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Automatic Cleaning Apparatus

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wall/window automatic cleaning apparatus and more particularly to an automatic cleaning apparatus for cleaning the surface of a wall or window by performing automated movement along the surface onto the surface. FIG1.

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Notices, Deadlines & Correspondence

Patent Information

Application #
Filing Date
22 July 2019
Publication Number
38/2019
Publication Type
INA
Invention Field
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Status
Email
vishal@valuoo-legal.com
Parent Application
Patent Number
Legal Status
Grant Date
2024-01-17
Renewal Date

Applicants

BALJIT SINGH
House No. 534, Sector 38, Gurugram. District Gurgaon, Haryana, India

Inventors

1. BALJIT SINGH
House No. 534, Sector 38, Gurugram. District Gurgaon, Haryana, India

Specification

FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wall/window automatic cleaning apparatus and more particularly to an automatic cleaning apparatus for cleaning the surface of a wall or window by performing automated movement along the surface onto the surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Following the rapid developments of architecture technology and modern economy, it is quite common that high-rise buildings of scores or even more than one hundred floors are constructed frequently in metropolitan areas, which brings the problem of cleaning the facings of high-rise buildings, a problem having become a central issue of the usage and maintenance of buildings of this kind.
Platforms that can move vertically are commonly installed in high-rise buildings for cleaning their outer glass. But personnel is needed to be carried with the platforms for manually controlling the positioning of the platforms and cleaning the glass, which brings about the following disadvantages:
The prior structure of the platforms for cleaning the outer walls of high-rise buildings described above needs, in its operation, complex manual control for its elevation and man power for the cleaning that the work load for the personnel is heavy and the cleaning job as a result is particularly time-consuming and labor-costly.
The safety of the operating personnel used in the prior cleaning platforms is the biggest concern in that mistakes made by the personnel when operating the platforms or an accidental breakdown of its structure may cause the platforms to drop onto the ground; on the other hand, the abnormal turbulence in the air between high-rise buildings is also potentially hazardous.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is disclosing an automatic cleaning apparatus for cleaning glass windows, wall and fagade of the high-rise buildings remotely.

In an embodiment of the invention the automatic cleaning apparatus comprising majorly bristle roller, micro fabric roller, nozzle sprayers and wiper.
According to another embodiment of the invention there is provided the automatic cleaning apparatus comprises bristle roller which is provided to scrub the surface to remove the dust particles, dirt, stains etc. without causing any damage to the surface of the glass, wall or fagade material.
According to yet another embodiment of the invention there is provided a plurality of nozzle sprayer is provided in the automatic cleaning apparatus for spray the detergent and/water on the surface bristle roller and or on to the glass, wall or fagade material of the building.
According to yet another embodiment of the invention there is provided wiper for removing excess water and washing liquid applied during the cleaning of surface of glass, wall or fagade material.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention there is provided an automatic cleaning apparatus comprising microfiber roller which is helpful to wipe out the liquid and any remaining dirt from the surface of the glass, wall or fagade material.
The automatic cleaning apparatus is also equipped with forward and reverse mechanism for managing the distance of the automatic cleaning apparatus from glass or wall surface of the building.
The automatic cleaning apparatus is further equipped with wireless control station which may be radio signal based remote station for controlling the movement and operations of the automatic cleaning apparatus.
In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a visual monitoring device attached to the automatic cleaning apparatus for supervision of cleaning quality and status.

In another embodiment of the invention there is a provided a method for cleaning of surface by placing automatic cleaning apparatus close to surface and allow the assembly comprising bristle roller, sprayer pumps, wiper and microfiber roller to touch the surface by moving said assembly forward horizontally. The bristle roller start cleaning of the surface whereas, cleaning solutions and water sprayed on cleaned surface, wiper wipe out excess water and microfiber roller dry up the surface.
In another embodiment of the invention camera or similar visual means observe the cleaning quality continuously.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
The following drawings are illustrative of preferred embodiments for enabling the present invention, are descriptive of some methods, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanation in the following detailed description.
Fig. 1 is the front view of the apparatus according to certain embodiments of the innovation.
Fig.2 is the right-side view of the apparatus according to certain embodiments of the innovation.
Fig.3 is the left side view of the apparatus according to certain embodiments of the innovation.
Fig. 4 is the top view of the apparatus according to certain embodiments of the innovation.
Fig. 5 is the bottom view of the apparatus according to certain embodiments of the innovation.

Fig. 6 is the Splash guard for the scrubber/brush roller of the apparatus according to certain embodiments of the innovation.
Fig. 7 is the view of the cleaning solution and clean water tanks, high pressure pumps, Piping and spray nozzle arrangement of the apparatus according to certain embodiments of the innovation.
Fig. 8 is the exploded view of the apparatus according to certain embodiments of the innovation.
Fig. 9 is the side view of the apparatus according to certain embodiments of the innovation shown suspended and in a cleaning position against the vertical surface of the building (glass/other material).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The preferred embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosed subject matter may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the disclosed subject matter to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.
It is to be noted that, as used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or", unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
Referring to the figures, generally, various views of an automatic cleaning apparatus and components thereof, are shown. The device generally comprises a metal, plastic, polymer or composite frame, rotating brushes, wiper, cleaning solution and clean water sprayer arrangement with high pressure pumps, forward and reverse movement mechanism for the apparatus etc. In one example, the frame is formed of

MS painted/powder coated material. The metal frame comprises a plurality of tubular sections that are bolted, welded or fastened together via typical means to form the shape as shown.
Referring now more specifically to Figure 1- 10, the automatic cleaning apparatus generally comprises of an outer frame assembly (24) an inner frame assembly (22) a bristle roller (1) and shroud/splash guard (4) for the main brush enclosing approximately more than half of the diameter of main brush from end to end.
A plurality of non-marking rolling rubber/foam wheels (9) are provided to the outer sides of the shroud / frame. Two or more caster wheels (39) may be provided to the underside of the frame adjacent the front end thereof. These wheels allow the automatic cleaning apparatus to be easily rolled along the ground by a user, for example from the transport vehicle to the building to be washed, and back. The wheels allow the person to pull or push the device from the truck or trailer to the building to be cleaned, and reposition the device on the ground, if necessary. The wheels can remain attached during the cleaning operation. The wheels also act as landing gear for when the machine drops from the side of the building to the ground.
Referring to figure 1-8 and exploded view in figure 7. A set of sprayer nozzles (35) are fitted along the bottom edge of the shroud (14) and configured to spray cleaning solution to the bristle roller (1). A high-pressure pump (19) draws cleaning solution from the tank 18 spray nozzle set are of adjustable type.
Another set of sprayer nozzle (17) are fitted along the top edge of the shroud (14) and configured to spray clean water on the vertical surface of the building (glass/other material). A high-pressure pump (20) draws clean water from the tank (17A) spray nozzle set are of adjustable type. Alternatively, cleaning solution and or clean water can be supplied through flexible hoses connected to the roof top or at the bottom on the ground facility without departing from the scope of the invention.
A pair of bumper pads (9) are fitted one on each side in front of washer at the ends of shroud where they can contact the building surface during cleaning. Each bumper is extendable away from the shroud for coming to contact with glass and climb over the projected portion of the fagade. The bumper pads are formed from foam

material/non marking type. These are configured in such a way to provide a soft contact with surface so that it is not damaged or scratched. The telescopic bumper pads can also extend by the operator as needed in windy conditions. These can be retracted when it is not windy conditions. These can be maintained in retracted position during storage and transportation.
Referring generally to figure 8 the slider/actuator assembly (6) is mounted on the under frame 15 and slider is fixed with underside of the inner frame (22). The inner frame (22) and the under frame (15) are mounted with the help of guide rods (22) and roller bearings (31) for smooth sliding movement. The slider assembly (6) consists of a ball screw driven by a reversible motor with limit switch at each extreme for the safety purposes. Alternatively rack and pinion or electrical actuators or solenoid may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The frame assembly generally comprises of a substantially planar base portion which can move forward and backward for moving complete cleaning apparatus including brush shroud, wiper (5) and microfiber roller (2) to supplement correct contact or touch of glass/vertical surface of the building for effective cleaning.
Referring figure 1-8 the wiper 5 is installed between the microfiber roller (2) and clean water nozzle sprayer (17) made of silicon/neoprene rubber /any other suitable material without departing from the scope of the invention and blade angle can be adjusted to a desired angle.
The bristle roller (1) is driven rotationally about its axle via an electric motor and reduction gear assembly (8) disposed on one side of the axle. One suitable type of motor is 380v- 440 v, 3 phase 1440 rpm right angle, reduction geared motor, although other suitable motors may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. In another alternative, two motors can be used, one mounted to each end of the axle. In a further alternative, the drive motor(s) can be mounted away from the axle and connected to a drive chain/belt/cable or gear box that is operatively coupled to the bristle roller (1) and microfiber roller together or separately. The motor(s) rotate the bristle roller (1) and microfiber roller (2) at a speed of between 60 and 100 rpm. Alternatively, bristle roller (1) and microfiber roller (2) may be driven individually. The

direction of rotation can also be reversed, and the rpm's can also be varied as per the requirement with the help of variable frequency drive/ mechanically.
In one example embodiment, the bristle roller (1), the microfiber roller (2) and the wiper assembly is 160 cm long, with 10 inches and 8 inches outside diameters of bristle roller (1) and microfiber roller (2) respectively. However other lengths and diameters can be used to accommodate building fagade design and glass sizes without departing from the scope of invention.
The bristle roller (1) preferably comprises a plurality of flexible individual bristle finger elements firmly secured at their base on the rotating brush base. One preferable material is fine bristle of nylon, which will not damage/scratch the glass while cleaning, but is nonetheless a durable and flexible material. The main brush/scrubber made of other suitable materials can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The main brush can also comprise PVA filaments or microfiber filament which are adapted to dust the surface without the need of liquid cleaning solutions/water.
Referring figure 1-8 the microfiber roller (2) is installed in line with the top edge of the inner frame (22) and is driven rotationally about its axle via a belt drive from the bristle roller (1) to further clean and remove balance water particles left behind. Alternatively, microfiber roller may not have any external drive without departing from the scope of the invention but, will rotate on its own due the friction force between the vertical surface and the roller.
The microfiber roller (2) preferably comprises of microfiber filament wrapped firmly around a flexible bristle finger elements roller which will have cushioning effect and will not damage the glass surface. One preferable material is microfiber filament, which will not damage/scratch the glass while drying/wiping the glass but is nonetheless a durable and flexible material. The wiping roller made of other suitable materials can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The wiping roller can also comprise PVA filaments or neoglide foam which are adapted to wipe the surface.

Referring figure 1 -8. The main drive motor (8) and the slider/actuator assembly (6) are electrically powered by the electrical cords connected to a power source from the electrical panel (29). The electrical panel (29) is mounted on the outer frame (24). In an alternative embodiment power can be supplied to both or individually by the rechargeable batteries without departing from the scope of the invention.
Generally referring to figure 1-8 and particularly to figure 7, the shroud (14) is mounted behind the bristle roller (1). The function of shroud is to prevent splashing and keeps any water running towards the building. The shroud is preferably made of lightweight material.
Referring figure 1-8. An electrical control panel (38) is mounted on the rear side of the outer frame (24) this panel consist of control circuit and various relays, switches, circuit breakers and micro controllers etc. A wireless radio receiver unit (7) is also mounted besides the electrical control panel (38), both are interconnected with number of wires through a wiring harness. A handheld remote controller (radio frequency transmitter) is provided to operate the apparatus from a distance. Handheld remote control can be used to operate the up/down travel of the automatic cleaning apparatus. The remote in additional embodiments can also wirelessly communicate with the automatic cleaning apparatus to switch on or switch off or to regulate rpms of the main brush/scrubber roller and microfiber roller. Rack out and rack in movements can also be controlled by the remote control. Remote control can also be used to control the operations of high-pressure pumps (19 and 20) provided for supplying cleaning solution and clean water through the set of sprayers. One suitable type is Schneider make wireless remote-control system is used. Although other suitable remote controls may be used without departing from the scope of the invention, onboard clean water and cleaning solution tanks (17A and 18) (5-10 Itrs. each) are provided to supply the fluid.
The dimensions indicated in figure 10 are in centimetres. The dimensions are for one example embodiment. The dimensions can of course, be altered without departing from scope of invention. The dimensions are not intended to be limiting of the scope of invention unless a dimension is explicitly recited in a given claim, and then only the recited dimension is so limited and for only the claim in which it appears.

The base in top view figure 4 resembles in rectangular shape with space provided for cleaning solution and clean water containers, electrical junction box, pressure piping, pumps and motors along with electrical wiring and its junction boxes etc.
The automatic cleaning apparatus can also be installed or retrofitted within the conventional existing credal cages with minor modifications depending upon the availability of space etc. without departing from the scope of invention.
In yet another aspect, the lift motor and cable winch can be mounted to the machine frame. This arrangement allows the automatic cleaning apparatus to be operated independently. Additionally, a Pan-tilt-zoom camera (PTZ camera) that is capable of remote directional and zoom control can be suitably mounted on the apparatus to monitor, inspect and record the condition of the glass surface for any damage to the other material used for sealing the space. Images recorded by the camera can be stored and used for reference purposes.
In another embodiment of the invention there is a method provided for cleaning of any surface utilizing automatic cleaning apparatus as disclosed in present invention, wherein the method comprises firstly the bumper pads/safety rollers are kept in contact with building fagade/vertical surface and automatic cleaning apparatus is pulled up to the top edge of the building fagade. Main roller (bristle roller), sprayer pumps, and second rollers are started. The automatic cleaning apparatus carrying bristle roller, sprayer nozzles, wiper and microfiber roller is moved out horizontally and bristle roller (1), wiper and microfiber roller (2) are allowed to touch the building fagade/vertical surface and bumper pads/guide rollers get free/clearing the building fagade allowing a suitable pressure required for cleaning, now the automatic cleaning apparatus is allowed to come down and cleaning takes place. The same process is repeated on subsequent laps/areas till the complete fagade of the building has been completed.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferable embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed

embodiments. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and equivalent arrangements can be made thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, such scope to be accorded that broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures and products. Moreover, features or aspects of various example embodiments may be mixed and matched (even if such combination is not explicitly described herein) without departing from the scope of the invention.

claim:
1. An automatic cleaning apparatus for cleaning glass windows, wall and fagade of the high-rise buildings remotely.
2. The automatic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising majorly bristle roller, micro fabric roller, nozzle sprayers and wiper.
3. The automatic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 2, wherein bristle roller which is provided to scrub the surface to remove the dust particles, dirt, stains etc. without causing any damage to the surface of the glass, wall or fagade material.
4. The automatic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of nozzle sprayer is provided in the automatic cleaning apparatus for spray the detergent and/water on the surface bristle roller and or on to the glass, wall or fagade material of the building.
5. The automatic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein a wiper is provided for removing excess water and washing liquid applied during the cleaning of surface of glass, wall or fagade material.
6. The automatic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 5, wherein microfiber roller is provided to wipe out the liquid and any remaining dirt from the surface of the glass, wall or fagade material.
7. The automatic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 6, wherein automatic cleaning apparatus is also equipped with forward and reverse mechanism for managing the distance of the automatic cleaning apparatus from glass or wall surface of the building.
8. The automatic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 7, wherein the apparatus is equipped with wireless control station which may be radio signal

based remote station for controlling the movement and operations of the automatic cleaning apparatus.
9. The automatic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claimed 1 to 8, wherein a visual monitoring device is provided for supervision of cleaning quality and status.
10. A method for cleaning of surface by placing automatic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 9 close to surface and allow the assembly comprising bristle roller, sprayer pumps, wiper and microfiber roller to touch the surface by moving said assembly forward horizontally. The bristle roller start cleaning of the surface whereas, cleaning solutions and water sprayed on cleaned surface, wiper wipe out excess water and microfiber roller dry up the surface.
11. The method claimed in claim 10, wherein a camera or similar visual means is provided to observe the cleaning quality continuously.

Documents

Orders

Section Controller Decision Date

Application Documents

# Name Date
1 201911029385-PatentCertificate17-01-2024.pdf 2024-01-17
1 201911029385-PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION [22-07-2019(online)].pdf 2019-07-22
2 201911029385-AMMENDED DOCUMENTS [16-01-2024(online)].pdf 2024-01-16
2 201911029385-FORM 1 [22-07-2019(online)].pdf 2019-07-22
3 abstract.jpg 2019-08-10
3 201911029385-FORM 13 [16-01-2024(online)].pdf 2024-01-16
4 201911029385-FORM-9 [13-09-2019(online)].pdf 2019-09-13
4 201911029385-FORM 3 [16-01-2024(online)].pdf 2024-01-16
5 201911029385-MARKED COPIES OF AMENDEMENTS [16-01-2024(online)].pdf 2024-01-16
5 201911029385-FORM-26 [13-09-2019(online)].pdf 2019-09-13
6 201911029385-Written submissions and relevant documents [16-01-2024(online)].pdf 2024-01-16
6 201911029385-FORM 18 [13-09-2019(online)].pdf 2019-09-13
7 201911029385-DRAWING [13-09-2019(online)].pdf 2019-09-13
7 201911029385-Correspondence to notify the Controller [30-12-2023(online)].pdf 2023-12-30
8 201911029385-US(14)-ExtendedHearingNotice-(HearingDate-02-01-2024).pdf 2023-12-07
8 201911029385-CORRESPONDENCE-OTHERS [13-09-2019(online)].pdf 2019-09-13
9 201911029385-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [13-09-2019(online)].pdf 2019-09-13
9 201911029385-FORM 13 [28-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-28
10 201911029385-FORM-26 [28-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-28
10 201911029385-OTHERS [20-03-2021(online)].pdf 2021-03-20
11 201911029385-FER_SER_REPLY [20-03-2021(online)].pdf 2021-03-20
11 201911029385-PETITION UNDER RULE 137 [28-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-28
12 201911029385-CLAIMS [20-03-2021(online)].pdf 2021-03-20
12 201911029385-POA [28-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-28
13 201911029385-FER.pdf 2021-10-18
13 201911029385-REQUEST FOR ADJOURNMENT OF HEARING UNDER RULE 129A [28-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-28
14 201911029385-Correspondence to notify the Controller [24-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-24
14 201911029385-US(14)-HearingNotice-(HearingDate-29-11-2023).pdf 2023-11-08
15 201911029385-Correspondence to notify the Controller [24-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-24
15 201911029385-US(14)-HearingNotice-(HearingDate-29-11-2023).pdf 2023-11-08
16 201911029385-FER.pdf 2021-10-18
16 201911029385-REQUEST FOR ADJOURNMENT OF HEARING UNDER RULE 129A [28-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-28
17 201911029385-POA [28-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-28
17 201911029385-CLAIMS [20-03-2021(online)].pdf 2021-03-20
18 201911029385-FER_SER_REPLY [20-03-2021(online)].pdf 2021-03-20
18 201911029385-PETITION UNDER RULE 137 [28-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-28
19 201911029385-FORM-26 [28-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-28
19 201911029385-OTHERS [20-03-2021(online)].pdf 2021-03-20
20 201911029385-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [13-09-2019(online)].pdf 2019-09-13
20 201911029385-FORM 13 [28-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-28
21 201911029385-CORRESPONDENCE-OTHERS [13-09-2019(online)].pdf 2019-09-13
21 201911029385-US(14)-ExtendedHearingNotice-(HearingDate-02-01-2024).pdf 2023-12-07
22 201911029385-Correspondence to notify the Controller [30-12-2023(online)].pdf 2023-12-30
22 201911029385-DRAWING [13-09-2019(online)].pdf 2019-09-13
23 201911029385-FORM 18 [13-09-2019(online)].pdf 2019-09-13
23 201911029385-Written submissions and relevant documents [16-01-2024(online)].pdf 2024-01-16
24 201911029385-FORM-26 [13-09-2019(online)].pdf 2019-09-13
24 201911029385-MARKED COPIES OF AMENDEMENTS [16-01-2024(online)].pdf 2024-01-16
25 201911029385-FORM-9 [13-09-2019(online)].pdf 2019-09-13
25 201911029385-FORM 3 [16-01-2024(online)].pdf 2024-01-16
26 abstract.jpg 2019-08-10
26 201911029385-FORM 13 [16-01-2024(online)].pdf 2024-01-16
27 201911029385-FORM 1 [22-07-2019(online)].pdf 2019-07-22
27 201911029385-AMMENDED DOCUMENTS [16-01-2024(online)].pdf 2024-01-16
28 201911029385-PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION [22-07-2019(online)].pdf 2019-07-22
28 201911029385-PatentCertificate17-01-2024.pdf 2024-01-17

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