Awning cleaning device

Abstract

A cleaning device for awnings, applicable for incorporation into an awning (2) consisting of a canvas (3) that rolls up around a winding axis (4) fixed to a wall (p) or ceiling, is characterized by comprising: - a guide (5), which is installed fixedly and parallel to the winding axis (4) of the canvas (3) of the awning (2), covering its entire length; - an elongated brush (6), which at one end of its longitudinal axis (6.1) is attached to a coupling support (7) inserted into the guide (5), allowing the longitudinal sliding of the brush (6) from one end of the guide (5) to the other and in contact with the surface of the upper face (a) of the canvas (3) of the awning (2); and - manual and / or automatic drive means to provide the movement of the brush (6) from one end of the guide (5) to the other.

Description

Awning cleaning device Object of the invention The invention, as stated in the present descriptive report, refers to a cleaning device for awnings that provides advantages and features, which are described in detail below. More specifically, the object of the invention focuses on a cleaning device that, based essentially on a mobile brush that slides along a guide, is specially designed for incorporation onto the retraction mechanism of an awning, particularly a roller awning, allowing the cleaning of the upper surface of the canvas or fabric of said awning in a practical and easy way, optionally automated, avoiding performing this task manually and the accumulation of dirt. Field of application of the invention The field of application of the present invention is framed within the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of sun protection systems, specifically covering the field of roller awnings, focusing particularly on the field of cleaning accessories for said awnings. Background of the invention As is well known, awnings, whether on private terraces and / or gardens or in commercial establishments, are difficult and tedious to clean, especially because they tend to quickly accumulate dirt on the upper surface of the awning fabric, this being the most difficult part to access, since when the awning is retracted it is hidden inside the roll formed around the axis and, when the awning is extended, it is on the upper part of it. Thus, normally, in order to properly clean the surface of the awning canvas or fabric, it is necessary to do so with it in an extended position and using ladders or other means that allow the user to climb up to access the top of the awning, as well as tools and brushes with long handles, for example, based on telescopic or extendable sections, that allow reaching the entire surface of the awning. The problem, besides the fact that not everyone is able to perform such operations, may be that there is not enough space next to the awning to safely place the ladder, since awnings are very often installed on terraces or other small locations and on high floors, so climbing a ladder can pose a high risk of falling or having an accident. Furthermore, another problem with cleaning awnings is that, having to use long-handled brushes, it is not possible to apply enough force due to the dimensions of the handle, and in any case, they are difficult tools to handle, both for cleaning the sections close to the user's position and for cleaning the more distant sections. It is therefore evident that there is a need for a cleaning system that avoids these problems and allows any user to clean the awning at any time and without effort, regardless of its location. The objective of this invention is to develop an automated cleaning device specifically designed for this purpose. Furthermore, and with reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, at least as far as the applicant is concerned, there is no knowledge of any other cleaning device for awnings, nor any other invention of similar application, that presents technical, structural and constitutive characteristics equal or similar to those presented by the one claimed herein. Explanation of the invention The awning cleaning device proposed by the invention is configured as an ideal solution to the objectives mentioned above, while also representing an improvement over the current state of the art, with the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish it being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description. Specifically, what the invention proposes, as previously mentioned, is a cleaning device that, based essentially on a mobile brush that slides along a guide, is specially designed for incorporation onto the retraction mechanism of an awning, particularly a roller awning, allowing the cleaning of the upper surface of the canvas or fabric of said awning in a fully automated manner. To that end, and more specifically, the device of the invention comprises at least the following elements: - A guide rail, which is permanently installed on the awning's retraction mechanism, preferably a short distance away on the same wall (for wall-mounted awnings) or on the ceiling (for ceiling-mounted awnings), positioned parallel to the awning fabric's winding axis and spanning its entire length. Ideally, the guide rail is metallic and consists of a U-shaped profile or two parallel profiles. - An elongated brush, one end of which is attached to a bracket inserted into the horizontal guide, allowing the brush to slide longitudinally from one end of the guide to the other. In at least one operating position, the brush bristles are in contact with the upper surface of the awning fabric. Preferably, the bracket is articulated, allowing the brush to be positioned between a retracted, resting position (with its axial axis parallel to the awning's roller axis) and an extended, operating position (with its axial axis perpendicular to the awning's roller axis). Furthermore, the bracket is also preferably articulated to adjust the brush's axis angle to match the awning's angle, ensuring good contact with its surface. - And drive mechanisms to move the brush from one end of the guide to the other. While these mechanisms can be manually operated, for example, by means of a handle that the user holds to move the brush from the underside of the awning, they are preferably automated, using a small electric motor activated by a switch. Ideally, if automated, the device should have sensors at the ends of the guide to limit the lateral movement of the brush holder and prevent it from colliding with the end or coming off the guide. These sensors can also stop or block the brush's movement if any object obstructs the guide. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device also comprises means for performing wet cleaning, with water or with soap and water, so that, in addition to brushing to dry remove dust and / or solid particles accumulated on the surface of the awning, water and / or more effective cleaning products can be applied to remove dirt from the canvas or cloth. For this purpose, preferably, the brush includes on its longitudinal axis one or more spray outlets that connect with a flexible hose which, at its other end, is attached to a water inlet, which either consists of a tap or water outlet already provided in the structure of the building where the awning is located or is connected to a tank expressly installed next to the awning for this purpose, preferably at some point easily accessible to the user, allowing it to be filled with water or detergent. With all this, cleaning the awning is convenient, quick, and simple. First, partially extend the awning and position the brush in the extended position. Then, move the brush, either manually using the handle or by operating the motor, from one end of the guide to the other. The bristles will scrub the surface of the upper part of the fabric, removing dirt. Repeat the process, extending the awning fabric section by section until the brush has been used on the entire length. This operation can be repeated with or without water or detergent, and as many times as desired, without any effort from the user and without having to climb ladders or use manual scrubbing brushes. Description of the drawings To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the device of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by sheets of drawings, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: Figure number 1.- Shows a schematic perspective view of the representation of a roller awning, represented with the canvas in the extended position, which includes an example of the implementation of the cleaning device that is the object of the invention, showing the main parts and elements that it comprises, as well as their arrangement, having been represented with the brush in the retracted and extended position at one end of the awning. Figure number 2 shows a perspective view similar to the previous one, in this case with the device brush represented in different positions of use. Figure number 3 shows a schematic side section view of an example of the device with manual brush drive via a grip handle, showing its arrangement between the awning axis and the wall. And figure number 4.- Shows a schematic front elevation view of the representation of the automatic drive means of the device, in this case represented without the awning. Preferred embodiment of the invention In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, one can appreciate in them an example of a non-limiting embodiment of the awning cleaning device of the invention, which comprises what is indicated in detail below. Thus, as can be seen in the figures, the device (1) of the invention, applicable for incorporation into an awning (2) of those formed by a canvas (3) that rolls up around a winding axis (4) fixed to a wall (p) or ceiling, basically comprises the following: - A guide (5), which is installed in a fixed and parallel manner on the winding axis (4) of the canvas (3) of the awning (2), covering the entire extension of the same. - An elongated brush (6), which at one end of its longitudinal axis (6.1) is attached to a coupling support (7) that is inserted in the guide (5), allowing the longitudinal sliding of the brush (6) from one end to the other of the guide (5) and in contact with the surface of the upper face (a) of the canvas (3) of the awning (2). - And manual and / or automatic drive means to provide the aforementioned movement of the brush (6) from one end to the other of the guide (5). Preferably, the manual drive means for moving the brush (6) along the guide (5) comprise a handle (8) with a hook (8.1) at an upper end that is inserted, preferably removable, into the brush coupling support (7), having at its opposite end a grip (8.2) so that the user can handle it and push from below the support (7) together with the brush (6) from one end of the guide (5) to the other, said handle (8) being incorporated between the winding shaft (4) of the canvas (3) of the awning (2) and the wall (p) in which it is installed, as shown in the example in figure 3. Preferably, the automatic drive means for moving the brush (6) along the guide (5) comprise a motor (9) coupled to one end of the guide (5), a mechanical transmission (10) between the coupling support (7) and the motor (9), for example, a spindle inserted in the guide (5), a controller (11), a power supply (not shown), and a switch (12) that allows the user to control the movement of the brush (6) in either direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the device (1) also comprises one or more position sensors (13) at one or both ends of the guide (5) to determine the limit of travel of the support (7) and, optionally, to stop operation if an obstacle is encountered along the guide (5). In any case, preferably, the coupling support (7) to which the brush (6) is attached is an articulated piece which, as can be seen in figure 3, has at least a first articulation (7.1) which allows the brush (6) to be positioned between a retracted resting position, with its longitudinal axis (6.1) parallel to the winding axis (4) of the canvas (3) and an extended position of use with its longitudinal axis (6.1) perpendicular to the winding axis (4). Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the support (7) has a second joint (7.2) that allows the inclination of the longitudinal axis (6.1) of the brush (6) to be adjusted to adapt it to the inclination of the canvas (3) of the awning (2). And, preferably, the guide (5) is metallic and is made up of a U-shaped profile or two parallel profiles. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device (1) further comprises one or more liquid spray outlets (14) on the longitudinal axis (6.1) of the brush (6), which, in turn, is connected to a flexible hose (15) that, at its other end, is coupled to a water inlet (16), which may be part of the structure or building where the awning (2) is installed, or is connected to a refillable tank (17) that is installed next to the awning (2) to allow the application of water or water and detergent to the surface of the canvas (3) of the awning (2), at the same time as the brush (6) is used. Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages derived from it, it being noted that it may be put into practice in other embodiments that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, provided that the fundamental aspects are not modified.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for awnings, applicable for incorporation into an awning (2) consisting of a canvas (3) that rolls up around a winding axis (4) fixed to a wall (p) or ceiling, characterized by comprising: - a guide (5), which is installed fixedly and parallel to the winding axis (4) of the canvas (3) of the awning (2), spanning its entire length; - an elongated brush (6), which at one end of its longitudinal axis (6.1) is attached to a coupling support (7) inserted into the guide (5), allowing the longitudinal sliding of the brush (6) from one end of the guide (5) to the other and in contact with the surface of the upper face (a) of the canvas (3) of the awning (2); and - manual and / or automatic drive means for moving the brush (6) from one end of the guide (5) to the other. 2.A cleaning device for awnings, according to claim 1, characterized in that the manual drive means for moving the brush (6) along the guide (5) comprise a handle (8) with a hook (8.1) at an upper end that is inserted into the brush coupling bracket (7), and having a grip (8.2) at its opposite end, said handle (8) being incorporated between the winding shaft (4) of the awning fabric (3) (2) and the wall (p) on which it is installed.

3. A cleaning device for awnings, according to claim 2, characterized in that the hook (8.1) of the handle (8) is removable from the bracket (7). 4.A cleaning device for awnings, according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the automatic drive means for moving the brush (6) along the guide (5) comprise a motor (9) coupled to one end of the guide (5), a mechanical transmission (10) between the coupling support (7) and the motor (9), a controller (11), a power supply, and a switch (12).

5. A cleaning device for awnings, according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises one or more position sensors (13) at one or both ends of the guide (5).

6. A cleaning device for awnings, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling support (7) to which the brush (6) is attached is an articulated piece with at least a first articulation (71) that allows the brush (6) to be positioned between a retracted rest position and its longitudinal axis (6).1) parallel to the winding axis (4) of the fabric (3) and an extended operating position with its longitudinal axis (6.1) perpendicular to the winding axis (4).

7. Awning cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that the coupling support (7) has a second joint (7.2) that allows the inclination of the longitudinal axis (6.1) of the brush (6) to be adjusted to adapt it to the inclination of the fabric (3) of the awning (2).

8. Awning cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide (5) is metallic and is formed by a U-shaped profile or by two parallel profiles.

9. Awning cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises one or more liquid spray outlets (14) on the longitudinal axis (6.1) of the brush (6), which, in turn, is connected to a flexible hose (15) that, at its other end, is coupled to a water inlet (16).

10. Awning cleaning device, according to claim 9, characterized in that the water inlet (16) is connected to a refillable tank (17) that is installed next to the awning (2).