thatThe cleaning bar (3) comprises a brush and a squeegee, wherein preferably the brush and the squeegee are arranged parallel to each other at a distance from each other, wherein preferably the brush and the squeegee are arranged on a rocker so that they can be pivoted either towards the glass front (2) and away from it, wherein preferably an actuator is provided which is connected or connectable to the control unit of the cleaning bar (3) in order to pivot either the squeegee or the brush towards the glass front (2) or away from it.

8. Cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the brush is designed as a brush rotatable about its axis of rotation and rotates relative to the rocker, the brush preferably having bristles spiraling around the axis of rotation.

9. Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact thatthe cleaning head and / or the base station (1) shall include at least one of the following sensors: sensors for detecting the upper and lower end stops, the weather conditions such as precipitation, in particular rain or snow, the level of the cleaning tank and the water flow from the cleaning nozzles.

10. Pergola, glass roof or glass facade, comprising a glass front (2) and at least one cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein preferably several, in particular adjacent, base stations comprising a cleaning bar are provided, wherein the control units of the cleaning bars are controlled via the central control.

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