Rinsing device

Abstract

A rinsing device for increasing the rinsing quality of a cleaning device in order to facilitate and improve the cleanliness of a surface cleaning, the rinsing device comprising a first tank (41) provided for collecting dirty water from the cleaning device, a second tank (42) provided for storing clean water, and a mechanical pumping device (15, 50) configured to pump clean water from the second tank (42) in order to moisten the cleaning device.

Description

[0001] This presentation concerns a rinsing device that increases the quality of rinsing of a cleaning device in order to facilitate and improve the cleanliness of surface cleaning.

[0002] Such a device, for private or professional use, can be used to improve the rinsing of all types of cleaning devices, and in particular those of the wet mop type such as mop, wipe or fringe mops to name just a few examples. STATE OF PRIOR ART

[0003] For many years now, numerous types of wet mops have been available to facilitate floor cleaning. All of these mops have resulted in significant improvements in cleaning quality and ease of use.

[0004] However, all these mops also present rinsing and wringing issues, as proper rinsing and wringing are essential for maintaining cleaning quality over time. During cleaning, the mop head becomes covered in dirt that must be removed during rinsing to prevent it from being redeposited on the surface being cleaned. Furthermore, some mops may struggle to pick up new dirt if their cleaning head is already heavily covered.

[0005] Consequently, numerous wringing devices have been proposed: some are mounted inside a bucket, others are integrated directly into the mop. However, they all share the common feature of using a single reservoir of cleaning fluid to rinse the mop head: the head is soaked in the cleaning fluid and then wrung out using the wringing device. Nevertheless, regardless of the wringing device's efficiency, the cleaning fluid is gradually contaminated by the dirt released by the mop head. As a result, the rinsing quality quickly deteriorates, as dirt can redeposit on the mop head when it is dipped in the cleaning fluid reservoir. Consequently, hygiene and cleaning quality ultimately decline, mechanically lengthening the cleaning time. Such a device is disclosed in US patent 2007 113 418.

[0006] There is therefore a real need for a rinsing device that increases the quality of rinsing of a cleaning device in order to facilitate and improve the cleanliness of surface cleaning and that is free, at least in part, from the disadvantages inherent in the aforementioned known devices. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a rinsing device for a cleaning device as defined in claim 1, comprising a first reservoir for collecting dirty water from the cleaning device, a second reservoir for storing clean water, and a mechanical, rotary-type pumping device configured to pump clean water from the second reservoir to wet the cleaning device, the pumping device comprising an Archimedes screw.

[0008] Thus, thanks to this rinsing system, it is possible to collect the dirty water from the cleaning device in a dedicated tank and reintroduce clean water from a separate tank into the cleaning device. Consequently, the dirt present on the cleaning device is released and flushed into the dirty water tank and does not contaminate the clean water tank: the cleaning device is therefore rinsed with water that remains clean throughout the entire cleaning process.

[0009] As a result, the cleaning device is restored to a high state of cleanliness at the end of each rinsing cycle so that cleanliness and cleaning quality remain high throughout the cleaning process.

[0010] This rinsing system is also more environmentally friendly, as it reduces the amount of water and detergent used, since the cleaning head no longer needs to be completely immersed in the cleaning liquid. This design also results in a more compact footprint.

[0011] In this description, the terms "axial," "radial," "tangential," "internal," "external," and their derivatives are defined with respect to the main axis of the rinsing device. The "axial plane" is understood to be a plane passing through the main axis of the rinsing device, and the "radial plane" is a plane perpendicular to this main axis. Finally, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are defined with respect to the flow of clean water within the rinsing device. Furthermore, "clean water" is understood to mean any cleaning liquid consisting essentially of water, possibly mixed with a detergent or other cleaning agent. The pumping device is, for example, rotary, centrifugal, or impeller-driven.

[0012] According to the present invention, the pumping device is configured to be activated via the cleaning device. The rinsing device is thus very easy to use: the user can hold the cleaning device, avoiding risky handling that could cause it to be dropped, and is not required, for example, to activate a lever or a pedal. Furthermore, the rinsing device can be activated remotely, ensuring more hygienic operation, as the user is not required to directly handle the rinsing device or the cleaning head of the cleaning device; this also reduces the risk of the user being splashed during rinsing.

[0013] The pumping device is configured to pump clean water when an activation member of the pumping device is driven into rotation.

[0014] According to the present invention, the pumping device is configured to pump clean water when an activation member of the pumping device is driven in rotation by the cleaning device. Such a configuration is particularly suitable when the cleaning device is equipped with a rotational drive mechanism, especially one of the type enabling centrifugal wringing. Indeed, in such a case, the pumping device is triggered by the activation of the wringing mechanism of the cleaning device, without the need for a separate actuator: in a single action, the user can thus trigger both wringing and pumping of the clean water.

[0015] The pumping device is of the rotary type.

[0016] The pumping device includes an Archimedes screw. Such a configuration is particularly effective for raising water, almost vertically, from a reservoir to a level above the reservoir.

[0017] In some embodiments, the rinsing device includes a tray designed to come into contact with the cleaning device. Such a tray provides a large surface area, facilitating interaction with the rinsing device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the pumping device is configured to flow clean water along the tray. The cleaning device can then become saturated with clean water when it comes into contact with the tray surface.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second reservoir includes a lid and the tray is formed by this lid.

[0020] In some embodiments, the platform surface is inclined outwards. It may be conical or convex. This allows excess clean water to be drained from the platform surface, preferably into the dirty water tank: this prevents stagnant water, possibly soiled by the mop, from remaining on the platform surface.

[0021] In some embodiments, the rinsing device includes a connecting member configured to cooperate with a connecting member of the cleaning device. This allows the position of the cleaning device to be indexed to the rinsing device to facilitate its use. These connecting members can also lock the cleaning device to prevent it from moving during rinsing. They can also allow the transmission of rotational torque from the cleaning device to the rinsing device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the connecting element is mounted to rotate relative to the plate. This allows for a relative rotational movement between the cleaning device and the rinsing device, which can facilitate the wringing of the cleaning device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the rinsing device includes a lifting mechanism configured to move the connecting element between at least one lower level and one upper level. Thus, when the connecting element is at the lower level, the cleaning device is in contact with the clean water supplied by the pumping device and can therefore be rinsed; conversely, when the connecting element is at the upper level, the cleaning device is away from the clean water and can then be wrung out without being re-wetted.

[0024] In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism is configured so that, when the connecting member is positioned at the lower level, the cleaning device is flush with the surface of the tray. This facilitates the passage of clean water from the surface of the tray to the cleaning device.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least two centimeters, and preferably three centimeters, separate the upper level from the lower level. This reduces the risk of the cleaning device remaining damp in the upper position, even when the cleaning device has fringes hanging down towards the tray. The cleaning device can then be wrung out effectively.

[0026] In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism comprises a cam surface, fixed in translation with the platform, and at least one follower element, fixed in translation with the connecting member. In this description, two parts are considered to be "fixed in translation" when the movement of one part in a translational motion causes the other part to move in the same translational motion; however, these two parts are free to rotate independently of each other, one being able, for example, to be mounted for rotation relative to the other.

[0027] In other embodiments, the cam surface is fixed in translation with the connecting member while the follower element is fixed in translation with the plate.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism is configured to include at least one lower stable position, in which the connecting member is located at the lower level, and at least one upper stable position, in which the connecting member is located at the upper level.

[0029] In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism includes a return element configured to return the follower element to a stable position. The follower element can move from one stable position to the next by exerting a predetermined force against the return force of the return element. Thus, the user only needs to push the cleaning device downwards to move from one stable position to the next. In particular, when the cleaning device includes a rotary drive that transforms a vertical movement of a sleeve or the cleaning device itself into a rotary movement, simply activating this drive can allow the device to move from one stable position to the next.

[0030] In other embodiments, the lifting device lacks a return element. In such a case, gravity can be used to define stable positions: the user then moves from one stable position to another by lifting the cleaning device.

[0031] In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism comprises several successive stable lower positions. Preferably, it comprises at least three successive stable lower positions. In this way, the cleaning device remains in its lower position for a sufficient time to allow for effective rinsing before rising to the upper position.

[0032] In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism includes at least one stable intermediate position in which the connecting element is located at an intermediate level between the lower and upper levels. In this way, the cleaning device does not rise suddenly and abruptly from the lower to the upper level but passes through at least one intermediate level: the lifting movement is therefore gradual, thus avoiding startling the user. The risk of splashing during lifting is also reduced.

[0033] In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism is configured such that the force required to overcome the restoring force of the lifting element to leave a stable upper position is greater, preferably at least twice as great, than the force required to leave a stable lower position. This reduces the risk of the cleaning device unintentionally moving from the upper to the lower position. In particular, when the cleaning device is equipped with a rotating drive actuated by vertical reciprocating movements, it is possible to actuate this drive without necessarily exceeding this greater predetermined force and thus without returning to the lower position: the user must therefore voluntarily exert a greater force to reach the next stable position at the chosen time.Thus, it is possible to perform as many spin cycles as desired while remaining in the upper position, away from clean water.

[0034] In some embodiments, the rinsing device includes a clutch mechanism configured to enable or prevent, according to a predetermined condition, the transmission of rotation from the connecting member to the activating member. This allows greater flexibility in the management of clean water: in particular, it avoids pumping clean water, and thus wasting it, when it is not necessary, especially when the cleaning device is in the upper spin position.

[0035] In some embodiments, the clutch mechanism is configured to allow the transmission of rotation from the connecting member to the activating member when the connecting member is at the lower level and to prevent this transmission when the connecting member is at the upper level.

[0036] In some embodiments, the connecting member includes a finger that engages in a cavity of the activation member when the connecting member is at the lower level and escapes from the cavity of the activation member when the connecting member is at the upper level.

[0037] In some embodiments, the pumping device is configured to pump clean water when the cleaning device applies pressure to the rinsing device, preferably to an activation element of the pumping device. The rinsing device is thus very easy to use, as it is sufficient to press against the rinsing device with the cleaning device to initiate a rinsing cycle.

[0038] In some embodiments, the platform is connected to the activation element of the pumping device. Pressing on the platform thus activates the pumping device.

[0039] In some embodiments, the platform includes a plurality of nozzles connected to the pumping device, for example to the ejection conduit. This makes it possible to inject clean water directly into the cleaning head of the cleaning device, as close as possible to it.

[0040] In some embodiments, the tray includes at least one wringing element. This may consist of protrusions projecting from the tray to exert wringing pressure on the cleaning head of the cleaning device.

[0041] In some embodiments, the plate includes at least one wringing roller. Such a roller, mounted to rotate around an axis, makes it possible to exert axial wringing pressure on the cleaning head of the cleaning device while reducing the tangential friction force exerted on the latter.

[0042] In some embodiments, the tray includes at least one tuft of brush bristles and preferably rows of brush bristles. Such brush bristles facilitate the removal of large debris that may be present on the head of the cleaning device.

[0043] In some embodiments, at least one wringing element is mounted movably, and preferably spring-loaded, on the tray. This facilitates wringing while reducing the tangential friction force exerted on the head of the cleaning device.

[0044] In some embodiments, the tray is removable. "Removable" means that it is possible to separate the tray from the rest of the rinsing device without the need for special tools. This allows for easy cleaning of the tray and access to the reservoirs and the pumping mechanism.

[0045] In some embodiments, the rinsing device includes a rotating tray drive mechanism configured to rotate the tray when pressure is applied to it by the cleaning device. This rotation improves the spin-drying action of the cleaning device. Alternatively, the tray rotation could be driven by a drive mechanism carried by the cleaning device.

[0046] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism comprises a fixed cam surface and at least one follower element integral with the plate. However, the configuration could be reversed.

[0047] In some embodiments, the follower element is a pin fixed to the piston of the pumping device. The drive mechanism and the pumping mechanism are therefore linked and can be activated simultaneously and in a single movement when the cleaning device exerts pressure against the plate.

[0048] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism is configured to rotate the turntable through a specific angle between 30° and 180°, preferably 60° or 120°, when the cleaning device applies pressure to the turntable. The inventor has found that such angles offer a good compromise between spin-drying efficiency and ease of use, particularly in terms of the amount of force required to activate the drive mechanism.

[0049] In some embodiments, the rinsing device includes a blocking device configured to prevent clean water from the second reservoir from reaching the cleaning device when the cleaning device exerts pressure on the pumping device's activation member. Such a blocking device allows, for example, the cleaning device to be completely wrung out at the end of use, without re-wetting it, so that it is sufficiently dry for storage. Such a blocking device is also useful for wringing the cleaning device more intensively, without injecting additional water, in order to clean a delicate surface such as a parquet floor.

[0050] In some embodiments, the blocking device comprises an obstacle mounted on the platform that moves between a blocking position, in which it is positioned in front of the nozzles, and a retraction position, in which it moves away from the nozzles. In such a case, clean water is pumped, ejected through the nozzles, but intercepted by the blocking device and then collected by the dirty water tank.

[0051] In some embodiments, the rinsing device takes the form of a bucket, with the second reservoir mounted in the internal volume of the bucket and the bottom of the bucket forming the first reservoir.

[0052] In some embodiments, the rinsing device includes a feed chute for the second tank extending from the second tank to the upper edge of the bucket. This facilitates filling the second tank.

[0053] This description also relates to an assembly comprising a cleaning device and a rinsing device according to any of the preceding embodiments. This cleaning device may or may not be equipped with an integrated wringing device, for example, a centrifugal wringing device.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cleaning device includes an integrated wringing device, preferably of the centrifugal type.

[0055] The aforementioned features and advantages, as well as others, will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, along with examples of implementations of the proposed device. This detailed description refers to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] The attached drawings are schematic and are primarily intended to illustrate the principles of the invention.

[0057] In these drawings, from one figure (FIG) to another, identical elements (or parts of elements) are identified by the same reference signs. There FIG 1 is a perspective view of a rinsing device according to a first example which is not part of the claimed subject matter. FIG 2A et 2B are perspective views of a cleaning device associated with the rinsing device of the FIG 1 . There FIG 3 is an axial cross-sectional view of the rinsing device of the FIG 1 . There FIG 4 is a perspective view of the cross-section of the FIG 3 . There FIG 5 is an exploded view of the rinsing device of the FIG 1 . There FIG 6 is an enlarged view of frame VI of the FIG 3 . There FIG 7 is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the cam cylinders. FIG 8 is a partially cross-sectional view of the cam cylinders and piston. FIG 9 is a diagram illustrating a development of the cam surfaces. FIG 10A et 10B are top views of the rinsing device of the FIG 1 with the locking device in two different positions. The FIG 11 is a perspective view of a rinsing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG 12 is an axial cross-sectional view, according to plane XII, of the rinsing device of the FIG 11 . There FIG 13 is an axial cross-sectional view, along plane XIII, perpendicular to plane XII, of the rinsing device of the FIG 11 . There FIG 14 is an exploded view of the rinsing device of the FIG 11 . There FIG 15 is a perspective view of the transmission part. FIG 16 is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the cam cylinders. FIG 17 is another partially truncated cross-sectional and perspective view of the assembled cam cylinders. FIG 18 is a cross-sectional view of the cam cylinders and the follower cylinder. FIG 19 is a perspective view of the connecting organ. The FIG 20 is a diagram illustrating a development of the cam surfaces. FIG 21 is a perspective view of the lifting device in its upper position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE(S) OF ACHIEVEMENT

[0058] To illustrate the invention more concretely, examples of rinsing devices are described in detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to these examples.

[0059] There FIG 1 represents, in perspective, a rinsing device 1 according to a first embodiment not forming part of the claimed subject matter. This rinsing device is also visible in the FIG 3 , 4 And 5It takes the general form of a bucket 8, fitted with a handle 2, and includes a bottom wall 3 and an outer circular wall 4 delimiting an internal volume 5. In this internal volume 5, are mounted a central pillar 10, a tank 40 and a tray 60.

[0060] The bottom wall 3 has in its center an annular protrusion forming an annular promontory 3a surrounding a central cavity 3b. A mounting base 9, comprising a threaded cylindrical part 9a and a horizontal flange 9b, is mounted in the central cavity 3b, the flange 9b being screwed onto the annular promontory 3a.

[0061] The lower portion of the internal volume 5 of the bucket 8, situated between the bottom wall 3 and the lower wall 45 of the tank 40, constitutes a first reservoir 41 for collecting dirty water. The tank 40, comprising said lower wall 45, an outer circular wall 46, and a removable lid 47, forms a second reservoir 42 for storing clean water, possibly mixed with a detergent or other cleaning liquid. The tank 40 is also equipped with a chimney 48 extending from the second reservoir 42 to the upper end of the bucket 8, facilitating the filling of the second reservoir 42. Furthermore, the tank 40 includes a central cavity 50, extending below the level of the lower wall 45 and delimited by a wall 50a projecting from the lower wall 45.

[0062] The plate 60, mounted on the central pillar 10, includes in its center a connection pin 61, mounted on the plate 60 via a bearing 62, configured to cooperate with a connection cavity 91 provided under the head 92 of the brush 90 associated with the rinsing device 1 and shown in the FIG 2A et 2B This broom 90 also has a cleaning pad 93, such as a microfiber mop, which is removably attached to the underside of the head 2 using hook and loop fasteners or buttonholes, for example. The broom 90 further includes a handle 94 mounted on the head 92 via a universal joint 95 and a freewheel 96 that allows the head 92 to rotate in only one direction relative to the handle 94.

[0063] The plate 60 further includes spin rollers 63, provided in this example as three in number, regularly distributed around the central axis A of the rinsing device 1, and extending radially from this axis A. Each spin roller 63, of substantially frustoconical shape, is mounted movably in rotation on a base 64; the axis of rotation 65 of the rollers 63 is slightly inclined so that the upper segment of each roller 63 is horizontal.

[0064] In addition, each base 64 is mounted on the plate 60 in such a way as to benefit from a certain freedom of movement in the axial direction, springs 66 allowing to return each base 64, and therefore each roller 63, to its position protruding most on the plate 60.

[0065] The plate 60 also includes tufts of brush bristles 66 which facilitate the cleaning of the mop 90. In the present example, the plate 60 includes three rows of brush bristles 66, each provided along a wringer roller 63.

[0066] The plate 60 further includes water ejection nozzles 67 for ejecting clean water from the second reservoir 42 onto the mop 93 of the broom 90. More specifically, in the present example, the plate 60 includes three radial conduits 68 regularly distributed around the central axis A, and thus extending radially from this axis A across the surface of the plate 60. Each of the radial conduits 68 is pierced with a plurality of aligned orifices forming the water ejection nozzles 67. In addition, the inner end of the radial conduits 68 communicates fluidly with an axial conduit 69 of the plate 60, extending along the central axis A from the underside of the plate 60, through which the clean water from the second reservoir 42 arrives.

[0067] The plate 60 also includes a locking device 70, which in this example takes the form of a three-pronged helix 71. This locking device is rotatably mounted between two positions shown in the diagrams. FIG 10A et 10B In the first position, known as the blocking position and represented at the FIG 10A , each branch 71 covers a radial conduit 68 such that the ejection nozzles 67 are all masked by the blocking device 70. In the second position, called the retraction position and shown in the FIG 10B , each branch 71 is against a stop 72 provided on the plate 60 and exposes the radial conduit 68 so that no obstacle is interposed between the nozzles 67 and the brush 90. A cam device or simply a groove 73 is also provided on the surface of the plate 60, opposite each branch 71, in order to guide the rotation of the locking device 70 and ensure the stability of the locking and clearing positions, respectively.

[0068] The plate 60 further includes a cylindrical connection socket 74 to the central pillar 10, extending axially from the underside of the plate 60, coaxially with the axial conduit 69 over a length however shorter than the latter.

[0069] The central pillar 10 houses a pumping device, allowing clean water to be pumped from the second reservoir 42 towards the ejection nozzles 37, and a rotation drive device, operating simultaneously with the pumping device, allowing the plate 60 to rotate.

[0070] The central pillar 10 includes firstly a mounting sleeve 11 having a threaded cylindrical part 12, received and screwed into the mounting base 9. The mounting sleeve 11 also includes a horizontal annular support part 13 carrying three threaded blocks 13a.

[0071] The tank 40 is then mounted on the mounting sleeve 11, its central cavity 50 extending within the cylindrical part 12 of the mounting sleeve 11.

[0072] An annular seal 51, the cross-section of which takes the form of an L, is then placed in a circular groove 52 provided in the lower wall 45 of the tank 40. A helical return spring 59 is further installed in the central cavity 50, vertically along the central axis A, its lower portion engaging around a protrusion 58 projecting vertically from the bottom of the central cavity 50, at the center of the latter.

[0073] The central pillar 10 then includes an armature 14, a piston 15, a first cam cylinder 23 and a second cam cylinder 24 assembled together.

[0074] The piston 15, generally cylindrical in shape, although having material withdrawals to reduce its mass, includes a lower cavity 16 open at its lower end and provided with a neck 17 at its upper end.

[0075] This neck 17 defines an orifice which allows the lower cavity 16 to communicate with an ejection conduit 18 made axially in the piston 15. A ball 19 inserted in the ejection conduit 18 is pressed against the neck 17 by means of a spring 20 bearing on a shoulder (not shown) of the ejection conduit 18: the ball 19 and the spring 20 thus form a valve closing the neck 17 unless a sufficient threshold pressure is exerted against the ball 19 from the lower cavity 16 of the piston.

[0076] The piston 15 further includes an upper cavity 21 open at its upper end and communicating with the ejection conduit 18 at its lower end.

[0077] Piston 15 also includes pins 22, here three in number, provided at regular intervals on the outer surface of piston 15.

[0078] Cam cylinders 23, 24, more clearly visible on the FIG 7 And 8, are generally cylindrical parts whose inner surface is provided with reliefs forming cam surfaces 25, 26. The cam cylinders 23, 24 are configured to fit together so as to enclose the pins 22 of the piston 15 between the upper cam surface 25, carried by the first cam cylinder 23, and the lower cam surface 26, carried by the second cam cylinder 24.

[0079] Therefore, as will be explained later, the movement of the pins 22, and thus the movement of the entire piston 15, is constrained by the cam surfaces 25 and 26.

[0080] Once the piston 15 and the two cam cylinders 25, 26 are assembled, the assembly is inserted into the cylindrical internal cavity of the armature 14 and the whole is positioned within the tank 40 such that the contour 14a of the armature 14 rests on the annular seal 51, that the second cam cylinder 24 rests on the wall 50a surrounding the central cavity 50 of the tank 40, that the lower end of the piston 15, provided with a skirt 15a, enters the central cavity 50, and that the upper end of the return spring 59 is received in the lower cavity 16 of the piston 15 and rests against a shoulder 16b of the lower cavity 16.

[0081] The armature 14 is then screwed onto the threaded blocks 13a of the mounting sleeve 13, through coincident bores in the bowl 40, which allows the assembly formed by the mounting sleeve 13, the bowl 40, the armature 14, the cam cylinders 23, 24 and the piston 15 to be joined together.

[0082] The central pillar 10 further includes a housing 27 covering the frame 14, the contour 28 of which also applies to the annular seal 51, and provided with a top opening 29 through which the top of the frame 14 and the piston 15 protrude.

[0083] The casing 27 is then screwed onto the frame 14, which allows the entire central pillar 10 to be completely joined together. From then on, the entire central pillar 10 can easily be removed from the inner volume 5 of the bucket 8 by unscrewing the mounting sleeve 12 from the mounting base 9 attached to the bottom wall 3 of the bucket 8.

[0084] The plate 60 is then removably mounted on the central pillar 10. More specifically, the connecting sleeve 74 of the plate 60 is received in the upper cavity 21 of the piston 15 until the lower end of the connecting sleeve 74 is in contact with the lower wall of the upper cavity 21 of the piston 15. In doing so, the axial conduit 69 of the plate enters the ejection conduit 18 of the piston, an O-ring 75 being provided between an external shoulder of the axial conduit 69 and the lower wall of the upper cavity 21 of the piston 15.

[0085] In order to ensure the rotational locking of the plate 60 relative to the piston 15, the connecting sleeve 74 of the plate 60 is provided with axial grooves cooperating with axial grooves 79 of the upper cavity 21 of the piston 15.

[0086] In addition, in order to ensure axial locking of the plate 60 relative to the piston 15, the plate 60 is fitted with a ratchet 76 having a finger configured to penetrate into a locking hole in the piston: the ratchet 76 is pushed radially in the direction of the central axis A, and therefore in the direction of the locking hole, by means of a spring; the ratchet 76 also has a lever projecting on the upper surface of the plate 60 allowing a user to push the finger of the ratchet 76 out of the locking light in order to dismantle the plate 60.

[0087] In addition, the platform 60 has guide lugs 77, here three in number and mounted under the bases 64, capable of sliding along the casing 27 of the central pillar 10 when the platform 60 goes up and down in the bucket 8 in order to stabilize the platform 60 in relation to the central pillar 10 and reinforce its mechanical strength.

[0088] The operation of the rinsing device 1 will now be explained with the help of the attached FIGs.

[0089] In order to operate the rinsing device 1, whether at the beginning of cleaning to initially wet the mop 93 of the broom 90 or during cleaning to rinse the mop 93, remove the dirt trapped by it and re-wet it before a new cleaning cycle, the blocking device 70 is positioned in its exhaust position and then the head 92 of the broom 90 is applied against the plate 60 until the connection pin 61 engages in the connection cavity 91 of the broom 90.

[0090] In this position, the mop 93 of the broom is in contact with the wringer rollers 63 and the rows of brush bristles 66. The user then exerts a downward force on the broom 90 so as to exert pressure against the plate 60 and thus drive the piston 15 downwards against the returning force of the return spring 59.

[0091] As can be seen on the FIG 9 During this movement, each pin 22 of the piston 15 will follow the cam surfaces 25, 26 and thus cause a rotation of the piston 15. More precisely, the first cam surface 25 comprises, in a clockwise direction, a succession of grooves 25a and peaks 25b connected by successively descending ramps 25c and then ascending ramps 25d. The second cam surface 26 comprises, in a clockwise direction, a succession of descending sawtooth ramps 26a, separated by grooves 26b. In each unit pattern of the cam surfaces 25, 26, that is to say, disregarding the repetition of the pattern of the cam surfaces 25, 26, each descending ramp 26a extends from an angular position located behind, in a clockwise direction, the groove 25a to an angular position located beyond the next peak 25b.

[0092] The first and second cam surfaces 25, 26 are thus periodic and have the same number of repetitions, which is also a multiple of the number of pins 22 carried by the piston 15. In the present example, the pattern of the cam surfaces 25, 26 is repeated three times, such that 120° separate two grooves 25a and therefore two stable equilibrium positions of the piston 15.

[0093] Thus, during the downward movement, each pin 22, initially housed in a groove 25a of the first cam surface 25, located at an angular coordinate a1, follows a first downward vertical movement M1 until it meets a downward ramp 26a of the second cam surface 26.

[0094] As the downward movement continues, the pawl 22 continues its descent by sliding along the ramp 26a until it falls into the ditch 26b located at the angular coordinate a2, thus following a second movement M2 during which the piston 15 makes a first rotational movement of a2-a1 degrees in the clockwise direction.

[0095] The downward movement of the brush 90, the plate 60 and the piston 15 ends when the piston 15 reaches its compression position against the bottom of the central cavity 50 of the tank 40: the pins 22 are then at the bottom of the grooves 26b of the second cam surface 26.

[0096] The user can then release the pressure exerted on the plate: the return spring 59 then pushes the piston 15 upwards.

[0097] During this upward movement, each pawn 22 follows a third upward vertical movement M3 until it meets the upward ramp 25d of the first cam surface 25.

[0098] As the upward movement continues, the pin 22 continues its ascent by sliding along the ramp 25d until it lodges in the next groove 25a, located at an angular coordinate a3, thus following a fourth movement M4 during which the piston makes a second rotational movement of a3-a2 degrees in the clockwise direction.

[0099] Thus, at the end of a compression cycle, the piston 15, and therefore the plate 60, has completed a rotation of a3-a1 degrees clockwise. In a preferred example, to ensure regularity of rotation, the grooves 26b are located midway between the grooves 25a such that the piston 15 travels 60° on the descent and 60° on the ascent.

[0100] During a compression cycle, the plate 60 is therefore set in rotation. Consequently, due to the differences in friction at the interface between the plate 60 and the mop head 92, at the bearing 62 and at the free wheel 96, a relative rotational movement occurs between the plate 60 and the mop head 92: the wringing rollers 63 and the rows of brush bristles 66 thus move along the mop 93, which allows it to be wrung out and cleaned.

[0101] During this wringing, the dirty water rejected by the mop 93 flows around the plate 60, falls to the bottom of the bucket 8 and is thus collected in the first reservoir 41 intended for dirty water.

[0102] After several compression cycles, the wringer rollers 63 and the rows of brush bristles 66 have traveled over the entire surface of the mop 93, thus completing the wringing and cleaning of the latter.

[0103] Simultaneously, with each compression cycle, clean water from the second reservoir 42 is pumped and injected into the mop 93. Indeed, as is more clearly visible on the FIG 6 , which is an enlargement of frame VI of the FIG 3 , a filling passage P connects the second reservoir 42 and the central cavity 50, forming a compression chamber, of the tank 40.

[0104] The cross-section of this filling passage P is limited in two places. Upstream, the seal 51 restricts the flow of clean water entering the filling passage P at the interface between the frame 14 and the housing 27 on one side, and the lower wall 45 of the tank 40 on the other. Downstream, the cross-section of the filling passage P is limited by the narrowness of the clearance J between the wall 50a of the compression chamber 50 and the skirt 15a of the piston 15. In this example, when the piston 15 is in its upper rest position, the clearance J measures approximately 0.1 mm.

[0105] However, although limited, this flow rate is sufficient for the compression chamber 50 to fill completely during the interval between two uses of the rinsing device 1, i.e., while the user is using the brush 90 to clean the target surface. Thus, in this example, the compression chamber 50 is able to fill completely in less than 30 seconds; for this, the filling flow rate through the filling passage P is approximately 1 cl / s.

[0106] On the other hand, this flow rate is sufficiently low compared to the actuation time of the rinsing device 1 to neglect, or at least minimize, the reflux flow from the compression chamber 50 to the second reservoir 42 during the actuation of the rinsing device 1, i.e. during the descent of the piston 15 in the compression chamber 50.

[0107] In particular, the reflux flow rate may be lower than the filling flow rate. In this example, the wall 50a has a beveled profile, which reduces the clearance J as the piston 15 descends into the compression chamber 50. Thus, the reflux flow rate through the filling passage P is less than 0.5 cl / s. In practice, it is estimated that the amount of water capable of refluxing through the filling passage P during a compression cycle is limited to 1 or 2 mL, which is small enough to allow the pressure to build up in the compression chamber 50 and the water to be ejected through the ejection conduit 18.

[0108] Therefore, when the rinsing device 1 is activated, the compression chamber 50 is initially filled with clean water. The rapid descent of the piston 15 increases the water pressure in the compression chamber 50, while the neck 17 of the piston 15 is blocked by the ball 19, and the backflow of water through the obstructed filling passage P is negligible given the compression speed. Once the threshold pressure is reached, the ball 19 is pushed against its spring 20, and clean water is expelled via the ejection conduit 18, the axial conduit 69, the radial conduits 68, and the nozzles 67 to the mop 93 of the brush 90.

[0109] Since not all the water is expelled at once, it is possible to repeat the operation to eject a quantity of clean water several times in succession towards the mop 93. Thanks to the rotation of the plate 60 occurring simultaneously with the ejection of water, and thanks to the relative movement appearing then between the plate 60 and the mop head 92, it is thus possible to rinse a large surface, if not the entire surface, of the mop 93.

[0110] After several compression cycles, for example five consecutive cycles, at a frequency of approximately one cycle per second, the water level in the compression chamber 50 becomes insufficient to trigger another water ejection. This signals to the user that rinsing is complete and they can use the mop 90 again to clean the targeted surface. Meanwhile, the compression chamber 50 can refill.

[0111] At the end of use of the mop 90, when the targeted surface is completely cleaned and you wish to store the mop 90 in a cupboard, for example, you can use the rinsing device one last time by moving the locking device 70 into its locked position. Each compression cycle will then rotate the plate 60, thus cleaning and wringing the mop head 93 of the mop 90, without re-wetting it. The water ejected by the nozzles 67 is intercepted by the arms 71 of the locking device 70 and thus diverted directly to the first reservoir 41, which is dedicated to dirty water.

[0112] There FIG 11 Figure 101 represents, in perspective, a rinsing device according to an embodiment of the invention. This rinsing device 101 is also visible in FIG 12 , 13 And 14It takes the general form of a bucket 108, equipped with a handle 102, and comprises a bottom wall 103 and an outer circular wall 104 delimiting an internal volume 105. A tank 140 is mounted in this internal volume 105. This rinsing device 101 is designed to cooperate with a brush 90 of the same type as that of the first example shown in the FIG 2A et 2B except that the brush 90 is equipped with a device for rotating the brush head 92.

[0113] The bottom wall 103 has in its center a cylindrical outgrowth forming a promontory 103a equipped in its center with a protuberance 103b.

[0114] The tank 140 is suspended by three arms 151 from a suspension ring 152 mounted astride the upper edge of the outer circular wall 104 of the bucket 108. In this suspended state, the tank 140 also rests on the top of the promontory 103a, the protuberance 103b engaging in a cavity 153 provided in the center of the lower wall 145 of the tank 140.

[0115] The lower part of the internal volume 105 of the bucket 108, located between the bottom wall 103 and the lower wall 145 of the tank 140, constitutes a first reservoir 141 for collecting dirty water. The tank 140, comprising said lower wall 145, an outer circular wall 146, and a removable lid 147, forms a second reservoir 142 for storing clean water, possibly mixed with a detergent or other cleaning liquid.

[0116] A pumping device 110, allowing clean water to be pumped from the second reservoir 142 towards the platform 160 formed by the cover 147 of the second reservoir 142, and a lifting device 120, allowing the position of the brush 90 to be adjusted relative to the platform 160, are mounted within the tank 140 along the central axis A of the rinsing device 101.

[0117] Tank 140 includes in its center a column 149 extending along the central axis A for about half the height of tank 140, the cavity 153 mentioned previously corresponding to the interior space of this column 149.

[0118] A split centering sleeve 111 is slipped loosely around the column 149 and rests on a shoulder of the lower wall 145 of the tank 140.

[0119] A pumping cylinder 112 is positioned in the center of the tank 140, around the column 149. It comprises an outer wall 113, substantially cylindrical, extending substantially over the entire height of the tank 140, and an inner wall 114, substantially cylindrical, extending only along the column 149. An Archimedes screw 115, double in this example, is formed between the outer wall 113 and the inner wall 114 of the pumping cylinder 112. The pumping cylinder 112 also includes an annular skirt 116 extending substantially radially from the upper end of the outer wall 113.

[0120] The top of the column 149 is fitted with a cup on which a ball 117 is placed. A hat piece 118, in the shape of a top hat, is then placed over the ball 117 and the top of the column 149, the top of the ball 117 being received in a cup provided in the interior space of the hat piece 118: the hat piece 118 is thus mounted in rotation with respect to the column 149.

[0121] A transmission component 121 is then installed within the tank 140. This component is also visible on the FIG 15 , 16 , 17 And 18It comprises a lower cylinder 122 connected to an upper cylinder 123, of larger diameter and forming a first cam cylinder, and further comprises a central column 124 of smaller diameter than the lower cylinder 122. The lower cylinder 122 is received with clearance between the centering sleeve 111 and the inner wall 114 of the pumping cylinder 112 while the internal cavity 124a formed by the central column 124 is engaged around the cap piece 118 until an axial stop 124b of the internal cavity 124a bears against the top of the cap piece 118.

[0122] The lower cylinder 122 has ratchet fingers 122a designed to engage irreversibly in notches 114a in the inner wall 114 of the pumping cylinder 112 so as to secure the pumping cylinder 112 with the transmission part 121.

[0123] The lower cylinder 122 also has internal ribs 122b allowing the transmission part 121 to be axially locked by screwing onto a thread 149a of the column 149 of the tank 140.

[0124] The central column 124 of the transmission part 121 further includes at its upper end an upper cavity 124c, open upwards, within which two diametrically opposed radial lugs 124d protrude.

[0125] A spring 125 is then placed around the central column 124 of the transmission part 121, the lower end of the spring 125 bearing against a shoulder of the central column 124.

[0126] A cup 126, carrying a first bearing 127, is then positioned at the top of the spring 125, a shoulder of the cup 126 bearing against the upper end of the spring 125.

[0127] A follower cylinder 128, also visible on the FIG 18 , is then positioned within the transmission part 121. The follower cylinder comprises an outer cylinder 129 extending over the entire height of the upper cylinder of the transmission part 121 and an inner cylinder 130, with a diameter substantially equal to that of the column 124 of the transmission part 121, extending over approximately one-third of the length of the outer cylinder 129, the outer cylinder 129 and the inner cylinder 130 being connected by a radial ring 131. The inner cylinder 130 engages inside the spring 125 while the lower surface of the radial ring 131 is connected to the first bearing 127.

[0128] The follower cylinder 128 also includes, at the lower end of its outer cylinder 129, two diametrically opposed pins 137 extending radially outwards. As is more clearly seen on the FIG 18 , the rear edges, upper and lower, of each pawn 137 are chamfered.

[0129] A second cam cylinder 132, substantially cylindrical, also visible on the FIG 16 , 17 And 18 , is engaged between the first cam cylinder 123, formed by the outer cylinder of the transmission part 121, and the follower cylinder 128, the second cam cylinder 132 being fixed to the first cam cylinder 123.

[0130] The cam cylinders 123, 132 are portions of generally cylindrical parts whose inner surface is provided with reliefs forming cam surfaces 135, 136. The cam cylinders 123, 132 are configured to fit together so as to enclose the pins 137 of the follower cylinder 128 between the lower cam surface 135, carried by the first cam cylinder 123, and the upper cam surface 136, carried by the second cam cylinder 132.

[0131] Therefore, as will be explained later, the movement of the pins 137, and thus the movement of the entire follower cylinder 128, is constrained by the cam surfaces 135 and 136.

[0132] Finally, a connection point 161, also visible on the FIG 19 , is mounted on the follower cylinder 132 via a second bearing 162. Similar to the first example, this connecting pad 161 is configured to cooperate with a connecting cavity 91 provided under the head 92 of the brush 90 associated with the rinsing device 101. The lower end of the connecting pad 161 extends towards the upper cavity 124c of the column 124 of the transmission part 161 and includes a dog finger 163 provided with two diametrically opposed radial lugs 163a.

[0133] The operation of the rinsing device 101 will now be explained with the help of the attached FIGs.

[0134] In order to operate the rinsing device 101, whether at the beginning of cleaning to initially wet the mop 93 of the broom 90 or during cleaning to rinse the mop 93, remove the dirt trapped by it and re-wet it before a new cleaning cycle, the head 92 of the broom 90 is applied against the connection pin 161 so as to engage the latter in the connection cavity 91 of the broom 90.

[0135] In this position, the mop head 93 is in contact with the plate 160 formed by the lid 147 of the tank 140. The user then activates the rotating drive mechanism of the mop 90 by making vertical back-and-forth movements with the mop 90 or with a moving part of the mop, such as a sleeve, depending on the model of the rotating drive mechanism. The head 92 of the mop 90 then begins to rotate, causing the connecting pin 161 to rotate with it.

[0136] Furthermore, in this position, the dog finger 163 of the connecting stud 161 enters the upper cavity 124c of the column 124 of the transmission part 121 such that the lugs 163a of the dog finger 163 push the lugs 124d of the column 124, thus causing the transmission part 121 to rotate.

[0137] Therefore, since the pumping cylinder 112 is integral with the transmission part 121, the Archimedes screw 115 of the pumping cylinder 112 is driven in rotation, causing clean water to rise into the pumping cylinder 112 from the clean water tank 142. The clean water is then released along the skirt 116 before flowing along the plate 160 formed by the cover 147 of the tank 140. The mop 93 of the rotating brush 90, in contact with the plate 160, can then be rinsed with this clean water and re-moistened. Furthermore, the surface of the plate 160 is slightly inclined outwards to allow excess clean water to drain into the dirty water tank 141.

[0138] Furthermore, with each back-and-forth movement, the brush 90 exerts a downward force against the connecting pin 161, and therefore against the follower cylinder 128, against the restoring force of the spring 125.

[0139] As can be seen on the FIG 20 , during this movement, each pin 137 of the follower cylinder 128 will follow the cam surfaces 135, 136.

[0140] More specifically, the first cam surface 135 comprises, in a clockwise direction, a succession of sawtooth grooves 135a and peaks 135b connected by descending ramps 135c. The second cam surface 136 comprises, in a clockwise direction, a succession of sawtooth grooves 136a and peaks 136b connected by ascending ramps 136c. Systematically, a groove 135a of the first cam surface 135 is located opposite an ascending ramp 136c of the second cam surface 136, and a groove 136a of the second cam surface 136 is located opposite a descending ramp 135c of the first cam surface 135.

[0141] The first and second cam surfaces 135, 136 are periodic and have the same number of repetitions, which is also a multiple of the number of pins 137 carried by the follower cylinder 128. In the present example, the pattern of the cam surfaces 135, 136 is repeated twice.

[0142] Thanks to the spring 125, all the grooves 136a of the second cam surface 136 define stable positions for the pins 137 of the follower cylinder 128.

[0143] On the FIG 20 For explanatory purposes, a pawn 137 has been shown in each of the available stable positions; however, it must be understood that these stable positions are actually occupied successively by pawns 137. A unit pattern thus comprises six lower stable positions 138a located at a lower level, one upper stable position 138b located at a higher level, and two intermediate stable positions 138c and 138d located at two different levels, increasing in height between the lower and upper levels. A vertical distance of approximately 4 cm separates the lower level from the upper level.

[0144] The force required against the spring 125 to move from one stable position 138a-138d to the next is a function of the vertical distance separating this stable position from the groove 135a of the first cam surface 135 located immediately beyond it in a clockwise direction. In this case, with the exception of the upper stable position 138b, a vertical displacement of a maximum of 1 cm is sufficient to reach the next groove 135a: therefore, a moderate downward force is sufficient to allow the transition to the next stable position. In practice, the back-and-forth movement necessary to activate the drive mechanism for rotating the brush 90 is then sufficient to progress from stable position to stable position until reaching the upper stable position 138b.

[0145] Thus, the broom 90 remains in the lower position, in contact with the plate 160, for five back-and-forth movements, which is deemed sufficient to rinse the mop 63, then the broom 90 gradually rises over three back-and-forth movements before reaching its upper position.

[0146] Indeed, as depicted on the FIG 21 , when the pawns 137 are in their stable upper position 138b, the follower cylinder 128, and therefore the connecting stud 161, are caused to rise to protrude approximately 4 cm above the level of the board 160.

[0147] In this position, the mop head 93 of the broom 90 is no longer in contact with the plate 160 and therefore with the water present on its surface. The broom 90 can then be wrung out by centrifugal force while continuing to operate the rotating drive mechanism.

[0148] This time, the only back-and-forth movements required for the spin cycle no longer have sufficient amplitude to allow, without voluntary action by the user, the transition to the next stable position, which is a lower stable position 138a located approximately 4 cm lower: the pins 137 then move back and forth in the vertical channel 139 located in the axis of the upper stable position 138b. Therefore, it is possible to operate the rotating drive device for as long as necessary to obtain the desired spin level while remaining in the upper position.

[0149] During this wringing, the dirty water rejected by the mop 93 flows around the tray 160, falls to the bottom of the bucket 108 and is thus collected in the first reservoir 141 intended for dirty water.

[0150] Furthermore, when the connection block 161 is located in the upper position, its dog finger 163 disengages from the upper cavity 124c of the column 124 of the transmission part 121. From then on, the transmission part 121 and the Archimedes screw 115 are no longer driven, which stops the pumping device 110 and therefore the rise of clean water.

[0151] Once the spin cycle is complete, it is possible either to apply sufficient downward force to the mop 90 to reach the first stable lower position 138a and begin a new rinsing cycle, or to detach the mop 90 to clean the floor. To begin a new rinsing and spin cycle, simply reattach the mop 90 to the connection point 161; the force required for this connection will be sufficient to reach the first stable lower position 138a.

[0152] Although the present invention has been described with reference to an example embodiment shown on the figures 1 à 10 not covered by the claims, and to an example of an embodiment according to the invention presented on the figures 11 à 21 It is evident that modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0153] It is also evident that all the characteristics described with reference to a process are transposable, alone or in combination, to a device, and conversely, all the characteristics described with reference to a device are transposable, alone or in combination, to a process.

Claims

1. A rinsing device for a cleaning device, comprising: a first tank (141) provided to collect dirty water coming from the cleaning device (90), a second tank (142) provided to store clean water, and a rotary-type mechanical pumping device (110) configured to pump clean water coming from the second tank (142) in order to humidify the cleaning device (90), characterized in that the pumping device (110) comprises an Archimedes screw (115) in that the pumping device (110) is configured to pump clean water when a member for activating (124) the pumping device (110) is driven in rotation by the cleaning device (90).

2. The rinsing device according to claim 1, comprising a tray (160) provided to receive the cleaning device (90), and wherein the pumping device (110) is configured to run clean water along the tray (160).

3. The rinsing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tray (60) comprises a plurality of nozzles connected to the pumping device.

4. An assembly comprising a cleaning device (90) and a rinsing device (101) according to any one of the preceding claims.

5. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein the cleaning device (90) comprises an integrated wringing device, preferably of the centrifugal type.

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