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Title:
DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLEANING INCLINED SURFACES
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/200968
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a device, system and method for cleaning inclined surfaces (90), for example glass veranda roofs, comprising a fixed part (10) mountable above the inclined surface (90) and a moving part (20) moving away from and back to the fixed part ( 10) in operating mode, a suspension means (30) for connecting the fixed part (10) and the moving part (20).

Inventors:
JEURISSEN CHARLOTTE (BE)
POLET BRUNO (BE)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2020/058391
Publication Date:
October 08, 2020
Filing Date:
March 25, 2020
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
PLC PROGRAMMING (BE)
International Classes:
E04D15/00; A47L1/02; B08B1/00; B08B1/04
Foreign References:
CN204769617U2015-11-18
DE202010015730U12011-02-03
US9080791B12015-07-14
FR2725924A11996-04-26
KR20130086882A2013-08-05
US4809384A1989-03-07
CN204769617U2015-11-18
FR2725924A11996-04-26
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
CALYSTA (BE)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. Device (100) for cleaning an inclined surface (90) comprising a fixed part (10) mountable above the inclined surface (90), a moving part (20) moving away from and back to the fixed part (10) in an operating mode, a suspension means (29) for connecting the fixed part (10) and the moving part (20) and a drive means (12) for moving the moving part (20) away from and back to the fixed part (10) through the suspension means (29), wherein the moving part (20) comprises a cleaning element (30), wherein the suspension means (29) comprise a wire and a wire bobbin;

characterized in that

the wire bobbin is configured to run in the same direction for unwinding the wire and for winding up the wire,

2, Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wire bobbin is configured to unwinding the wire until the moving part (20) has moved down the inclined surface (90) and to keep running in the same direction and to start winding up to move the moving part (20) back up,

3 Device according to any of the preceding claims wherein for the next run, the wire bobbin runs in the opposite direction,

4, Device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the wire is an electrically conductive cable so as to provide a rotation driving means for rotating the cleaning element (30) in the moving part (20) with electricity from a power source in the fixed part (10).

5, Device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a sensor for sensing, when the wire is in a wound up end position on the wire bobbin, wherein the device is configured to stop the winding up of the wire, when the sensor detects the wound up end position of the wire.

6. Device according to the previous claim, wherein the sensor is arranged in the fixed part (10).

7. Device according to any of the preceding claims comprising further a water dispersion means (1 1 ) for distributing water on the inclined surface (90) in the operating mode.

8. Device according to the preceding claim wherein water dispersion means (1 1 ) is arranged in the fixed part (10), wherein the device (100) has no rails for moving the moving part (20) on the inclined surface (90) away from and/or back to the fixed part (10).

9. Device according to any of claims 7 and 8, wherein the water dispersion means (1 1 ) is a tube with a plurality of water outlets.

10. Device according to any of the claims 7 to 9, wherein the water dispersion means (1 1 ) further includes a detergent dispersion means.

1 1. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moving part (20) comprises a rotation drive means (4) for rotating the cleaning element (30).

12. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moving part (20) is controlled by a timing belt (51 ) touching the inclined surface (90) to force it to lower.

13. Device according to claim 1 1 and 12, wherein the rotation drive means (4) comprises a motor (40), wherein the motor (40) drives the rotation of the cleaning element (30) and the timing belt (51 ).

14. Device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the timing belt (51 ) is held by two surface rollers (52) such that the two surface rollers (52) create a timing belt surface in between the two surface rollers (52) touching the inclined surface (90) for moving the moving part (20) down the inclined surface (90).

15. Device according to one of claims 12 to 14 and according to claim 1 1 , wherein the moving part (20) comprises a coupling means for driving the timing belt (51 ) by the rotation drive means (4), when the moving part (20) lowers or moves away from the fixed part (10), and for uncoupling the rotation drive means (4) from the timing belt (51 ), when the moving part (20) moves upwards or back to the fixed part (10).

16. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moving part comprises a rotation drive means (4) for rotating the cleaning element (30) around a rotational axis (31 ).

17. Device according to the previous claim, wherein the cleaning element (30) comprises a brush arranged around the rotational axis (31 ).

18. Device according to claim 16, wherein the cleaning element (30) comprises at least one fabric strip (32) attached to the rotational axis (31 ), wherein the at least one fabric strip comprises a weight increasing means (321 ) at its free side, wherein the weight increasing means is configured to increase the weight of the fabric strip as compared to the fabric strip without the weight increasing means.

19. Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a power source in the fixed part (10), wherein the power source is chosen from the group consisting of a battery, a solar-panel or a wind-rotor.

20. System comprising an inclined surface (90) is from 5-75 degrees as compared to a horizontal plane and a device (100) for cleaning the inclined surface (90) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixed part (10) of the device (100) is mounted above the inclined surface (90).

21. Method for cleaning an inclined surface (90) using a device with a fixed part (10) fixed above the inclined surface (90) and with a moving part (20) suspended on the fixed part (10) by a suspension means (29) and movable away from and back to the fixed part (10), wherein the suspension means (29) comprises a wire and a wire bobbin, the method comprising the following steps:

· unwinding the wire from the wire bobbin to move the moving part (20) away from the fixed part (10) and down the inclined surface (90);

• winding the wire up on the wire bobbin to the moving part (20) back to the fixed part (10), · cleaning the inclined surface (90) by a cleaning element (30) of the moving part (20) when moving the moving part (20) down the inclined surface (90) and/or when moving the moving part (20) back to the fixed part (10); characterized in that

• the wire bobbin runs in the same direction for

unwinding the wire and for winding up the wire.

Description:
DEVICE. SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLEANING INCLINED SURFACES

Technical Domain

The present invention relates to a device and process for cleaning inclined surfaces, for example glass veranda roofs.

Prior art

Devices for cleaning surfaces like glass facades are well known in the art, see for example in document KR20130086882 directed at a vertically glass surface cleaning device. Document US4809384 is directed at a horizontally moving glass window cleaning device. Rails made of channel bars with lip portions need to be disposed along the upper and lower edges of the window on the building. The provision of rails along the window in the building is not always guaranteed and substantially impacts the freedom of design for the architect.

CN204769617U discloses a system for cleaning solar panels which works also based on a rail provided along the vertical axis. The cleaning liquid is rinsed from the top side of the solar panel and a moving part with horizontal rotating brushes is moved vertically along the rail to clean the solar panel. The moving part is suspended on a wire and is moved by a winch. The winch is rotated in a first direction to unroll the wire and to move the moving part downwards until a travel switch at the end of the rail is achieved. The travel switch makes the rotation direction of the motor of the winch turn the direction to roll up the wire to move the moving part back up. The power supply for the motor of the moving part is realised by a cable which together with the wire is arranged in the rail. As explained above, the mounting of a rail is cumbersome and not at all glass surfaces possible. The rail is complex due to the travel switches and the guidance of the cable and the wire. FR2725924 discloses a system for cleaning inclined glass surface of high buildings like skyscrapers. The moving part is also suspended on a wire, but is not guided in a rail. The moving part acts more like a cleaning robot whose wheels can change direction to move vertically and horizontally. To move the cleaning robot horizontally, a horizontal rail is arranged at the top of the inclined surface to move the suspended cleaning robot horizontally and the wheels are turned horizontally. The cleaning robot is connected by a cable with the top of the inclined surface to provide power to the cleaning robot and by a pipe with the lower end of the inclined surface to provide a cleaning fluid to the cleaning robot. The system might not have rails, but is also very complex to install and requires a complex control. Since the system does not have rails with travel switches, the system needs a complex configuration to detect, when the cleaning robot is a the lower end of the inclined surface and to change the direction of the winch for moving the cleaning robot back up.

There is therefore a general need to provide a device for cleaning inclined surfaces, in particular glass veranda roofs, that delivers the required cleaning efficiency and is reduced in complexity.

Brief summary of the invention

The present invention is directed at a device for cleaning inclined surfaces comprising a fixed part mountable above the inclined surface, a moving part movable away from and back to the fixed part in an operating mode, a suspension means for connecting the fixed part and the moving part and a drive means for moving the moving part away from and back to the fixed part through the suspension means, wherein the moving part comprises a cleaning element.

The present invention is further directed to a system comprising an inclined surface and a device for cleaning the inclined surface as described before. The present invention is further directed to method for cleaning an inclined surface using a device with a fixed part fixed above the inclined surface and with a moving part suspended on the fixed part by a suspension means and movable away from and back to the fixed part, wherein the suspension means comprises a wire and a wire bobbin, the method comprising the following steps: Unwinding the wire from the wire bobbin to move the moving part away from the fixed part and down the inclined surface; winding the wire up on the wire bobbin to the moving part back to the fixed part; and cleaning the inclined surface by a cleaning element of the moving part when moving the moving part down the inclined surface and/or when moving the moving part back to the fixed part.

The present invention is characterized by one or more of the following embodiments;

In one embodiment, the suspension means comprise a wire and a wire bobbin, wherein the wire bobbin runs in the same direction for unwinding the wire and for winding up the wire. This has the advantage that no sensors are needed to detect that the moving part is at the lower side of the surface to be cleaned. The only parameter to configure, when mounting or manufacturing the device is the length of the wire. The length of the wire determines the turning point of the moving part back to the fixed part. This is a very simple and robust method for changing the movement direction of the moving part. Preferably, the wire bobbin turns in fhe opposite direction for the next run down and up of the moving part.

In one embodiment, the moving part comprises a rotation driving means for driving fhe cleaning element around a rotational axis, and the fixed part comprises a power source, and the suspension means comprises a cable which suspends the moving part to the fixed part and which is electrically conductive so as to provide the rotation driving means in the moving part with electricity from the power source of the fixed part. This embodiments avoids either heavy power sources in the moving part or disturbing cables which need a special cable handling for not disturbing the movement of the moving part. This is especially advantageous for embodiments without guiding rails, where the cable must be arranged somewhere on the inclined surface.

In one embodiment, the device comprises further a water dispersion means for distributing water on the inclined surface in the operating mode. This improves the cleaning effect of the cleaning element. Preferably, the water dispersion means is a tube with a plurality of water outlets. Preferably, the water dispersion means further includes a detergent dispersion means. Preferably, the water dispersion means allows for an even dispersion of water over substantially the entire length of the fixed part and/or of the moving part. Preferably, water dispersion means extends over substantially the entire length of the fixed part.

In one embodiment, the water dispersion means is arranged in the fixed part. This is especially advantageous for embodiments without guiding rails. While in the state of the art, either the water dispersion means was arranged in the fixed part above the railed moving part or the water dispersion means was arranged in the moving part freely moving on the inclined surface. The present embodiment combines the advantageous of both embodiments to obtain a very simple system for fixed arrangements without guiding rails. This arrangement reduces the complexity of the device significantly, compared to the previously mentioned two solutions.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a sensor for sensing, when the wire is in a wound up end position on the least one wire bobbin, wherein the device is configured to stop the winding up of the wire, when the sensor detects the wound up end position of the wire. The stopping of the winding up can be achieved by switching off the drive means for stopping the operation mode or by changing the rotation direction of the wire bobbin to start another run of the moving part. Preferably, the sensor is arranged in the fixed part. This sensor allows to automatically detect, when a run of the moving part is finished. By arranging the sensor in the fixed part, the complexity of the system is reduced as few communication and electricity is needed in the moving part.

In one embodiment, the device has no rails for moving the moving part on the inclined surface away from and/or back to the fixed part. This reduces significantly the complexity of mounting the system on the inclined surface. In addition, guiding rails cannot be mounted on every inclined surface.

In one embodiment, an inclined surface is from 5-75 degrees as compared to a horizontal plane. The described device, system and method is particular advantageous for those angles.

In one embodiment, the moving part comprises a rotation drive means which drives the cleaning element to rotate around a rotational axis. The rotational axis is preferably perpendicular to the movement direction of the moving part and/or parallel to the inclined surface. The cleaning element preferably rotates while the moving part is moving down and/or up or away from and/or to the fixed part. This improves the cleaning effect while the moving the moving part.

In one embodiment, the cleaning element is a brush.

In one embodiment, the cleaning element comprises at least one, preferably more fabric strips attached to the rotational axis of the cleaning element. Preferably, the fabric strip comprises a weight increasing means at its free side. The weight increasing means is configured to increase the weight of the fabric strip as compared to the fabric strip without the weight increasing means. The weight increasing means improves significantly the cleaning effect of the strips. In one embodiment, the weight increasing means of the fabric strips are lead strings. In one embodiment, the at least one fabric strip is chosen from the group consisting of woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics or braided fabrics.

In one embodiment, the at least one fabric strip is a microfiber fabric strips or a chamois leather strip. Preferably, the one or more fabric strips are removably attached to the rotational axis, preferably by a hook-and-loop fastening system. Preferably, the two or more fabric strips are attached to the rotational axis at an angle of 45 ° as referred to the other fabric strip next to it.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises suspension means in the form of wire bobbins.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises suspension means in the form of electrically conductive cables so as to provide the rotation driving means with electricity through the electronic control system in the fixed part.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the moving part is controlled by a timing belt touching the inclined surface to force if to lower. The timing belt is preferably driven by the rotating drive means, preferably by the same motor driving the rotation axis of the cleaning element. The timing belt is driven preferably by a source roller which is driven by the rotation drive means. The timing belt is preferably held by at least one surface rolier(s) in a position that the timing belt touches the inclined surface. The at least one surface roller comprises preferably two surface rollers creating a timing belt surface in between the two surface rollers touching the inclined surface. The moving part comprises preferably a coupling means for driving the timing belt by the rotation drive means, when the moving part lowers or moves away from the fixed part, and/or for uncoupling the rotation drive means from the timing belt, when the moving part moves upwards or back to the fixed part. The coupling means could be controlled by a detector in the moving part detecting the movement direction of the moving part. Preferably, the detector is a mechanical detector which controls the coupling means based on the movement direction of the moving part as described above.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the power source is chosen from the group consisting of batteries, solar-panel, wind- rotor, and the electricity grid. This has the advantage that the fixed part does not need a connection to the electricity grid. This has a significant advantage as the device can be installed a† remote positions without any power cable involved.

In one embodiment, the drive means for moving the moving part is arranged in the fixed part. This makes the moving part lighter and facilitates the power supply for the drive means. However, it is also possible to arrange the drive means in the mobile part.

In one embodiment, the water dispersion means for distributing water on the inclined surface is comprised in the fixed part. This avoids to have a flexible fluid conductor to the moving part. However, it is also possible to arrange the water dispersion means in the mobile part.

In one embodiment, the device for cleaning the inclined surface comprises further an electronic control system. The electronic control system is preferably configured to control the drive means and/or the rotation driving means. The electronic control system is preferably arranged in the fixed part, but could also be arranged in the moving part or distributed over both. The electronic control system is preferably configured to control the drive means based on the above mentioned sensor.

In one embodiment, the moving part comprises a rolling means for moving the moving part. The rolling means comprises preferably two or more rollers.

In one embodiment, the cleaning element is rotatably fixed to the horizontal ends of the moving part. In one embodiment, the cleaning element comprises two or more fabric strips attached to the rotational axis, wherein each fabric strip comprises a weigh increasing means, Preferably, the cleaning element comprises a rotational axis.

In one embodiment, the cleaning element is rotatably fixed to the moving part, and the moving part comprises a rotation driving means for rotating the cleaning element.

Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a cleaning device of the present invention prior to the start of the cleaning process.

Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a cleaning device of the present invention during the cleaning process.

Figure 3 is a schematic cross section of the cleaning element comprising a rotational axis, and two or more fabric strips attached to the rotational axis wherein each fabric strip comprises a weight increasing means.

Figure 4 is a schematic cross section of a cleaning device of the present invention prior to the start of the cleaning process.

Figure 5 is a schematic cross section of a cleaning device of the present invention during the cleaning process.

In the drawings, the same reference numbers have been allocated to the same or analogue element.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the mobile part from below.

Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the mobile part of Fig. 6.

Detailed description of the Invention

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be derived from the non-Iimitative following description, and by making reference to the drawings. Cleaning in the sense of the present invention means any action that eliminates or reduces for example, dust, leaves or any other substances from the surface.

Surface in the sense of the present invention means any hard surface, transparent or not, polymeric or inorganic. Typically, hard surfaces of the present inventions are used to cover outside spaces like verandas in order to provide water protection. Preferred surfaces of the present invention are glass or polycarbonate. Applications are for example inclined glass facades, verandas, winter gardens, roof windows, skylights, solar panels.

Inclined means any angle between a horizontal plane and the inclined surface 90 being smaller than 90°. Preferably, the angle between the horizontal plane and the inclined surface 90 is 3 degrees or more, preferably, 5 degrees or more, even more preferably 7 degrees or more and even more preferably 10 degrees or more. Preferably, the angle between the horizontal plane and the surface 90 is 75 degrees or less, preferably 50 degrees or less, even more preferably 25 degrees or less and even more preferably 15 degrees or less.

Fig. 1 to 7 show an exemplary and schematic embodiment of a device 100 for cleaning inclined surfaces 90. The device 100 for cleaning the inclined surface 90 comprises preferably a fixed part 10, a moving part 20, a suspension means 29. The device comprises further preferably a wafer dispersion means 1 1 , a drive means 12 and an electronic control system.

The fixed part 10 of the present invention is mountable above the inclined surface 90. The fixed part 10 is preferably fixed to the inclined surface 90 by an adhesive, screwing the fixed part on the inclined surface 90, by a permanent magnet, if the inclined surface comprises ferromagnetic parts for attaching the fixed part 10 by the permanent magnets, or by any other fixing measure. Preferably, the fixed part 10 of the present invention is directly mounted above the inclined surface 90 in order to not leave any space between the fixed part 10 and the inclined surface 90, In this way, the moving part 20 starts its cleaning process directly on the upper end of the surface 90, then moves down the surface 90 back to the fixed part. Preferably, the fixed part is mounted at the upper end of the inclined surface 90 Obviously, the fixed part 10 can also be mounted somewhere below the upper end of the inclined surface 90 or above the upper end of the inclined surface 90

The fixed part 10 of the present invention may be made of any polymeric material composite or metal. Typically, the fixed par! 10 made of steel, preferably of stainless steel The length of the fixed part 10 (in a horizontal direction) may vary, for example 0,5 m, 1 m, 2, 3, 4 or 5 m.

The water dispersion means 1 1 is configured to disperse in the operating mode a cleaning liquid on the inclined surface 90. The cleaning liquid is preferably wafer. The wafer can contain cleaning agents to improve the cleaning effect. The wafer dispersion means is connected to a water supply in operating mode. The water supply is preferably a connection to water distribution network, like the tap water. However, the water supply could also be a connection to a tank, like a rain water tank.

The water dispersion means 1 1 is typically fixed to fixed element 10, preferably the L-shaped profile of the fixed element 10, In a preferred embodiment, the water dispersion means 1 1 allows for an even dispersion of water over substantially the entire length of the fixed part 10 and/or of the moving part 20 (in a horizontal direction). The water dispersion means 1 1 is chosen in a way to allow for distribution of water in an amount to allow for cleaning of the inclined surface 90 during operating mode. In a preferred embodiment, the water dispersion means 1 1 is a tube. Typically, the tube is a polymeric tube. Typically, the polymeric tube is either wafer- permeable or has a sufficient number of outlets over its length to provide for water during the cleaning process. Preferably, the water dispersion means 1 1 comprises a detergent dispersion means for adding a detergent in the cleaning liquid or water dispersed by the water dispersion means 1 1 , Preferably, the detergent is mixed in the cleaning liquid or water before being dispersed on the inclined surface 90. It is however also possible to disperse the detergent separately from the cleaning liquid and to mix the cleaning liquid with the detergent on the inclined surface 90. Detergent means any (water-soluble) cleaning agent which combines with impurities and dirt to make them more soluble. The detergent of the present invention may be liquid or in powder form. Detergents are preferably diluted in the water dispersion means in sufficient quantity to increase the cleaning effect of the cleaning element 30. In the operating mode, the cleaning liquid provided by the water dispersion means 1 1 typically flows from the fixed element 10 down the inclined surface 90 thus already providing some cleaning effect. The water dispersion means 1 1 arranged in the fixed par† 10 has the advantage that the water supply for the wafer dispersion means can be fixed and is much easier to install and maintain. However, in a less preferred embodiment, it is also possible to arrange the water dispersion means 1 1 in the moving part 20.

A drive means 12 moves the moving part 20 away and back to the fixed part 10 through the suspension means 29. The drive means 12 typically are an electronic motor that moves the moving part 20 away and back to the fixed part 10 through the suspension means 30. The drive means 12 is preferably arranged in the fixed part 10. It is however also possible to arrange the drive means 12 in the moving part 20 or somewhere else in the device.

The suspension means 29 comprises preferably at least one wire and at least one wire bobbin.

Each of the at least one wire can be any flexible means which can be wound on the wire bobbin. Each of the at least one wire can be for example a string, a cord, cable, a rope. A first end of the at least one wire is connected with the fixed part 10 and a second end of the at least one wire is connected with the moving part 20. Thus, the at least one wire holds the moving part 20 suspended from the fixed part 10. Typically, the at least one wire is sufficiently long to allow for the moving element 20 to be lowered over the entire length of the surface (in the inclined direction), for example 1 m, 2 m, 3 m, 4 m, 5 m or more. The at least one wire comprises preferably at least two wires to hold the moving part 20 more stably.

The at least one wire bobbin is configured to unwind and/or wind up the at least one wire. When the at least one wire bobbin unwinds the wire, the moving part 20 moves downwards and/or away from the fixed part 10. When the at least one wire bobbin winds the wire up, the moving part 20 moves upwards and/or to the fixed part 10. In the operation mode, the wire bobbin is unwinding the wire until the moving part 20 has moved down the inclined surface 90 and winds the wire up again to move the moving part 20 back up the inclined surface 90 until the moving part 20 reaches again the fixed part 10. In a preferred embodiment, the wire bobbin runs/furns in the same direction, when the moving part 20 moves up and down. This is achieved by configuring the length of the wire such that, when the wire is fully unwound, the moving part 20 is suspended/positioned at the lower end of the inclined surface 90 or at least of the surface to clean. When the wire bobbin, which has fully unwound its wire, continues to turn in the same direction, if will wind the wire up again and moves the moving part 20 back up. In this embodiment, one run is moving the moving part 20 from the fixed part 10 away until the wire is fully unwound and back up to the fixed part 10. For the next run, the wire bobbin will run in the opposite direction. This has the advantage that no sensors are needed to detect that the moving part 20 is at the lower side of the surface 90 to be cleaned. The at least one wire bobbin is preferably arranged in the fixed part 10 and the first end of the at least one wire is connected to the wire bobbin of the fixed part 10, This makes the moving part 20 lighter and reduces thus the weight carried by the at least one wire and the energy for the driving means 12. However, if would also be possible to arrange the at least one wire bobbin in the moving part 20 and to connect the second end of the at least one wire to the wire bobbin of the moving part 20. The at least one wire bobbin comprises preferably one wire bobbin for each of the at least one wire. In the case of two wires, the at least one wire bobbin comprises preferably also two wire bobbins, each unwinding or winding up one of the wires. However, it would also be possible to wind different wires on the same wire bobbin.

Preferably, the drive means 12 is operating the suspension means 29. Preferably the drive means 12 is configured to operate or drive the wire bobbin. The drive means 12 is configured to drive the at least one wire bobbin to unwind the wire from the wire bobbin to move the moving part 20 away from the fixed part 10 and/or to wind the wire up on the wire bobbin to move the moving part 20 back to the fixed part 10. The drive means 12 is preferably a motor and/or turns the wire bobbin in a first or a second direction. The drive means 12 is preferably configured to drive the wire bobbin as explained above. Typically, the wire bobbin is unwinding the wire until the moving part 20 has moved down the inclined surface 90.

In this embodiment, the wire bobbin keeps running in the same direction and starts winding up to move the moving part 20 back up, For the next run, the bobbin motor or the drive means 12 will run in the opposite direction. This has the advantage that no sensors are needed to detect that the moving part 20 is at the lower side of the surface 90 to be cleaned. Preferably, the drive means comprises one motor for driving ail of the at least one wire bobbins. However, it is also possible to have different motors for different wire bobbins. The device 100 comprises preferably a sensor for sensing, when the at least one wire is in a wound up end position on the least one wire bobbin. This can be achieved by sensing, when the moving part 20 reaches the fixed part 10 or by sensing a resistance in the drive means 12, when the wire is fully wound up, or simply by sensing a certain operation of the drive means which corresponds to the fully wound up position. The drive means is preferably configured to stop the winding up of the wire, when the sensor defects the wound up end position of the wire.

Preferably, the suspension means 29 is electrically conductive and connects a power source in the fixed element 10 to a rotation drive means 4 in the moving part 20. Preferably, at least one of the at least one wire is configured to conduct a current from the power source to the rotation drive means 4 in the moving part 20. This has the advantage that there is no additional power supply cable necessary between the fixed part 10 and the moving part 20. Such an additional cable requires also a guidance due to the movement of the moving part 20.

The power source is preferably an autonomous power source for example one from the group consisting of batteries, solar-panel and wind-rotor. However, the power source could also be the electricity grid.

In a preferred embodiment, the fixed part 10 is made of an l- shaped profile (not shown in the Figures) .The moving part 20 preferably comprises a L-shape profile (not shown in the Figures). Preferably, the L- shape profile(s) is/are made of stainless steel. Preferably, the L-shape profiles of the fixed part 10 and of the moving part 20 are arranged such that they form a rectangular shaped profile, when the moving part 20 is fully wound up and is inserted in the fixed part 10.

The moving part 20 is configured to move the moving part 20 away from and back to the fixed part 10 through the suspension means 29. The moving par† 20 comprises a cleaning element 30 and a preferably a rotation drive means 4,

The cleaning element 30 is configured fo clean the inclined surface 90, when moving along the inclined direction. Preferably, the cleaning element 30 is supported rotatable around a rotation axis 31 The rotation axis 31 extends preferably horizontally. Preferably, the cleaning element 30 is driven by the rotation drive means 4 such that the cleaning element 30 rotates around the rotation axis 31 . The rotation drive means 4 is preferably configured to rotate the cleaning element 30 in the same direction, when the moving part 20 moves downwards and when the moving part 20 moves upwards. The rotation drive means 4 is preferably configured to drive the cleaning element 30 to rotate in the direction which moves the dirt towards the lower side of the inclined surface 90.

In a first embodiment, the cleaning element 30 is a brush.

In a second embodiment, the cleaning element 30 comprises at least one fabric strip 32, preferably two or more fabric strips 32a††ached to the rotational axis of the cleaning element 30 Preferably, the fabric strips 32 are evenly spread around the rotational axis. For example, in an embodiment with two fabric strips 32, these two fabric strips 32 are attached opposite of each other to the rotational axis. In a further preferred embodiment, seven fabric strips 32 are attached to the rotational axis 31 of the cleaning element 30, In general, the more fabric strips 32, the better the cleaning effect. For example, a good cleaning effect may be obtained using 3, 4, 5, 6 or preferably 7 fabric strips. The fabric sfrip(s) 32 comprise(s) preferably a weight increasing means 321 at their free side that is not attached to the rotational axis 31 , A weight increasing means is any means increases the weight of the fabric as compared fo the fabric strip 32 without the weight increasing means. In a preferred embodiment, the weight increasing means 321 is a lead chain. Typically, the weight increasing means 321 is integrated into the free end of the fabric strip 32 so to be fully covered by the fabric material. Through the weight increasing means 321 the cleaning effect is further increased using the principles of gravity. The fabric strips 32 of the present invention may be any type of fabric, for example, non-woven, woven or braided fabrics. Preferably, fabrics with a good cleaning effect, for example microfiber fabrics or chamois leather strips are chosen. The fabric strips 32 may be permanently fixed to the rotational axis or removably attached. In a preferred embodiment, the fabric strips are removably attached using a hook-and-loop fastening system. This is particularly advantageous, because the fabrics may be conveniently detached to be replaced or washed.

The rotation drive means 4 comprises preferably a motor 40, preferably an electric motor 40. The motor 40 preferably is electrically powered by the power source and/or through the suspension cable 29. However, it is also possible to have a power source in the moving part 20.

The motor 40 preferably is electrically controlled by the electronic control system and/or through the suspension cable 29. However, it is also possible to have a controller for the rotation drive means 4 or the motor 40 in the moving part 20.

The moving part 20 comprises preferably rolling means, preferably two or more rollers 21 allowing for the movement of the moving part 20 away from back to the fixed part through the suspension means 29. The rolling means comprises preferably passive rolling means and/or active rolling means 5.

The passive rolling means roll over the inclined surface 90 driven by the movement of the moving part 20. The passive rolling means have the function to reduce the friction when the moving part 20 moves over the inclined surface 90. The (passive) rolling means comprises preferably at least one (passive) roller 21. In a preferred embodiment the (passive) rollers 21 are rotatably fixed to the ends of the moving part 20. However, rollers may also be fixed between the ends of the moving part 20 depending on the length of the moving part 20, The length of the moving part 20 typically corresponds to the length of the fixed part 10,

The active rolling means 5 which are actively driven to rotate and/or to move the moving part 20, This might be necessary on surfaces 90 with small inclinations where the gravity is not sufficient to move the moving part 20 downwards. The active rolling means 5 is preferably configured to rotate in the direction which causes a movement of the moving part 20 downwards or in the inclined direction. In one embodiment, the active rolling means 5 is driven by the rotation drive means 4, preferably by the motor 40 which drives the cleaning element 30. However, it is also possible that the rotation drive means 4 comprises a separate motor for driving the active rolling means 5. in one embodiment, the rotation drive means 4 and/or the active rolling means 5 is configured to drive the active rolling means 5, when moving the moving part 20 downwards and/or to switch the active rolling means 5 to a passive rolling means (which moves freely with the movement of the moving part 20), when the moving part 20 moves upwards. This could be achieved by a coupling means, e.g. a sludge coupling. The coupling means could couple the rotation drive means 4, preferably the motor 40 with the active rolling means 5, when the moving part 20 is moving downwards, (such that the active rolling means 5 moves the moving part 20 downwards even for surfaces 90 with small inclinations) and/or uncoupling the rotation drive means 4, preferably the motor 40 from the active rolling means, when the moving part 20 is moving upwards (so that the active rolling means 5 rolls passively with the movement of the moving part 20 on the surface 90) .

Fig. 6 and 7 show one exemplary embodiment of the active rolling means 5. The active rolling means 5 of this embodiment comprises a timing belt 51 . The timing belt 51 is sometimes also called timing chain.

The timing belt 51 controls preferably the movement of the moving part 20 away from the fixed part 10. The moving part 20 is preferably controlled by a timing belt touching the inclined surface 90 to force the moving part 20 to lower or to move away from the fixed part 10. The timing belt 51 is driven by the rotation drive means 4, preferably by the motor 4. The active rolling means 5 comprises preferably at least one, preferably two surface roller 52 over which the timing belt 51 rotate and/or which hold the timing belt 51 against the inclined surface 90, when the moving part 90 is moving over the surface 90. Preferably the at least one surface roller 52 comprises two surface rollers 52 creating a timing belt surface which touches the inclined surface 90. When actively driving the timing belt 51 , the timing belt surface between the two surface rollers 52 run in a direction moving moving part 20 down the inclined surface 90. The outer surface of the timing belt 51 has preferably a high friction surface for creating a high friction between the timing belt 51 and the inclined surface 90. The ourf surface of the timing belt 51 could be a rubber. The active driving means 5 comprises preferably a source roller 53 which transfers the rotation from the rotation drive means 4 to the timing belt 51. The source roller 53 could be one of the at least one surface roller 52 or could be a different roller than the at least one surface roller 52 as shown in the example in Fig. 6 and 7. The (inner surface of the) timing belt 51 and/or (the outer surface of) the at least one surface roller 52 and/or (the outer surface of) the at least one source roller 53 could be teethed, but it would also be possible to have them smooth and transfer the rotation by friction or by other measures to the timing belt 51. The (source and/or surface) roller 52, 53 could be a wheel, a pulley, a cylinder, a reel or any other means for transferring the rotation caused by the rotation drive means 4 into the movement of the timing belt 51 and/or for transferring the movement of the timing belt 51 into a rotation of the surface rollers 52.

Fig. 6 and 7 show one exemplary embodiment of the rotation drive means 4. The rotation drive means 4 comprises a transmission driving a second rotation axis 43 The second rotation axis 43 is preferably arranged parallel to the rotation axis 31 of the cleaning element 30. The source roller 53 is preferably arranged on the second rotation axis 43, However, it would also be possible to have the source roller 53 on the rotation axis 31 of the cleaning element 30. The transmission is here realised by a first gear wheel 41 arranged on the rotation axis 31 and a second gear wheel 42 arranged on the second rotation axis 42 and in rotation connection with the first gear wheels 41 , preferably by directly engaging in the teeth of the first gear wheel 41. The transmission causes preferably that the rotation axis 31 of the cleaning element 39 and the second rotation axis 43 for the active rolling means 5 rotate in opposite directions.

The coupling means mentioned above could be arranged in the transmission, e.g. in the second gear wheel 42, in the second rotation axis 43 or in the active rolling means 5, e.g. in the source roller 53.

The electronic control system is preferably configured to control the drive means 12 and/or the rotation drive means 4.

The electronic control system is preferably powered by the power source mentioned above. The electronic control system might be connected to the power net, or autonomously powered. Preferably, the electronic control system is powered by a battery, solar cell module or a wind energy module. In this embodiment, no connection to the power network is required.

It is important to note that the device of the present invention does not require any guiding rails fixed to the walls of a building or to the inclined surface 90. The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that both gravity in conjunction with rotation of the cleaning element 30 lead to a stable system for cleaning inclined surfaces without the necessity of prefixed guiding rails. In addition, the device is easy to mount, to maintain and to construct and combines the advantageous from rail systems and from cleaning robots. Moreover, the device of the present invention is simple to manufacture and provides a solution to the long-standing need of automatic whilst efficient cleaning of inclined glass surfaces, in particular glass veranda roofs.

It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and that variations can be applied without going outside of the scope of the appended claims