Device for cleaning surfaces
The surface cleaning device with a guide mechanism and support structure addresses the challenge of cleaning hard-to-reach areas by enabling efficient, ergonomic cleaning of stubborn residues through parallel movement and consistent distance maintenance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/IB2025/054538
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing surface cleaning devices struggle to efficiently clean hard-to-reach areas, such as corners and waterlines in liquid containment structures, due to the accumulation of stubborn residues and the challenges of maintaining a consistent distance and guiding the device along edges.
A surface cleaning device with a support structure and a guide mechanism that allows parallel movement along a surface, maintaining a consistent distance from the treated surface, equipped with a cleaning mechanism that can include brushes or sponges, and a liquid delivery system for enhanced cleaning efficiency.
The device facilitates efficient cleaning of hard-to-reach areas by reducing user effort and maintaining a predictable cleaning path, effectively removing stubborn residues while allowing ergonomic positioning and minimizing strain.
Smart Images

Figure IB2025054538_29012026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DEVICE FOR CLEANING SURFACE
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] This disclosure relates to the technical field of surface cleaning equipment. Specifically, this disclosure refers to a surface cleaning device that facilitates consistent and efficient cleaning, where the device has a guide that allows for uniform movement along an edge associated with said surface.
[0004] DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART
[0005] Cleaning surfaces, whether in homes, businesses, or industrial settings, presents several challenges due to the diverse types of dirt and residue that accumulate. Residues such as dust, grease, oils, and organic and inorganic particles require different methods and products for effective removal. The difficulty of cleaning increases when the residues are particularly stubborn, such as grease and oil, which resist common cleaning products.
[0006] Another significant challenge in surface cleaning is the accessibility and geometry of the areas to be cleaned. Corners, edges, and irregular surfaces tend to accumulate more dirt and are difficult to reach with standard tools. Textured or uneven surfaces, such as rough tiles or stone walls, present an additional challenge, as dirt can become trapped in the irregularities. Surface cleaning has traditionally been done manually using brushes and sponges, which is a laborious and often inefficient process, while automated devices must be specially designed to address these complexities.
[0007] Document CN112190203A discloses an exterior wall cleaning device for a building. The device comprises a support body housing a cleaning mechanism and cleaning rollers. The cleaning mechanism includes a motor connected to a brush. This motor rotates the brush, which, when in contact with a surface, facilitates the removal of dirt through friction.
[0008] Similarly, MotorScrubber Ltd. describes on its website https: / / www.motorscrubberclean.com / cleaning-machines / force a cleaning device that features a brush configured to clean a surface by friction. The brush is connected to a rotating mechanism. This rotating mechanism is housed inside a casing connected to a tubular support by a hinged joint. Additionally, the brush is located at the bottom of the device and is configured to remove dirt through friction.
[0009] While these types of devices facilitate the cleaning of surfaces through the action of a brush configured to remove dirt through friction, these devices are not designed to resist corrosion and degradation caused by constant exposure to moisture, water, and certain chemicals, and therefore are not optimal for environments such as surfaces of structures for containing liquids, such as tanks, ponds, or swimming pools.
[0010] In this regard, WO2022073972A1 discloses a cleaning device with a rotating brush for scrubbing the walls of a swimming pool to remove algae and other materials adhering to those walls. Specifically, the device disclosed in WO2022073972A1 comprises a body in which a rotating drive element, a connecting member, and a flexible cleaning disc are mounted.
[0011] However, despite the advantages of devices designed for cleaning liquid containment structures, the maintenance of specific areas, especially corners and waterlines, presents a significant challenge in the current state of the art.
[0012] In particular, given that these surfaces are associated with the perimeter edge of these structures and are exposed to the action of the contained liquids, they are prone to the constant accumulation of residue. 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.
[0013] There is therefore a need to develop cleaning tools or devices that facilitate the cleaning of surfaces, for example, that allow control of the distance of the device to a surface, as well as allowing the device to be guided along an edge associated with the perimeter of said surface.
[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0015] This disclosure relates to a surface cleaning device, comprising a support structure and a cleaning mechanism disposed on one end of the support structure configured to clean a surface.
[0016] In particular, the surface cleaning device comprises a guide mechanism coupled with the support structure; this guide mechanism allows the device to be moved parallel to a support surface, and is configured to maintain a distance between the cleaning mechanism and the surface being cleaned.
[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0018] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a surface cleaning device, comprising a support structure; a cleaning mechanism disposed on one end of the support structure; and a guide mechanism coupled with the support structure.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of a surface cleaning device, comprising a support structure; a cleaning mechanism disposed on one end of the support structure; a guide mechanism coupled with the support structure; a liquid supply system; a second adjustment element; a gripping element; a first adjustment element; an adapter; and a gripping structure.Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a surface cleaning device, comprising a support structure; a cleaning mechanism disposed on one end of the support structure, said cleaning mechanism with a rotary mechanism and a brush; a guide mechanism coupled with the support structure, said guide mechanism with a support bar, two displacement elements disposed at opposite ends of the support bar, two rollers disposed 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.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows a detailed front view of a surface cleaning device, comprising a support structure; a cleaning mechanism disposed on one end of the support structure, said cleaning mechanism with a rotary mechanism and a brush; a guide mechanism coupled to the support structure by means of a third adjusting element, said guide mechanism with a support bar, two displacement elements disposed at opposite ends of the support bar, two rollers disposed on the support bar and individually adjusted by means of a fourth adjusting element.
[0021] Figure 5 shows a detailed isometric view of a surface cleaning device, comprising a support structure; a cleaning mechanism disposed on one end of the support structure, said cleaning mechanism having a rotating mechanism and a brush; a liquid supply system attached to the support structure by means of a second adjusting element; a guide mechanism coupled to the support structure by means of a third adjusting element, said guide mechanism having a support bar, two displacement elements disposed at opposite ends of the support bar and individually adjusted by means of a fixing element, two rollers arranged and adjusted in an adjusting system on the support bar by means of a fourth adjusting element; wherein the support mechanism rests on a support surface and the cleaning mechanism is in contact with a treated surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] This disclosure relates to a surface cleaning device. Referring to FIG. 1, the device comprises a support structure (1); a cleaning mechanism (2) disposed on one end of the support structure (1); and a guide mechanism (3) coupled with the support structure (1).
[0023] 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 moderately versed in the subject, or a combination of the above.
[0024] For its part, 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).
[0025] For the purposes of this disclosure, a surface shall be understood as the outer layer or exterior part of an object, material, structure, or construction, which has a length and a width.
[0026] In particular, for the purposes of this disclosure, a treated surface (4) refers to a surface on which a cleaning procedure or modification of its surface physical properties is carried out (e.g., surface coatings, chemical surface treatments, heat treatments, material removal processes, polishing processes, cleaning processes).
[0027] On the other hand, a support surface (5) refers to a surface connected to or contiguous with the treated surface (4). This support surface (5) may be different from the treated surface (4), but is not necessarily so. In an unillustrated 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.
[0028] In another unillustrated example, the support surface (5) and the treated surface (4) are the same surface, where the surface area on which the cleaning procedure or modification of surface physical properties is carried out is the same as the area where the guide mechanism (3) is supported.
[0029] In another example, illustrated in FIG. 5, the support surface (5) can be positioned so that it forms an angle with the treated surface (4), so that a corner can be formed between the support surface (5) and the treated surface (4).
[0030] In another unillustrated example, the support surface (5) can be parallel to the treated surface (4), so that a step can be formed between the support surface (5) and the treated surface (4).
[0031] According to the above, the surface cleaning device 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 in the support structure (1).
[0032] By means of a guide mechanism (3), the device can be moved parallel to the support surface (5), thus reducing the effort required by the user to move the device. This effort is caused by the characteristics of the cleaning device, such as its weight, and / or by surface characteristics, such as the roughness and coefficient of friction of the treated surface (4) and / or the support surface (5).
[0033] 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 sliding elements.
[0034] Additionally, the guide mechanism allows the device to follow a predictable path and / or one defined by the support surface (5). For example, if the support surface (5) is flat, the device will move in a straight line.
[0035] The fact that the movement of the device, facilitated by the guide mechanism (3), is predictable is useful for surfaces where the accumulation of debris forms continuous patterns. For example, the accumulation of debris may form a line parallel to the support surface (5).
[0036] In some buildings and structures, this type of waste accumulation—where the waste forms a continuous pattern—is predominant on hard-to-reach surfaces, such as corners and overhangs. This type of waste accumulation can also occur in areas where liquids accumulate, due to the buoyancy of some particles and substances.
[0037] For example, in structures like ponds or swimming pools, the internal walls tend to accumulate residue at the waterline, where the water meets the walls. This line is known as the waterline. Oils, lotions, particles, microorganisms, organic matter, and other types of debris accumulate at the waterline.
[0038] This accumulation over a long period creates a chemical imbalance, leading to the formation of visible stains. These stains can be particularly stubborn, meaning they are difficult to remove, and they may be located in an inconvenient place for cleaning. For example, in some pools, the pool walls are surrounded by a flat surface, forming a closed edge, usually at ground level. To clean the waterline, a person would have to stand on this edge to bend down or enter the pool. Another way to clean such a pool is by using tools and devices that serve as an extension of a cleaning element, such as a hose attached to a brush.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 3 and in accordance with this disclosure, the user may use the support structure (1) to manipulate the device. This support structure (1) may, for example, serve as an extension element.
[0040] Additionally, thanks to the fact that the device has the guide mechanism (3), a user can move the device by pushing the support structure (1), in this way the guide mechanism can slide over a support surface (5), for example, a cleaning device with a support structure (1) and a guide mechanism (3) can be moved along the edge of a pool.
[0041] According to the above, 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), allowing the treated surface (4) to be cleaned.
[0042] Accordingly, the support structure (1) can have a length, measured from the end where the cleaning mechanism (2) is located to the opposite end. This length extends the reach of the device, allowing the user to adopt an ergonomic position during the cleaning process. For example, when the support surface (5) is at ground level, the support structure can be long enough to allow the user to place the guide mechanism (3) in contact with this support surface (5) and maintain this ergonomic position.
[0043] For the purposes of this disclosure, an ergonomic position refers to a position that adapts to the human body in a way that minimizes stress and strain on muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, thereby promoting a healthy posture and preventing injuries.
[0044] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the support structure (1) may have a form consisting of 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 also allows the user to grip the device with their hands.
[0045] Thus, the support structure (1) may include sections or have a shape selected from bar, rod, profile, tube, tubular profile, any other shape known to a person moderately versed in the subject that allows an effective grip, or a combination of the above.
[0046] Additionally, the support structure (1) may be made from a material that provides structural strength to the device, that is, that has mechanical properties that prevent said support structure (1) from collapsing, deforming, or fracturing, for example, due to the weight of the device or the forces exerted by the user during a surface cleaning process.
[0047] According to the above, the support structure (1) can be made from a material selected from polymer, high-strength polymer, metal, coated metal, composite materials, resins, fibers, materials known to a person moderately versed in the subject, or a combination of the above.
[0048] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a gripping element (6) may also be provided on the support structure (1). This configuration allows the user to hold the device more securely compared to a device without a gripping element (6) on the support structure (1). Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the gripping element (6) may be a handle, that is, any element that can be grasped by hand; for example, it may be an element with a closed perimeter, the width of which allows a hand to close around it.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the gripping element (6) can be secured to the support structure (1) by means of a first adjustment element (7). This configuration allows a user to modify the position of the gripping element (6) on the support structure (1).
[0050] The first fitting element (7) is selected from detachable fittings, drilled fittings, threaded fittings, press fittings, magnetic fittings, snaps, clamps (e.g., screw clamps, spring clamps, ear clamps), pins, bolts, set screws (e.g., pressure screws, taper-point 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 fasteners (e.g., cam lever, spring lever), cone bushings (e.g., split cone bushings, solid cone bushings), expansion rings (e.g., internal expansion bushings, external expansion bushings), worm gear systems, fittings known to a person moderately versed in the subject, or a combination of the above.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, an adapter (8) can be fitted to the support structure (1) where a gripping structure (9) is provided, such that said gripping structure (9) extends outward from the support structure (1). This configuration allows the user to hold the device more securely, compared to a device that does not have said gripping structure (9).
[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, the gripping structure can have a shape consisting of an elongated cross-section. For example, the gripping structure (9) can be an elongated element. Accordingly, the gripping structure (9) can have a shape selected from plate, bar, rod, profile, tube, tubular profile, any other shape known to a person with a reasonable knowledge of the subject, or a combination thereof.
[0053] The gripping structure (9) can be made from a material with mechanical properties that prevent the gripping structure (9) from deforming or fracturing, for example, due to forces exerted during a surface cleaning process.
[0054] According to the above, the grip structure (9) can be made from a material selected from polymer, high-strength polymer, metal, coated metal, composite materials, resins, fibers, materials known to a person moderately versed in the subject, or a combination of the above.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a liquid delivery system (10) can be attached to the support structure (1), such that said liquid delivery system (10) allows for the containment of a liquid, such as a chemical agent or a cleaning agent, and that, during the cleaning process, said liquid can be delivered for application to the treated surface (4).
[0056] For example, the liquid delivery system (10) may contain and deliver a solvent, where the 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 supply 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 supply systems known to a person moderately versed in the subject.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the liquid supply system (10) can be secured to the support structure (1) by means of a second adjusting element (11). This configuration allows a user to modify the position of the liquid supply system (10) on the support structure (1).
[0059] The second fitting element (11) is selected from detachable fittings, drilled fittings, threaded fittings, press fittings, magnetic fittings, snaps, clamps (e.g., screw clamps, spring clamps, ear clamps), pins, bolts, set screws (e.g., pressure screws, taper-point 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 fasteners (e.g., cam lever, spring lever), cone bushings (e.g., split cone bushings, solid cone bushings), expansion rings (e.g., internal expansion bushings, external expansion bushings), worm gear systems, fittings known to a person moderately versed in the subject, or a combination of the above.
[0060] Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the cleaning mechanism (2) is configured to clean the treated surface (4) by means of friction. This configuration allows for high cleaning efficiency through a simple mechanism, meaning that it may require less maintenance compared to other cleaning systems, such as pressure, ultrasound, steam, or laser systems.
[0061] Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 5, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the cleaning mechanism (2) may include a rotating mechanism (12) and a brush (13) coupled with the rotating mechanism (12), wherein the brush (13) is configured to clean the treated surface (4) by friction. The rotating mechanism (12) is designed to permit or facilitate the rotary movement of one part relative to another. Accordingly, the 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.
[0062] The energy source (21) is chosen from the group consisting of photovoltaic cells, AC sources, DC sources, internal combustion engines, batteries, and other energy sources known to a person moderately versed in the technique.
[0063] Referring to FIG.3, the power source can be a battery, for example, a battery adapted to a portable backpack, where said backpack can be carried on the back of a user.
[0064] According to the above, the rotating mechanism (12) is composed of elements that allow or facilitate the rotary movement of one part with respect to another, these elements are selected from bushings, bearings, gears, chains, pinions, belts, pulleys, shafts, flexible shafts, universal joints, cardan joints, gearboxes, motors, electric motors, elements known by a person moderately versed in the subject, and combinations of the above.
[0065] The brush (13) is configured to clean the treated surface (4) by friction; that is, it is a cleaning element for friction and comprises a set of bristles, filaments, or fibers mounted on a base. Preferably, the brush (13) has a body adapted for cleaning by means of a rotational movement, for example, disc brushes or cylindrical brushes, where the bristles or filaments are made of a material chosen from nylon, polyester, metal, natural fibers, any bristle or fiber material known to a person reasonably knowledgeable in the subject, or a combination thereof. Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG.5. According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the cleaning mechanism (2) may be arranged at one end of the support structure (1) such that the axis of rotation of the rotating mechanism (12) is collinear with the ends of the support structure (1). This configuration simplifies the construction of the device compared to a configuration where the axis of rotation of the rotating mechanism (12) is not collinear with the ends of the support structure (1).
[0066] Referring to FIG. 5, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, the cleaning mechanism (2) comprises a rotating mechanism (12), which includes an electric motor; and a brush (13), which is a cylindrical brush with nylon bristles. The axis of the rotating mechanism (12) is arranged collinearly to the ends of the support structure (1). This configuration allows the cleaning of a treated surface (4) by means of a rotating and frictional motion, where said surface is parallel to a direction vector formed by the ends of the support structure (1).
[0067] Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the device may include a computing unit (22). Accordingly, the rotating mechanism (12) may be connected to said computing unit (22), which allows, for example, automatic control of the rotational speed of the cleaning mechanism (2), which, in turn, allows control of the cleaning dynamics of the brush (13) on the treated surface (4).
[0068] Now, one of the main advantages of this disclosure is that it allows the device to be moved on a support surface (5) by means of the guide mechanism (3), thus maintaining the cleaning mechanism (2) in a constant position relative to the support surface (5). For example, when the treated surface (4) is vertical and the support surface (5) is horizontal, it allows the cleaning mechanism (2) to be maintained at a constant vertical distance from the support surface (5). Referring to Figures 4 and 5, this guide mechanism (3) can be secured to the support structure (1) by means of a third adjustment element (14), allowing a user to modify the position of the guide mechanism (3) on the support structure (1), so that the cleaning mechanism (2) can be positioned in different ways relative to the support surface (5).
[0069] Referring 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) to be varied with respect to the support surface (5).
[0070] The third fitting element (14) is selected from detachable fittings, drilled fittings, threaded fittings, press fittings, magnetic fittings, snaps, clamps (e.g., screw clamps, spring clamps, ear clamps), pins, bolts, set screws (e.g., pressure screws, taper-point 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 fasteners (e.g., cam lever, spring lever), cone bushings (e.g., split cone bushings, solid cone bushings), expansion rings (e.g., internal expansion bushings, external expansion bushings), worm gear systems, fittings known to a person moderately versed in the subject, or a combination of the above.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, where the support surface (5) is a horizontal surface at ground level and the treated surface (4) is a vertical surface, for example, as on the edge of a swimming pool, the guide mechanism (3) can rest on the support surface (5) so that it supports the weight of the cleaning device and allows the device to be slid by means of the guide mechanism (3) in a horizontal direction, parallel to the support surface (5).
[0072] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide mechanism (3) is made up of a support bar (15), a displacement element (16) coupled with the support bar (15), and a roller (18) coupled with the support bar (15).
[0073] For example, the support bar (15) can be an element with at least two ends, where one of these ends is coupled to the support structure (1), while the other of these ends can be coupled to the displacement element (16).
[0074] In relation to the above, the displacement element (16) allows the device to be moved from one place to another more easily when the guide mechanism (3) is arranged on a support surface (5) and receives the weight of the cleaning device, compared to a guide mechanism (3) that does not have such a displacement element (16).
[0075] 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 moderately versed in the subject, or a combination of the above.
[0076] The fact that the guide mechanism (3) has a sliding element (16) helps protect the user, for example, by maintaining an ergonomic position relative to the device and, in turn, allowing the device to glide more smoothly. This is possible because the support structure (1) receives most of the device's weight and directs it towards the guide mechanism (3). Therefore, the sliding element (16) helps reduce the force a user must apply when moving the device, especially when cleaning a surface.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 5, the displacement element (16) may have a first axis perpendicular to the direction of displacement, for example, when the displacement element rotates (e.g., a wheel). Accordingly, this first axis may coincide with the direction of a fixing element (17) configured to hold and allow the rotation of the displacement element (16).
[0078] The fastener is selected from the group consisting of screws, bolts, studs, sleeves, and other fasteners known to a person moderately versed in the subject.
[0079] Preferably, the displacement element (16) is arranged so that the first axis is parallel to the support surface (5), for example, so that the support structure (1) is perpendicular to the support surface (5). Accordingly, in an embodiment not illustrated, the load distribution of the device could be directed entirely towards the first axis of the guide mechanism (3), so that the device would be in static equilibrium when resting on a horizontal surface.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide mechanism (3) may have more than one displacement element (16A, 16B), each with at least one axis where a fixing element (17A, 17B) is arranged, for example, in a system with two wheels.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, in relation to the previous modality, the support bar (15) can comprise three ends, where 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.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 5, in operation, the axes of the displacement elements (16A, 16B) can be perpendicular to the direction of displacement and parallel to the support surface (5). According to this configuration, when the device is moved by a user, the displacement elements (16A, 16B) form two points of contact 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 displacement because they help to achieve alignment and weight distribution at these points of contact.
[0083] In an embodiment not illustrated in this disclosure, the roller (18) is coupled to the support bar (15) of the guide mechanism (3). This roller (18) has a perimeter that can be arranged so that it has at least one point of contact with the treated surface (4), thus creating a new point of contact for the device. Having more points of contact makes the device more stable, since these points of contact are directly related to a system's ability to maintain its position or trajectory despite external forces.
[0084] The roller (18) can be, for example, a cylindrical element made from a material selected from the group composed of polymers, high-strength polymers, metals, coated metals, composite materials, resins, fibers, materials known to a person moderately versed in the subject, or a combination of the above.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, the device may have two rollers (18A, 18B). Each roller (18A, 18B) may have a second axis parallel to and equidistant from its outer surface. For example, this second axis may coincide with the direction of a fourth adjusting 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 the first and second axes are perpendicular, the outer surfaces of the sliding element (16A, 16B) and the roller (18A, 18B) are perpendicular.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 5, the angle formed between the first and second axes can coincide with the angle formed between the treated surface (4) and the support surface (5). For example, when these treated surfaces (4) and support surface (5) form a corner. The fact that this 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). In relation to the above, the angle between the treated surface (4) and the support surface (5) can be an angle between I o and 359°, in particular, when the treated surface (4) and the supporting surface (5) form an outside corner, said angle may be between I o and 179°, between 45° and 135°, or it can be 90°.
[0087] 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 this constant distance, the force exerted on the entire treated surface (4) is also constant, making the cleaning process more efficient compared to a cleaning device that does not have a guide mechanism (3) and a roller (18).
[0088] Referring to FIG. 5, the guide mechanism (3) comprises an adjustment system (20A, 20B) where the roller (18A, 18B) is adjusted by means of the fourth adjustment element (19A, 19B), which allows the distance of the roller (18A, 18B) to be varied with respect to the support structure (1).
[0089] Referring to FIG. 5, the adjustment system (20A, 20B) may include, for example, a rail with a groove along which the fourth adjustment element (19A, 19B) can be moved. This 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 vertical and the support surface (5) is horizontal, the adjustment system (20A, 20B) allows the horizontal distance of the roller (18A, 18B) from the treated surface (4) to be varied. In this way, the device can be adapted for use with different types of cleaning mechanisms (2).
[0090] The adjustment system (20) is selected from removable adjustments, drilled adjustments, press adjustments, magnetic adjustments, pins, wedge systems (e.g., simple wedges, adjustable wedge systems), lever closures (e.g., cam lever, spring lever), worm gear systems, rails, adjustment systems known to a person moderately knowledgeable in the subject, or a combination of the above.
[0091] Examples
[0092] A surface cleaning device was constructed according to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, with the following characteristics: a support structure (1) consisting of a tubular aluminum profile 25mm in diameter and 0.5mm thick; a cleaning mechanism (2) arranged on one end of the support structure (1) consisting of: a rotating mechanism (12) with a 48V DC motor connected to a computing unit (22) including a PWM speed controller, and a power source (21) consisting of a 48V portable battery pack with a capacity of 12 Ah; a 110mm diameter brush (13) with nylon bristles; 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: a triangular support bar (15) with dimensions of 470mm wide, 205mm high, and 10mm thick;two displacement elements (16A, 16B) coupled to the ends of the support bar (15) and formed from a rubber-coated rim of 127mm diameter; 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 to the fourth adjustment element (19A, 19B).;
[0093] This configuration successfully cleaned the waterline of a swimming pool. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the methods described and illustrated, as, as will be evident to anyone versed in the art, variations and modifications are possible that do not depart from the spirit of the disclosure, which is defined solely by the following claims.
Claims
CLAIMS 1. A device for cleaning a treated surface (4), comprising: a support structure (1); a cleaning mechanism (2) disposed on one end of the support structure (1); and a guide mechanism (3) coupled with 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 adjusting element (7) and wherein said first adjusting 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 disposed.
6. The device of Claim 1, further comprising a liquid supply system (10) coupled onto 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); and a brush (13) coupled with the rotating mechanism (12); wherein the brush (13) is configured to clean the treated surface (4) by 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 on the support structure (1) by means of a third adjusting element (14) and wherein said third adjusting element (14) allows the position of the guide mechanism (3) on the support structure (1) to be modified.
12. The device of Claim 1, wherein the guide mechanism (3) is comprised of: 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); and a roller (18A, 18B) coupled with 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 (20 A, 20B) in which the roller (18 A, 18B) is adjusted by means of a fourth adjustment element (19A, 19B), and in which said fourth adjustment element (20A, 20B) allows modification of a distance between the roller (18A, 18B) and the displacement element (16A, 16B).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
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