Device for cleaning surfaces

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a device for cleaning surfaces, in particular, the device including a guide mechanism that allows smooth movement over a surface. This guide mechanism also allows the distance between the cleaning mechanism and a treated surface and a support surface to be adjusted, so that a controlled position can be maintained during a cleaning process. The device for cleaning surfaces has advantages in cleaning surfaces that are part of structures and constructions with corners, and, mainly, for cleaning the waterline of a pond or swimming pool.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of international application number PCT / IB2025 / 054538 filed on Apr. 30, 2025, and further claims priority from Colombian application serial number NC 2024 / 0009994 filed on Jul. 25, 2024, which are both incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of surface cleaning equipment. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a cleaning device for a surface that enables consistent and efficient cleaning, the device including a guide that allows uniform movement along an edge associated with said surface.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Cleaning surfaces, both in domestic, commercial and industrial settings, presents several challenges due to the diversity of types of dirt and residues that accumulate. Residues such as dust, grease, oils, and organic and inorganic particles require different methods and products for their effective removal. Cleaning becomes more difficult when residues are particularly adhesive, such as grease and oil, which resist common cleaning products.

[0004] Another significant challenge in cleaning surfaces is the accessibility and geometry of the areas to be cleaned. Corners, edges, and uneven surfaces tend to accumulate more dirt and are difficult to reach with standard tools. Textured or embossed surfaces, such as rough tiles or stone walls, present an additional challenge, as dirt can become trapped in the uneven areas. Surface cleaning is a process that has traditionally been done manually, using brushes and sponges, which is an arduous and often ineffective process, while automatic devices must be specially designed to address these complexities.

[0005] Document CN112190203A discloses an exterior wall cleaning device for a building. The device has a support body containing a cleaning mechanism and cleaning rollers. The cleaning mechanism includes a motor connected to a brush, said motor allowing the rotation of the brush so that, when in contact with a surface, it facilitates the removal of dirt by means of friction.

[0006] Similarly, MotorScrubber Ltd. describes on its website, www.motorscrubberclean.com / cleaning-machines / force, a cleaning device that has a brush configured to clean a surface by means of friction. The brush is connected to a rotating mechanism. This rotating mechanism is located inside a housing connected to a tubular support by means of a hinged joint. Additionally, the brush is located at the bottom of the device and is configured to allow the removal of dirt by friction.

[0007] While these types of devices facilitate surface cleaning through the action of a brush configured to remove dirt by friction, such devices are not designed to resist corrosion and degradation caused by constant exposure to moisture, water, and certain chemicals, and are therefore not optimal for environments such as surfaces of structures for containing liquids, such as tanks, ponds, or swimming pools.

[0008] In this regard, document WO2022073972A1 discloses a cleaning device with a rotating brush for scrubbing the walls of a swimming pool pond in order to remove algae and other materials adhering to said walls. In particular, the device disclosed in WO2022073972A1 has a body on which a rotating drive element, a connecting member, and a flexible cleaning disc are mounted.

[0009] However, despite the advantages of devices designed for cleaning liquid containment structures, maintaining specific areas, especially corners and waterlines, presents a significant challenge in the current prior art.

[0010] In particular, given that these surfaces are associated with an edge of the perimeter of these structures and are exposed to the action of the liquids contained therein, they are prone to constant accumulation of residues. This accumulation over a long period of time generates a chemical imbalance, forming visible lines and stains that are difficult to remove due to the geometry of the structure and the dynamics of the liquids.

[0011] There is therefore a need to develop cleaning tools or devices that facilitate the cleaning of surfaces, for example, which allow the distance of the device from a surface to be controlled, as well as allowing the device to be guided along an edge associated with the perimeter of said surface.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0012] The present disclosure relates to a device for cleaning surfaces, comprising a support structure and a cleaning mechanism arranged at one end of the support structure and configured to clean a surface.

[0013] In particular, the device for cleaning surfaces comprises a guide mechanism coupled to the support structure, said guide mechanism allowing the device to be moved parallel to a support surface, and being configured to maintain a distance between the cleaning mechanism and the surface being cleaned.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a device for cleaning surfaces comprising a support structure; a cleaning mechanism arranged at one end of the support structure; and a guide mechanism coupled to the support structure.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of a device for cleaning surfaces comprising a support structure; a cleaning mechanism arranged at one end of the support structure; a guide mechanism coupled to the support structure; a liquid supply system; a second adjustment element; a gripping element; a first adjustment element; an adapter; and a gripping structure.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of a device for cleaning surfaces comprising a support structure; a cleaning mechanism arranged at one end of the support structure, said cleaning mechanism including a rotating mechanism and a brush; a guide mechanism coupled to the support structure, said guide mechanism including a support bar, two displacement elements arranged at opposite ends of the support bar, and two rollers arranged on the support bar; a liquid supply system; a second adjustment element; a gripping element; a first adjustment element; a computing unit; and a power source.

[0017] FIG. 4 shows a detailed front view of a device for cleaning surfaces comprising a support structure; a cleaning mechanism arranged at one end of the support structure, said cleaning mechanism including a rotating mechanism and a brush; a guide mechanism coupled to the support structure by means of a third adjustment element, said guide mechanism including a support bar, two displacement elements arranged at opposite ends of the support bar, and two rollers arranged on the support bar and individually adjusted by means of a fourth adjustment element.

[0018] FIG. 5 shows a detailed isometric view of a device for cleaning surfaces comprising a support structure; a cleaning mechanism arranged at one end of the support structure, said cleaning mechanism including a rotating mechanism and a brush; a liquid supply system secured to the support structure by means of a second adjustment element; a guide mechanism coupled to the support structure by means of a third adjustment element, said guide mechanism including a support bar, two displacement elements arranged at opposite ends of the support bar and individually adjusted by means of a fastening element, and two rollers adjustably arranged in an adjustment system on the support bar by means of a fourth adjustment element; wherein the support mechanism rests on a support surface and the cleaning mechanism is in contact with a treated surface.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0019] The present disclosure relates to a device for cleaning surfaces. With reference to FIG. 1, said device comprises a support structure (1); a cleaning mechanism (2) arranged at one end of the support structure (1); and a guide mechanism (3) coupled to the support structure (1).

[0020] The cleaning mechanism (2) is configured to clean a treated surface (4) and may include a cleaning element selected from the group consisting of brushes, sponges, cloths, spatulas, vacuum cleaners, abrasives, polishers, pressure cleaning systems, ultrasonic cleaning systems, steam cleaning systems, laser cleaning systems, other cleaning systems known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, or a combination of the foregoing.

[0021] In turn, the guide mechanism (3) allows the device to be moved parallel to a support surface (5) and is configured to maintain a distance between the cleaning mechanism (2) and the treated surface (4).

[0022] For the purposes of this disclosure, a surface shall be understood to mean the outer layer or exterior part of an object, material, structure, or construction, which has a length and a width.

[0023] In particular, for the purposes of this disclosure, a treated surface (4) refers to a surface on which a cleaning procedure or a modification of its surface physical properties is performed (e.g., surface coatings, surface chemical treatments, thermal treatments, material removal processes, polishing processes, cleaning processes).

[0024] On the other hand, a support surface (5) refers to a surface connected or contiguous to the treated surface (4). Said support surface (5) may be different from the treated surface (4), but not necessarily.

[0025] In one non-illustrated example, the support surface (5) and the treated surface (4) may be coplanar surfaces; in other words, they may be two surfaces located on the same outer layer or the same exterior part of an object, material, structure, or construction.

[0026] In another non-illustrated example, the support surface (5) and the treated surface (4) are the same surface, wherein the surface area on which the cleaning procedure or the modification of surface physical properties is performed is the same area on which the guide mechanism (3) rests.

[0027] In another example, illustrated in FIG. 5, the support surface (5) may be positioned such that it forms an angle with the treated surface (4), so that a corner may be formed between the support surface (5) and the treated surface (4).

[0028] In another non-illustrated example, the support surface (5) may be parallel to the treated surface (4), such that a step may be formed between the support surface (5) and the treated surface (4).

[0029] Accordingly, the device for cleaning surfaces of the present disclosure allows the modification of the surface physical properties of the treated surface (4), for example, a cleaning process by means of the cleaning mechanism (2) arranged on the support structure (1).

[0030] By means of a guide mechanism (3), the device can be moved parallel to the support surface (5), which reduces the effort exerted by a user to move the device. Said effort is caused by the characteristics of the cleaning device, such as the weight of the device, and / or by characteristics of the surface, such as the roughness and the coefficient of friction of the treated surface (4) and / or the support surface (5).

[0031] Accordingly, the guide mechanism may be configured in such a way as to allow a distribution of the weight of the device, for example, by increasing the area that is in contact with the support surface (5), or it may include elements that allow reducing the effect of friction of said support surface (5), for example, by means of non-stick coatings or by the use of wheels or other displacement elements.

[0032] Additionally, the guide mechanism allows the device to follow a predictable and / or defined path determined by the support surface (5). For example, if said support surface (5) is flat, the device will move in a straight line.

[0033] The fact that the movement of the device, facilitated by the guide mechanism (3), is predictable, is useful for surfaces where the accumulation of residues forms continuous patterns. For example, the accumulation of residues may form a line parallel to the support surface (5).

[0034] In some constructions and structures, this type of residue accumulation, that is, where such residue accumulation forms a continuous pattern, predominates on surfaces that are difficult to access, such as corners and eaves. Likewise, this type of residue accumulation may occur in spaces where liquids accumulate, due to the buoyancy of certain particles and substances.

[0035] For example, in structures such as tanks or swimming pools, the inner walls tend to accumulate residues along the line where the water meets said inner walls; this line is known as the float line or waterline. At the waterline, oils, lotions, particles, microorganisms, organic residues, and other types of residues accumulate.

[0036] Such accumulation over a long period of time generates a chemical imbalance, which results in the formation of visible stains. In particular, said stains may be persistent stains, that is, stains that are difficult to remove, and they may be located in a position that makes their cleaning uncomfortable.

[0037] For example, in some swimming pools, the walls of the pool are surrounded by a flat surface, forming a closed edge, generally at ground level. To clean the waterline, a person would have to position themselves on said edge in order to bend down or enter the pool. Another way of cleaning said pool may be by using tools and devices that serve as an extension of a cleaning element, for example, a pole attached to a brush.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 3 and according to the present disclosure, the user may use the support structure (1) to handle the device. Said support structure (1) may, for example, function as an extension element.

[0039] Additionally, since the device includes the guide mechanism (3), a user may move the device by pushing the support structure (1); in this manner, the guide mechanism may slide over a support surface (5), for example, a cleaning device having a support structure (1) and a guide mechanism (3) may be moved along the edge of a swimming pool.

[0040] Accordingly, if the cleaning mechanism (2) is in proximity to or in contact with the treated surface (4), as the device is moved by the user, the cleaning mechanism (2) moves cooperatively with the support structure (1), thereby allowing the treated surface (4) to be cleaned.

[0041] According to the above, the support structure (1) can have a length, measured from the end where the cleaning mechanism (2) is located at an opposite end. Said length allows the reach of the device to be extended, so that the user may adopt an ergonomic position during the cleaning process. For example, when the support surface (5) is located at ground level, the support structure may have a length that allows the user to place the guide mechanism (3) in contact with said support surface (5) while maintaining such ergonomic position.

[0042] For the purposes of the present disclosure, an ergonomic position refers to a position that adapts to the human body in such a way as to minimize stress and strain on muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, thereby promoting a healthy posture and preventing injuries.

[0043] With reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the support structure (1) may have a shape comprising an elongated cross-section with at least two ends separated by a length, for example, similar to a tube; in other words, the support structure (1) may be an elongated element. This further allows the user to use their hands to grip the device.

[0044] Thus, the support structure (1) may include sections or have a shape selected from a bar, rod, profile, tube, tubular profile, any other shape known to a person of ordinary skill in the art that allows effective gripping, or a combination thereof.

[0045] Additionally, the support structure (1) may be formed from a material that provides structural strength to the device, that is, having mechanical properties that prevent said support structure (1) from collapsing, deforming, or fracturing, for example, due to the weight of the device or due to the forces exerted by the user during a surface cleaning process.

[0046] Accordingly, the support structure (1) may be made from a material selected from polymer, high-strength polymer, metal, coated metal, composite materials, resins, fibers, materials known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, or a combination thereof.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a gripping element (6) may further be arranged on the support structure (1). Such configuration allows the user to hold the device more securely, as compared to a device that does not include a gripping element (6) arranged on the support structure (1).

[0048] With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the gripping element (6) may be a handle, that is, it may be any element that can be grasped by hand; for example, it may be an element having a closed perimeter, wherein said perimeter has a width that allows a hand to close around it.

[0049] With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the gripping element (6) may be secured to the support structure (1) by means of a first adjustment element (7). Such configuration allows a user to modify the position of the gripping element (6) on the support structure (1).

[0050] The first adjustment element (7) may be selected from detachable fasteners, perforated adjustments, threaded adjustments, press-fit adjustments, magnetic fasteners, clips, clamps (e.g., screw clamps, spring clamps, ear clamps), pins, bolts, set screws (e.g., pressure screws, conical-tip screws), retaining rings (e.g., internal retaining rings, external retaining rings), wedge systems (e.g., simple wedges, adjustable wedge systems), collars, shaft collars (e.g., split collars, solid collars), lever locks (e.g., cam lever, spring lever), taper bushings (e.g., split taper bushings, solid taper bushings), expansion rings (e.g., internal expansion bushings, external expansion bushings), worm screw systems, fastening mechanisms known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, or a combination thereof.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 2, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, an adapter (8) may be secured to the support structure (1), on which a gripping structure (9) is arranged, such that said gripping structure (9) extends outwardly from the support structure (1). Such configuration allows the user to hold the device more securely, as compared to a device that does not include said gripping structure (9).

[0052] With reference to FIG. 2, the gripping structure may have a shape comprising an elongated cross-section. For example, the gripping structure (9) may be an elongated element. Accordingly, the gripping structure (9) may have a shape selected from a plate, bar, rod, profile, tube, tubular profile, any other shape known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, or a combination thereof.

[0053] The gripping structure (9) may be formed from a material having mechanical properties that prevent said gripping structure (9) from deforming or fracturing, for example, due to the forces exerted during a surface cleaning process.

[0054] Accordingly, the gripping structure (9) may be made from a material selected from polymer, high-strength polymer, metal, coated metal, composite materials, resins, fibers, materials known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, or a combination thereof.

[0055] With reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a liquid supply system (10) may be coupled to the support structure (1), such that said liquid supply system (10) is configured to contain a liquid, such as a chemical agent or a cleaning agent, and, during the cleaning process, to dispense said liquid for application onto the treated surface (4).

[0056] For example, said liquid supply system (10) may contain and dispense a solvent, wherein said solvent has a chemical cleaning action; for example, it may be designed to dissolve particles accumulated on the treated surface (4). Thus, the combined action of the solvent and the cleaning element (2) provides a combined effect of the chemical action and the action of the cleaning element (2).

[0057] The liquid supply system (10) may include an element to allow the delivery of liquid that is selected from gravity systems, pump systems (e.g. peristaltic pumps, diaphragm pumps, centrifugal pumps, gear pumps), air pressure systems (e.g. aerosols, air atomizers), injection systems, spray systems, recirculation systems, automatic dosing systems, suction systems, capillary systems, or liquid delivery systems known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0058] With reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid supply system (10) may be secured to the support structure (1) by means of a second adjustment element (11). Such configuration allows a user to modify the position of the liquid supply system (10) on the support structure (1).

[0059] The second adjustment element (11) is selected from detachable fasteners, perforated adjustments, threaded adjustments, press-fit adjustments, magnetic fasteners, clips, clamps (e.g., screw clamps, spring clamps, ear clamps), pins, bolts, set screws (e.g., pressure screws, conical-tip screws), retaining rings (e.g., internal retaining rings, external retaining rings), wedge systems (e.g., simple wedges, adjustable wedge systems), collars, shaft collars (e.g., split collars, solid collars), lever locks (e.g., cam lever, spring lever), taper bushings (e.g., split taper bushings, solid taper bushings), expansion rings (e.g., internal expansion bushings, external expansion bushings), worm screw systems, fastening mechanisms known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, or a combination thereof.

[0060] With reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning mechanism (2) is configured to clean the treated surface (4) by means of friction. Such configuration allows high cleaning efficiency through a simple mechanism, that is, it may require less maintenance as compared to other cleaning systems, for example, pressure, ultrasonic, steam systems, or laser systems.

[0061] With reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning mechanism (2) may include a rotating mechanism (12) and a brush (13) coupled to the rotating mechanism (12), wherein said brush (13) is configured to clean the treated surface (4) by the effect of friction.

[0062] The rotating mechanism (12) is designed to allow or facilitate the rotational movement of one part relative to another. Accordingly, said rotating mechanism (12) may be a mechanical system, for example, it may include a crank that allows a user to apply force in a direction of rotation; or it may be an electromechanical system connected to a power source (21), such as an electric motor.

[0063] The power source (21) is selected from the group consisting of photovoltaic cells, AC sources, DC sources, internal combustion engines, batteries, and other power sources known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0064] With reference to FIG. 3, the power source may be a battery, for example, a battery adapted to a portable backpack, wherein said backpack may be carried on the back of a user.

[0065] Accordingly, the rotating mechanism (12) is composed of elements that allow or facilitate the rotational movement of one part relative to another, said elements being selected from hubs, bearings, gears, chains, sprockets, belts, pulleys, shafts, flexible shafts, universal joints, cardan joints, gearboxes, motors, electric motors, elements known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and combinations thereof.

[0066] For its part, the brush (13) is configured to clean the treated surface (4) by friction, that is, it is an element for cleaning by friction and comprises a set of bristles, filaments, or fibers mounted on a base. Preferably, the brush (13) has a body adapted to perform cleaning by means of a rotational movement, for example, disc brushes or cylindrical brushes, wherein the bristles or filaments are made of a material selected from nylon, polyester, metal, natural fibers, any bristle or fiber material known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, or a combination thereof.

[0067] With reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning mechanism (2) may be arranged at one of the ends of the support structure (1), such that the axis of rotation of the rotating mechanism (12) is colinear with the ends of the support structure (1). This configuration simplifies the construction of the device, compared to a configuration wherein the axis of the rotating mechanism (12) is not collinear with the ends of the support structure (1).

[0068] With reference to FIG. 5, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning mechanism (2) comprises a rotating mechanism (12), which includes an electric motor; and a brush (13), which is a cylindrical brush having nylon bristles. The axis of the rotating mechanism (12) is arranged colinearly with the ends of the support structure (1). Such configuration allows the cleaning of a treated surface (4) by means of a rotational and frictional movement, wherein said surface is parallel to a direction vector formed by the ends of the support structure (1).

[0069] With reference to FIG. 3, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the device may include a computing unit (22). Accordingly, the rotating mechanism (12) can be connected to said computing unit (22), allowing, for example, automatic control of the rotation speed of the cleaning mechanism (2), which, in turn, allows control of the cleaning dynamics of the brush (13) on the treated surface (4).

[0070] Now, one of the main advantages of the present disclosure is that it allows the device to be moved over a support surface (5) thanks to the guide mechanism (3), which allows the cleaning mechanism (2) to be kept in a constant position relative to the support surface (5), for example, when the treated surface (4) is a vertical surface and the support surface (5) is a horizontal surface, it allows the cleaning mechanism (2) to be maintained at a constant vertical distance from the support surface (5).

[0071] With reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, said guide mechanism (3) can be secured to the support structure (1) by means of a third adjustment element (14), which allows a user to modify the position of the guide mechanism (3) on the support structure (1), so that the cleaning mechanism (2) can be arranged in different positions relative to the support surface (5).

[0072] With reference to FIG. 5, when, for example, the treated surface (4) is a vertical surface and the support surface (5) is a horizontal surface, the third adjustment element (14) allows the vertical distance of the cleaning mechanism (2) from the support surface (5) to be varied.

[0073] The third adjustment element (14) is selected from detachable fasteners, perforated adjustments, threaded adjustments, press-fit adjustments, magnetic fasteners, clips, clamps (e.g., screw clamps, spring clamps, ear clamps), pins, bolts, set screws (e.g., pressure screws, conical-tip screws), retaining rings (e.g., internal retaining rings, external retaining rings), wedge systems (e.g., simple wedges, adjustable wedge systems), collars, shaft collars (e.g., split collars, solid collars), lever locks (e.g., cam lever, spring lever), taper bushings (e.g., split taper bushings, solid taper bushings), expansion rings (e.g., internal expansion bushings, external expansion bushings), worm screw systems, fastening mechanisms known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, or a combination thereof.

[0074] With reference to FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the support surface (5) is a horizontal surface at ground level and the treated surface (4) is a vertical surface, for example, as at the edge of a swimming pool, the guide mechanism (3) may rest on the support surface (5) such that it supports the weight of the cleaning device and allows the device to slide by means of the guide mechanism (3) in a horizontal direction, parallel to the support surface (5).

[0075] With reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide mechanism (3) comprises a support bar (15), a displacement element (16) coupled to the support bar (15), and a roller (18) coupled to the support bar (15).

[0076] For example, the support bar (15) may be an element having at least two ends, wherein one of said ends is coupled to the support structure (1), while the other of said ends may be coupled to the displacement element (16).

[0077] In this regard, the displacement element (16) allows the device to be moved more easily from one place to another when the guide mechanism (3) is arranged on a support surface (5) and bears the weight of the cleaning device, as compared to a guide mechanism (3) that does not include said displacement element (16).

[0078] The displacement element (16) is selected from the group consisting of bearings, tires, radial tires, wheels, traction wheels, swivel wheels, omnidirectional wheels, spherical wheels, track systems, other displacement systems known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, or a combination thereof.

[0079] The fact that the guide mechanism (3) includes a displacement element (16) provides protection to the user, for example, by maintaining an ergonomic position with respect to the device and, in turn, allowing said device to slide more smoothly. This is possible because the support structure (1) receives most of the weight of the device and directs it toward the guide mechanism (3); therefore, by including a displacement element (16), it helps reduce the force that a user must apply to move the device, particularly when the user is cleaning a surface.

[0080] With reference to FIG. 5, the displacement element (16) may include a first axis perpendicular to the direction of movement, for example, when the displacement element rotates (e.g., when it is a wheel). Accordingly, said first axis may coincide with the direction of a fastening element (17) configured to support and allow the rotation of the displacement element (16).

[0081] The fastening element is selected from the group consisting of screws, bolts, studs, sleeves, and other fastening elements known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0082] Preferably, the displacement element (16) is arranged such that the first axis is parallel to the support surface (5), for example, such that the support structure (1) is perpendicular to the support surface (5). Accordingly, in a non-illustrated embodiment, it would be possible for the load distribution of the device to be directed entirely toward the first axis of the guide mechanism (3), such that the device would be in static equilibrium when resting on a horizontal surface.

[0083] With reference to FIG. 5, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide mechanism (3) may include more than one displacement element (16A, 16B), each having at least one axis on which a fastening element (17A, 17B) is arranged, for example, in a system with two wheels.

[0084] With reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, in relation to the previous embodiment, the support bar (15) may comprise three ends, wherein one of its ends is coupled to the support structure (1), and at the other ends each of the displacement elements (16A, 16B) is arranged.

[0085] With reference to FIG. 5, in operation, the axes of the displacement elements (16A, 16B) may be perpendicular to the direction of movement and parallel to the support surface (5). According to this configuration, when the device is moved by a user, the displacement elements (16A, 16B) define two contact points on the support surface (5), that is, they form a displacement vector on the support surface (5), which allows the device to be more stable during movement, as they help achieve alignment and weight distribution at said contact points.

[0086] In a non-illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure, a roller (18) is coupled to the support bar (15) of the guide mechanism (3). Said roller (18) has a perimeter that may be arranged so as to have at least one point of contact with the treated surface (4); that is, said roller (18) allows an additional point of contact for the device to be generated. By having more contact points, the device becomes more stable, since said contact points are directly related to a system's ability to maintain its position or trajectory despite external forces.

[0087] The roller (18) may be, for example, a cylindrical element formed from a material selected from the group consisting of polymers, high-strength polymers, metals, coated metals, composite materials, resins, fibers, materials known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, or a combination thereof.

[0088] With reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, the device may include two rollers (18A, 18B). Each roller (18A, 18B) may have a second axis parallel and equidistant to its outer surface; for example, said second axis may coincide with the direction of a fourth adjustment element (19A, 19B) configured to support the roller (18) and secure it to the support bar (15). Additionally, the second axis may form an angle with the first axis; for example, when said first and second axes are perpendicular, the outer surfaces of the displacement elements (16A, 16B) and of the rollers (18A, 18B) are perpendicular.

[0089] With reference to FIG. 5, the angle formed between the first and the second axes may coincide with the angle formed between the treated surface (4) and the support surface (5). For example, when said treated surface (4) and support surface (5) form a corner. The fact that said angle coincides with the angle formed between the treated surface (4) and the support surface (5) allows the device to have at least two support points distributed between the treated surface (4) and the support surface (5).

[0090] In this regard, the angle between the treated surface (4) and the support surface (5) may be an angle between 1° and 359°. In particular, when the treated surface (4) and the support surface (5) form an outer corner, said angle may be between 1° and 179°, between 45° and 135°, or may be 90°.

[0091] Additionally, the fact that the roller (18) is in contact with the treated surface (4) allows a constant distance to be maintained between the treated surface (4) and the cleaning mechanism (2). By maintaining said constant distance, the force exerted over the entire treated surface (4) is likewise constant, thereby making the cleaning process more efficient as compared to a cleaning device that does not include a guide mechanism (3) and a roller (18).

[0092] With reference to FIG. 5, the guide mechanism (3) comprises an adjustment system (20A, 20B) wherein the roller (18A, 18B) is adjusted by means of the fourth adjustment element (19A, 19B), thereby allowing the distance of the roller (18A, 18B) relative to the support structure (1) to be varied.

[0093] With reference to FIG. 5, the adjustment system (20A, 20B) may include, for example, a rail having a slot through which the fourth adjustment element (19A, 19B) can move. Such configuration allows a user to modify the position of the roller (18A, 18B) relative to the treated surface (4) and the guide mechanism (3). For example, when the treated surface (4) is a vertical surface and the support surface (5) is a horizontal surface, the adjustment system (20A, 20B) allows the horizontal distance of the roller (18A, 18B) relative to the treated surface (4) to be varied. In this manner, the device may be adapted for use with different types of cleaning mechanisms (2).

[0094] The adjustment system (20) is selected from detachable adjustments, perforated adjustments, press-fit adjustments, magnetic adjustments, pins, wedge systems (e.g., simple wedges, adjustable wedge systems), lever locks (e.g., cam lever, spring lever), worm screw systems, rails, adjustment systems known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, or a combination thereof.EXAMPLES

[0095] A device for cleaning surfaces was constructed in accordance with FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, with the following characteristics:

[0096] a support structure (1) formed by a tubular aluminum profile having a diameter of 25 mm and a wall thickness of 0.5 mm;

[0097] a cleaning mechanism (2) arranged at one end of the support structure (1), consisting of:

[0098] a rotating mechanism (12) including a 48 V DC motor connected to a computing unit (22) that includes a PWM-type speed controller, and a power source (21) consisting of a 48 V portable battery pack having a capacity of 12 Ah;

[0099] a brush (13) having a diameter of 110 mm with nylon bristles;

[0100] a guide mechanism (3) coupled to the support structure (1) by means of a third adjustment element (14) consisting of a screw clamp, the guide mechanism (3) consisting of:

[0101] a support bar (15) having a triangular shape with dimensions of 470 mm in width, 205 mm in height, and 10 mm in thickness;

[0102] two displacement elements (16A, 16B) couple to the ends of the support bar (15) and formed from a rubber-coated wheel with a diameter of 127 mm;

[0103] two PVC rollers (18A, 18B) coupled to the support bar (15) by means of an adjustment system (20A, 20B) consisting of a pressure rail coupled with the fourth adjustment element (19A, 19B).

[0104] With this configuration, the waterline of a swimming pool was successfully cleaned.

[0105] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, since, as will be evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art, there are possible variations and modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the disclosure, which is defined solely by the following claims.

Claims

1. A device for cleaning a treated surface (4), comprising:a support structure (1);a cleaning mechanism (2) arranged at one end of the support structure (1); anda guide mechanism (3) coupled to the support structure (1);wherein the cleaning mechanism (2) is configured to clean the treated surface (4) connected to a support surface (5);wherein the guide mechanism (3) allows the device to be moved parallel to the support surface (5) and is configured to maintain a distance between the cleaning mechanism (2) and the treated surface (4).

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the support structure (1) is selected from tubular, profile, or tubular profile.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a gripping element (6) arranged on the support structure (1).

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the gripping element (6) is secured to the support structure (1) by means of a first adjustment element (7) and wherein said first adjustment element (7) allows the position of the gripping element (6) to be modified on the support structure (1).

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the support structure (1) has an adapter (8), in which a gripping structure (9) is arranged.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a liquid supply system (10) coupled to the support structure (1).

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the liquid supply system (10) is secured to the support structure (1) by means of a second adjustment element (11) and wherein said second adjustment element (11) allows modification of the position of the liquid supply system (10) on the support structure (1).

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning mechanism (2) includes:a rotating mechanism (12); anda brush (13) coupled to the rotating mechanism (12);wherein the brush (13) is configured to clean the treated surface (4) by effect of friction.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the rotating mechanism (12) comprises an electromechanical system connected to a power source (21).

10. The device of claim 9, further comprising a computing unit (22) connected to the rotating mechanism (12).

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the guide mechanism (3) is secured to the support structure (1) by means of a third adjustment element (14) and wherein said third adjustment element (14) allows modifying the position of the guide mechanism (3) on the support structure (1).

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the guide mechanism (3) is formed by:a support bar (15);a displacement element (16A, 16B) coupled with the support bar (15), said displacement element (16A, 16B) having a first axis perpendicular to the direction of displacement and parallel to the support surface (5); anda roller (18A, 18B) coupled to the support bar (15), said roller having a second axis that forms an angle with the first axis of the displacement element (16A, 16B) and is parallel to the treated surface (4).

13. In the device of claim 12, the guide mechanism (3) comprises an adjustment system (20A, 20B), wherein the roller (18A, 18B) is adjusted by means of a fourth adjustment element (19A, 19B), and wherein said fourth adjustment element (20A, 20B) allows modification of a distance between the roller (18A, 18B) and the displacement element (16A, 16B).

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