Surface cleaning apparatus capable of releasing constant amount of cleaning liquid

Abstract

The invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus (100) comprising a reservoir assembly (400) including a main reservoir (410) refillable with a cleaning fluid, and a discharge reservoir (420) superimposed on top of each other. The discharge reservoir includes: - an opening opposite a discharge port of the main reservoir, - a discharge port, - a valve (430), rotatable between an initial position and a discharge position. The valve, rotated by an actuator, is configured so that, in its initial position, the opening is open and the discharge port is closed, and vice versa in the discharge position. When the opening is open, cleaning fluid from the main reservoir flows into the discharge reservoir. When the discharge port is open, only the fluid from the discharge reservoir flows out of the apparatus. The apparatus thus allows for the release of a constant quantity of fluid.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of surface cleaning devices.

[0002] The present invention relates in particular to a surface cleaning device with an integrated reservoir for storing a cleaning liquid. The invention finds particular application in surface cleaning devices of the flat mop type. Previous technique

[0003] Many cleaning devices with an integrated reservoir, usually mounted on the handle, containing a cleaning fluid are available on the market. The reservoir is connected to a flexible hose that directs the cleaning fluid to a cleaning head. See, for example, US patent 2017 188775 A1.

[0004] Two techniques are commonly used to release a quantity of cleaning fluid from the tank through the flexible conduit.

[0005] One technique relies on using a flexible hose clamping device. By default, the clamping forces it exerts on the flexible hose deform it. This deformation is so severe that it locally blocks the hose, preventing any cleaning fluid from flowing. When the clamping device is activated, the clamping forces on the flexible hose are reduced, or even eliminated, allowing the cleaning fluid to flow through it.

[0006] A second technique relies on the use of a tank pressurization device. When the pressurization device is activated, the pressure inside the tank increases. Once a predetermined pressure threshold is exceeded, the cleaning fluid contained in the tank is ejected through the flexible hose.

[0007] Manual activation of these two types of devices by a user is typically achieved using a trigger or a push button.

[0008] But although these techniques remain easy to use, they do have some drawbacks.

[0009] To begin with, any modulation of pinching of the flexible conduit can lead to a degradation over time of the mechanical properties, in particular the sealing, of the flexible conduit of the cleaning device.

[0010] Furthermore, these manual activation devices do not allow for control over the amount of cleaning fluid released. The hose pinch modulation of the first technique depends on the intensity of the pressure exerted by a user on the trigger or the push button. This intensity varies inherently from one user to another. Similarly, with the second technique, variations in the intensity and duration of a user's press result in different pressure intensities and durations, and therefore a variable amount of cleaning fluid released. Presentation of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of solutions proposed by the prior art, in particular those described above, by proposing a surface cleaning device capable of releasing a constant quantity of cleaning liquid, said surface cleaning device comprising: o a handle, said handle extending longitudinally along a first axis between two ends, o a cleaning head attached to one of the two ends of said handle, o a reservoir assembly configured to store a cleaning liquid, characterized in that the reservoir assembly comprises two superimposed reservoirs extending longitudinally along a second axis, parallel to the first axis, and rigidly connected to each other: a main reservoir, extending longitudinally between a base and an upper end, said base having a drain orifice, said main reservoir delimiting an internal volume Vp, , a discharge reservoir, extending longitudinally between a base and an upper wall, said base having a discharge orifice, said upper wall having an opening arranged opposite the drain orifice of the base of the main reservoir, said discharge reservoir delimiting an internal volume Vd, and comprising,within said internal volume Vd, a body called a movable valve rotates around the second axis and evolves between an initial position and a discharge position. in that the tank assembly includes a filling device configured to allow the filling of said main tank with the cleaning fluid, and in that the tank assembly includes an actuator having a user interface, the actuator being configured to drive the valve in rotation between the initial position and the discharge position, such that in the initial position: the opening of said upper wall of the discharge tank is not obstructed by said valve, allowing the passage of the cleaning fluid between the main tank and the discharge tank, and the discharge orifice of said base of the discharge tank is obstructed by said valve, preventing the discharge of the cleaning fluid through the discharge orifice of said base of said discharge tank, and such that in the discharge position: the opening of said upper wall of the discharge tank is obstructed by said valve,prohibiting the passage of cleaning fluid between the main reservoir and said discharge reservoir, and the discharge port of said base of the discharge reservoir is not obstructed by said valve, allowing the discharge of cleaning fluid through the discharge port of said base of said discharge reservoir.

[0012] The opening in the upper wall of the discharge tank remains permanently aligned (opposite) with the outlet at the base of the main tank. This alignment ensures the passage of the cleaning fluid between the internal volume Vp of the main tank and the internal volume Vd of the discharge tank.

[0013] Before use of the device, the internal volume Vp of the main tank is empty. The valve is considered to be in its initial position. Thus, the opening in the upper wall of the discharge tank is not obstructed by the valve, and the discharge outlet in the base of the discharge tank is obstructed by the valve.

[0014] During operation, the user first fills the internal volume Vp of the main cleaning fluid reservoir via the filling device. Preferably, this filling is carried out vertically. Vertical is defined as an orientation of the reservoir assembly in which the second axis remains substantially coincident with the Earth's gravitational axis.

[0015] Since the opening of the said upper wall of the discharge tank is not obstructed by the said valve, and the discharge orifice of the said base of the discharge tank is obstructed by the said valve, the result is advantageously the filling of the internal volume Vp of the main tank and the filling of the internal volume Vd of the discharge tank.

[0016] The device user activates the actuator at will via the user interface. Activating the actuator then causes the valve to rotate from its initial position to its discharge position.

[0017] The opening in the upper wall of the discharge tank is then obstructed by the valve, preventing the passage of cleaning fluid between the main tank and the discharge tank, and the discharge orifice in the base of the discharge tank is no longer obstructed by the valve, allowing the cleaning fluid to be discharged through the discharge orifice in the base of the discharge tank.

[0018] Advantageously, only the cleaning fluid from the discharge tank of the entire tank assembly of the device that flows through said orifice is released from the device.

[0019] Unlike commercially available devices, the invention presented here is capable of releasing a constant volume of cleaning fluid. This is made possible in particular because, firstly, the internal volume Vd of the discharge tank is fixed and, secondly, only the cleaning fluid contained in the discharge tank can be released from the device (once the valve is positioned in the discharge position).

[0020] Advantageously, this cleaning device ensures a consistent amount of cleaning fluid is released with each use. Each use can be performed by a single user. Each use can be performed by multiple users.

[0021] Unlike current devices with a flexible conduit clamping mechanism, the present invention does not damage any internal components. Advantageously, the present invention remains permanently watertight over time. Consequently, the present invention provides improved durability compared to such current devices.

[0022] According to particular embodiments, the apparatus according to the invention also meets the following characteristics, implemented separately or in each of their technically operative combinations.

[0023] According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the valve of the device has a first base arranged opposite said base of the discharge tank, and comprising an outlet orifice, and a second base arranged opposite said upper wall of the discharge tank, and comprising an inlet orifice. The actuator of the device is configured such that: In the initial position, the inlet orifice of said second base of said valve is opposite (facing) said opening of said upper wall of said discharge tank, and the outlet orifice of said first base of said valve is not opposite (facing) the discharge orifice of said base of said discharge tank; in the discharge position, the inlet orifice of said second base of said valve is not opposite (facing) said opening of said upper wall of said discharge tank, and the outlet orifice of said first base of said valve is opposite (facing) the discharge orifice of said base of said discharge tank.

[0024] Advantageously, this results in better robustness of the valve and fluid flow velocities of the cleaning liquid in the tank assembly that can be set according to the dimensions of the inlet and outlet orifice of the valve.

[0025] The discharge tank of the device includes a first sealing element configured to ensure a peripheral seal of the opening in the upper wall of said discharge tank with the valve, and a second sealing element configured to ensure a peripheral seal of the discharge orifice in the base of said discharge tank with the valve.

[0026] Advantageously, this results in lossless (leak-free) fluid flow between the main tank and the discharge tank. It also results in the absence of leakage within and at the outlet of the entire tank assembly of the device, the tank assembly containing the discharge tank.

[0027] According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the device includes a protective housing for the reservoir assembly, said protective housing being securely attached to the handle.

[0028] Advantageously, this results in, on the one hand, easy attachment of the tank assembly to the handle of the device and, on the other hand, optimal protection of the tank assembly by said protective casing.

[0029] According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the reservoir assembly is removable from the protective housing. The user of the device can advantageously interchange a first reservoir assembly containing a first cleaning fluid with a second reservoir assembly containing a different cleaning fluid, without having to use all of the first cleaning fluid from the first reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly is also easily cleaned and replaceable when damaged.

[0030] According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the internal volume Vp of the main tank is a multiple of the internal volume Vd of the discharge tank. Advantageously, this results in a guaranteed number of refills of the discharge tank with any cleaning fluid contained in the main tank. The guaranteed number of refills corresponds to said multiple.

[0031] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a filling station and a surface cleaning device according to one of its embodiments, said filling station comprising a tank having a draining device configured to interact with the filling device of the tank assembly of the surface cleaning device. The tank contains the cleaning liquid.

[0032] Advantageously, the filling station's tank facilitates the filling of the main tank of the entire appliance. This filling process is automated. Such a filling method allows the user to avoid getting dirty. Brief description of the figures

[0033] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the following figures: [ Fig.1 ] illustrates a perspective view of a surface cleaning device according to an embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 2 ] illustrates an exploded view of a reservoir assembly of the cleaning device according to an embodiment of the invention, [ Fig.3 ] illustrates a perspective view of a valve of the reservoir assembly, [ Fig. 4 ] illustrates an exploded view of the discharge tank, valve and sealing components, [ Fig. 5] illustrates schematic iso-view representations of the base of a main tank of the tank assembly (representation a), the upper wall of a discharge tank of the tank assembly (representation b), the base of the discharge tank (representation c), the valve in its initial position (representation d) and the valve in its discharge position (representation e), [ Fig. 6 ] illustrates an exploded view of the filling device according to one embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 7 ] illustrates a perspective view of a filling station and surface cleaning device assembly, [ Fig. 8 ] illustrates a perspective view of part of a tank emptying device at the filling station with a surface cleaning device. Description of the implementation methods

[0034] An example of a device for cleaning a surface of 100 is now described and illustrated on the figures 1 to 7 .

[0035] In the rest of the description, the surface cleaning device 100 will simply be referred to as device 100.

[0036] The invention is described in the preferred example of a broom-type device for floor washing.

[0037] There figure 1 presents the complete Device 100. Device 100 includes: a handle 300 for gripping said device by a user, a cleaning head 200, intended to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, a reservoir assembly 400.

[0038] The handle 300 extends longitudinally along an axis called the first axis 1000, between two ends. In the non-limiting example of the figure 1The handle is cylindrical in shape, with a circular cross-section. Preferably, the handle is made of a hard and rigid material. In a non-limiting example, the handle is made of a plastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polypropylene (PP).

[0039] The cleaning head 200 is connected, in a conventional manner, to one of the two ends of the handle 300.

[0040] The 200 cleaning head is preferably presented in the form of a plate, designed to be fitted with a fringe (not shown). The term fringe is not considered exhaustive here and includes, among other things, flat fringes, brushes, and microfiber cloths.

[0041] Preferably, to ensure the maneuverability of the device 100, the cleaning head 200 is connected to the handle 300 by means of an articulated connecting element (not referenced). In one embodiment, the articulated connecting element is a pivot or ball joint. Preferably, the cleaning head is made of a hard and rigid material. In a non-limiting embodiment, the cleaning head is made of a plastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polypropylene (PP).

[0042] The 400 tank assembly, illustrated in figure 2 The device is configured to store a cleaning fluid and, on the other hand, release a predetermined quantity of said cleaning fluid at the user's request. The reservoir assembly 400 is preferably connected to the handle 300 via a protective housing 480, which will be described later.

[0043] The said tank assembly comprises two superimposed tanks, a main tank 410 and a discharge tank 420, as illustrated in the figure 2The main reservoir 410 and the discharge reservoir 420 are permanently connected. Preferably, the reservoir assembly 400 has a total length less than the length of the handle 300. The main reservoir 410 defines a hollow internal volume Vp. The discharge reservoir 420 defines a hollow internal volume Vd. The internal volume Vp of the main reservoir 410 is greater than the internal volume Vd of the discharge reservoir. The internal volume Vp of the main reservoir 410 and the internal volume Vd of the discharge reservoir 420 represent the maximum storage volume of the cleaning fluid in the device. The internal volume Vd of the discharge reservoir 420 represents the volume of cleaning fluid that will be released from the reservoir assembly 400 at each user request. Preferably, the internal volume Vp of the main reservoir 410 is a multiple of the internal volume Vd of the discharge reservoir 420.The internal volume Vp of the main tank 410 can represent, for example, between 5 and 10 times, preferably 6 times, the internal volume Vd of the discharge tank 420.

[0044] Advantageously, this results in a guaranteed number of releases of a constant quantity of cleaning fluid from the reservoir assembly 400 of the device 100. Preferably, both the main reservoir and the discharge reservoir are made of a hard, rigid material. Preferably, the material used for the main reservoir 410 and the discharge reservoir 420 is the same. In a non-limiting example, the material used is a plastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polypropylene (PP). Preferably, the main reservoir 410 and the discharge reservoir 420 are transparent to allow visualization of the cleaning fluid level in each of the two reservoirs.

[0045] Preferably, and as illustrated in figure 2 The main reservoir 410 extends longitudinally between a base 411 and an upper end 412. The upper end 412 is preferably open. Preferably, the main reservoir 410 includes a plug 415 configured to close the upper end 412 of said main reservoir. The base 411 has a drain orifice 413, as illustrated in figure a) of the figure 5 In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, the drain orifice 413 of the base 411 of the main tank 410 will simply be referred to as the drain orifice 413 of the main tank. The drain orifice 413 of the main tank 410 is a through-hole.

[0046] Without limiting the foregoing, the main tank 410 is cylindrical in shape and circular in cross-section.

[0047] Preferably, and as illustrated in figure 2The discharge tank 420 extends longitudinally between a base 421 and an upper wall 422. The base 421 has a discharge port 423 and the upper wall 422 has an opening 424, as illustrated respectively in figures b) and c) of the figure 5 . In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, the opening 424 in the upper wall 422 of the discharge tank 420 will simply be referred to as the opening 424 of the discharge tank 420, and the discharge port 423 in the base 421 of the discharge tank 420 will simply be referred to as the discharge port 423 of the discharge tank 420. The opening 424 and the discharge port 423 of the discharge tank 420 are through ports.

[0048] Without limiting the foregoing and in the continuation of the description: the discharge tank 420 is cylindrical in shape, and of circular cross-section.

[0049] Preferably, the main tank 410 and the discharge tank 420 are coaxial, along an axis, called the second axis 2000. Preferably, the second axis 2000 is substantially parallel to the first axis 1000 of the control stick 300, advantageously guaranteeing a reduced size of the device 100.

[0050] Preferably, as illustrated on the figure 2 , the main tank 410 and the discharge tank 420 have the same cross-section, so that the discharge tank 420 is in line with the main tank 410.

[0051] The main tank 410 and the discharge tank 420 are stacked one on top of the other, such that the discharge outlet 413 of the main tank is opposite the opening 424 of the discharge tank, creating a passage for the cleaning fluid between the two tanks. Preferably, the cross-section of the opening 424 of the discharge tank is identical to the cross-section of the discharge outlet 413 of the main tank.

[0052] The tank assembly 400 includes a filling device 470 for the main tank 410, as illustrated in Figures 1 And 6 .

[0053] Preferably, the filling device is located at a through-hole (not shown) in the cap 415 of the main reservoir. The filling device 470 is configured to: By default, block the through-hole of cap 415 to prevent cleaning fluid from passing into or out of the main reservoir; when force is applied to it, release the through-hole of cap 415 to allow cleaning fluid to pass into the main reservoir.

[0054] In one embodiment, the filling device 470 is a valve system, associated with a spring device, together forming a seal for the through orifice of the plug 415. When the spring device is at rest, the valve system blocks the through orifice of the plug 415. When a force is exerted on the spring device, the valve system releases the through orifice of the plug 415.

[0055] Preferably, the cap 415 of the main reservoir 410 has a peripheral protrusion 416 (illustrated in figure 6) extending around the through-hole of the plug. The peripheral protrusion is, for example, threaded.

[0056] Preferably, as illustrated on the figures 1, 2 And 6 The device 100 may include an adapter 500 configured to be screwed onto the peripheral protrusion 416 of the cap 415. When the adapter 500 is in place on the peripheral protrusion 416, said adapter simultaneously presses on the filling device 470 of the reservoir assembly 400 to release the through-hole of said cap in the main reservoir 410 and allow the main reservoir to be filled with the cleaning fluid. The through-hole of said cap remains open as long as the adapter 500 is attached to the peripheral protrusion. The user of the device 100 may use a funnel to facilitate filling the main reservoir 410 of said device via the adapter 500.

[0057] It is understood that other means of assembly between the peripheral protrusion and the adapter are also possible, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0058] The discharge tank 420 includes, within its internal volume Vd, a body called a valve 430. This valve is rotatable about the second axis 2000 and moves between an initial position and a discharge position. Advantageously, the valve 430 is sized and arranged within the discharge tank 420 such that: In the initial position, said valve does not obstruct the opening 424 of the discharge tank 420, but obstructs the discharge orifice 423 of the discharge tank 420; in the discharge position, said valve obstructs the opening 424 of the discharge tank 420, but does not obstruct the discharge orifice 423 of the discharge tank 420.

[0059] Thus, when the valve 430 is in the initial position, a quantity of the cleaning fluid contained in the main tank can flow to the discharge tank, via the discharge port 413 of said main tank and the opening 424 of said discharge tank, and remains stored in the discharge tank since the discharge port 423 of said discharge tank is obstructed.

[0060] When the valve 430 is in the discharge position, all the cleaning fluid contained in the discharge tank 420 can be discharged out of said discharge tank, via the discharge port 423 of said discharge tank, while preventing the passage of cleaning fluid from the main tank 410 to the discharge tank since the opening 424 of said discharge tank is obstructed.

[0061] Thus, only the amount of cleaning fluid in the discharge tank 420 is discharged from said discharge tank. The valve 430 advantageously regulates the amount of cleaning fluid discharged from the discharge tank 420.

[0062] In a preferred example of valve implementation, as illustrated on the figures 3 and 4 The valve 430 comprises a first base 431 and a second base 432. The first base 431 is arranged opposite the base 421 of the discharge tank 420. The second base 432 is arranged opposite the upper wall 422 of the discharge tank 420. Said first base and second base are connected for example to a hollow rod 436, with longitudinal axis, the second axis.

[0063] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first base 431 and second base 432 are semi-circular in shape. The first base 431 and second base 432 are arranged so that they are diametrically opposite each other.

[0064] The first base 431 and second base 432 are preferentially connected to each other by two cores 437 extending radially from the hollow rod 436, and diametrically opposed.

[0065] In an example of implementation, illustrated in figures 3 and 4 , to stiffen the valve, said valve includes two stiffeners 435, one stiffener to connect the first base 431 to the hollow rod 436 and one stiffener to connect the second base 432 to the hollow rod 436.

[0066] Preferably, the valve 430 is a single piece and made of the same material as the discharge tank 420.

[0067] The first base 431 has an outlet 433. The second base 432 has an inlet 434. For the sake of simplicity, the inlet 434 of the second base of the valve will be referred to as the inlet 434 of the valve, and the outlet 433 of the first base of the valve will be referred to as the outlet 433 of the valve. Preferably, the outlet 433 and the inlet 434 of the valve are through-holes.

[0068] Preferably, the cross-section of the outlet port 433 of the valve 430 corresponds to the cross-section of the discharge port 423 of the discharge tank 420. The cross-section of the inlet port 434 of the valve 430 corresponds to the cross-section of the opening 424 of the discharge tank 420.

[0069] In the figure 5Figure d) of the valve illustrates the valve's position in its initial position, and figure e) of the valve illustrates its position in the discharge position. Figures a), b), and c) of the figure 5 illustrate, in the said tank assembly, respectively the fixed positioning of the discharge orifice 413 of the main tank 410, the opening 424 of the discharge tank 420 and the discharge orifice 423 of the discharge tank 420.

[0070] Thus, in the non-limiting example of the valve 430 comprising the first base 431 and the second base 432, each with a through orifice, said valve is arranged in the discharge tank 420 such that: In the initial position: o the inlet port 434 of said valve is opposite the opening 424 of the discharge tank 420, (see the relative positioning of the inlet port 434 of said valve and the opening 424 of said discharge tank in representations d) and b) illustrated in figure 5 ), or the outlet 433 of the valve 430 is not opposite the discharge 423 of the discharge tank 420 (see the relative positioning of the outlet 433 of said valve and the discharge 423 of said discharge tank in Figures 4) and c) illustrated in figure 5 ), in the discharge position: o the inlet orifice 434 of said valve is not opposite the opening 424 of the discharge reservoir 420, (see the relative positioning of the inlet orifice 434 of said valve and the opening 424 of said discharge reservoir in representations e) and b) illustrated in figure 5), where the outlet 433 of said valve is opposite the discharge 423 of the discharge tank 420 (see the relative positioning of the outlet 433 of said valve and the discharge 423 of said discharge tank in representations e) and c) illustrated in figure 5 ).

[0071] Thus, it follows that in the initial position: The valve 430 leaves open the passage between the main tank and the discharge tank (fluidic passage through the discharge orifice 413 of said main tank and the opening 424 of said discharge tank), and the valve 430 obstructs the discharge orifice 423 of said discharge tank.

[0072] A quantity of cleaning fluid contained in the main tank 410 (through the filling device 470) flows accordingly into the discharge tank 420 until the discharge tank is full.

[0073] In discharge position: The valve 430 closes the passage between the main reservoir 410 and the discharge reservoir 420 (no fluid passage because the opening 424 of said discharge reservoir is blocked), and the valve 430 releases the discharge orifice 423 of the discharge reservoir 420.

[0074] Only the cleaning fluid contained in the internal volume Vd of the discharge tank 420 can flow through the discharge port 423 of said discharge tank, out of said discharge tank.

[0075] Preferably, as illustrated on the figure 4The discharge tank 420 includes, at the opening 424 of the discharge tank 420, a first sealing element 450 which bears against the second base 432 of the valve 430. The first sealing element 450 is configured to ensure a peripheral seal around the opening 424 of the discharge tank 420 with the valve 430 when said valve is in the discharge position.

[0076] It therefore advantageously results that, when the valve 430 is in the discharge position, the first sealing element 450 forms a sealing barrier against the second base 432 of the valve 430 and no leakage of cleaning fluid from the main reservoir 410 into the discharge reservoir 420 is possible through the opening 424 of said discharge reservoir.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment example, the first sealing element 450 is an O-ring.

[0078] Preferably, as illustrated on the figure 4 The discharge tank 420 includes, at the discharge port 423 of said discharge tank, a second sealing element 440 which bears against the first base 431 of the valve 430. The second sealing element 440 is configured to provide a peripheral seal around the discharge port 423 of the discharge tank 420 with the valve 430 when said valve is in its initial position. Advantageously, this results in the second sealing element 440 forming a sealing barrier against the first base 431 of the valve 430 when the valve is in its initial position. Therefore, when the valve 430 is in its initial position, no leakage of cleaning fluid from the discharge tank 420 is possible through the discharge port 423 of said discharge tank.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the second sealing element 440 is an O-ring.

[0080] The tank assembly 400 of the device 100 advantageously includes an actuator 460 configured to drive the valve 430 in rotation in the discharge tank 420, between the initial position and the discharge position.

[0081] In one embodiment, said actuator includes a user interface 461 (illustrated in figure 1 ).

[0082] The said user interface is preferably located at the cap 415 of the main reservoir 410. The user interface 461 is intended to be operated manually by the user.

[0083] The actuator includes a rod 462 (illustrated in figures 2 And 6extending longitudinally along the second axis 2000, between the user interface 461 and the valve 430. The rod 462 of said actuator is fixedly connected to the user interface and the valve, more particularly to the hollow stem 436 of said valve. The rod 462 of the actuator passes completely and in a sealed manner through the main reservoir 410.

[0084] The user interface 461 thus advantageously drives in rotation, around the second axis 2000, the rod 462 which itself drives in rotation the valve 430.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the user interface includes a movable button that rotates about the second axis 2000 between two stable positions. The first stable position corresponds to the initial position of the valve 430. The second stable position corresponds to the discharge position of the valve.

[0086] Thus, advantageously, any rotation of said button of the user interface 461, by a user of the device 100, causes, via the rod 462 of the actuator 460, the rotation of the valve 430 either in the initial position or in the discharge position.

[0087] Preferably, the tank assembly 400 is partially housed within the protective casing 480 of the device 100, as illustrated in the figure 1 The protective housing includes a hollow recess (not shown in the figures) for receiving, with some play, the two reservoirs. The protective housing extends longitudinally along the handle 300.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the protective casing is formed by two longitudinal half-shells assembled together and around the handle 300, for example by reversible fastening means, such as screws.

[0089] When the reservoir assembly 400 is inserted into the protective housing, only the cap 415 of the main reservoir 410, along with the filling device 470 and the user interface 461, protrudes from the protective housing. The cap 415 is advantageously dimensioned to bear against the protective housing 480. The protective housing 480 preferably has, at one longitudinal end located on the side of the cap 415 of the main reservoir, a groove 482, the purpose of which will be described later.

[0090] The reservoir assembly 400 is conveniently removable from the protective housing 480 of the device 100. This allows the user of the device 100 to easily exchange a first reservoir assembly 400 containing one cleaning fluid with a second reservoir assembly 400 containing a different cleaning fluid, without having to use all of the first cleaning fluid from the first reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly 400 is also easily cleaned and replaceable if damaged.

[0091] The device 100 preferably includes a reversible locking element 900 to hold the tank assembly 400 in position within the protective housing, as illustrated in the figure 1 .

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the protective housing 480 of the device 100 includes at least one transparent window 481 arranged to view the level of cleaning fluid contained in the main reservoir 410 and in the discharge reservoir 420 of the reservoir assembly 400 of said device. In the non-limiting example illustrated in the figure 7 Four windows are illustrated.

[0093] The device 100 includes a flexible conduit 490 from the protective housing 480 to the cleaning head 200, as illustrated in the figure 1 .

[0094] The protective housing 480 advantageously allows fluid passage for the cleaning fluid released via the discharge port 423 of the discharge tank 420, between said discharge port of said discharge tank and the flexible conduit 490.

[0095] The flexible conduit 490 advantageously allows the cleaning liquid flowing from the discharge tank 420 to be evacuated through the discharge port 423 of said discharge tank to the cleaning head 200.

[0096] In one embodiment, the cleaning head 200 comprises an upper wall 201 connected to the flexible hose 490 and a lower wall (not shown in the figures) for receiving the mop head. The lower wall of the cleaning head 200 is advantageously provided with a plurality of holes allowing the cleaning fluid to pass through the lower wall and directly saturate the mop head. The holes are preferably distributed in the lower wall so as to advantageously allow complete saturation of the mop head.

[0097] Thus, when the user operates the device 100, after first filling the reservoir assembly 400, they move the user interface 461 to the first position if the discharge tank 420 is not full. This allows the discharge tank to fill completely with a quantity of cleaning fluid from the main tank 410. The user then moves the user interface back to the second position to empty the discharge tank 420 completely. The cleaning fluid released from the discharge tank flows through the flexible tube 490 to the mop head and saturates it. The user of the device 100 can then clean the surface with the device.When the operator needs more cleaning fluid on the mop head, they repeat the operation of manipulating the user interface 461 to the first position to fill the discharge tank 420, and then to the second position to empty it. The amount of cleaning fluid released with each operation is therefore always the same, corresponding to the volume contained in the discharge tank 420. The operator can repeat these operations as long as the discharge tank contains cleaning fluid.

[0098] Advantageously, the 100 unit can be part of an 800 set including a 600 filling station, as illustrated in the figure 7 The said filling station is intended to fill the main tank 410 of the device.

[0099] The filling station 600 includes a tank 604. The tank 604 is intended to contain the cleaning liquid, for use by the device 100. The tank can receive various components constituting the cleaning liquid, for example water and possibly an additive, such as a detergent.

[0100] The said tank is preferably in a parallelepiped shape.

[0101] Tank 604 defines an internal volume Vc. The internal volume Vc of tank 604 is greater than the internal volume Vp of the main reservoir 410 of the tank assembly 400 of said device. Preferably, the internal volume Vc of tank 604 is a multiple of the internal volume Vp of the main reservoir 410. The internal volume Vc of tank 604 can represent, for example, between 5 and 15 times, preferably 10 times, the internal volume Vp of the main reservoir 410.

[0102] The tank 604 has a through-inlet in its upper wall 610 for filling. The tank 604 has a removable cover 611 for accessing or closing the through-inlet. The cover 611 may include an integrated dosing device (not shown) to ensure reliable and precise dosing of a volume of an additive. The dosing device may, for example, be a hollow tubular body, open at its free end and attached to the cover at the opposite end. When the cover 611 closes the tank, the dosing device is fully inserted within the internal volume Vc of the tank 604. Thus, by being attached to the cover, the dosing device is always within easy reach of the operator of the filling station 600, while remaining concealed within the tank 604 when not in use.

[0103] The upper wall 610 advantageously includes a recess 605 for the temporary storage of the cover 611 during the filling of the tank 604 or the filling of the doser.

[0104] Tank 604 has, in its lower part, an outlet (not shown) for the tank cleaning fluid. The outlet is extended by a fitting that protrudes from the tank.

[0105] Tank 604 includes a tank draining device 606, partially illustrated in figure 8 Preferably, the said drainage device is configured to: By default, block the fitting to prevent the cleaning fluid from leaving the tank 604; when a force is applied to it, release the fitting to allow the cleaning fluid to drain from said tank.

[0106] In one example embodiment, the 606 emptying device comprises: a user interface 603, a flap system, associated with a spring device, together forming a shutter for the fitting, a rod (not shown in the figure), connecting the user interface to the flap system.

[0107] In a form of realization illustrated in figure 7 The user interface 603 of the draining device is preferably located on the upper wall 610 of the tank 604. The user interface is intended to be operated manually by the user. In one embodiment, the user interface 603 is a push button.

[0108] The drain rod 606 extends into the tank 604 from the user interface 603 to the connection. The drain rod 606 is permanently attached to the drain device's user interface.

[0109] The flap system is configured so that when the spring device is at rest, the flap system blocks the fitting, and when a force is exerted on the spring device, the flap system releases the fitting.

[0110] Thus, each press of the drain button by a user of the filling station causes the drain rod to move the valve system out of the connection and unlock it. As long as the drain button 606 is pressed, the cleaning fluid is evacuated from the tank 604. And when the user releases the drain button, the valve system automatically returns to lock the connection.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the filling station 600 includes a receiving support 607 for the tank 604. Said tank is preferably removable from the receiving support 607. Said receiving support can be fixed directly against a wall, at a predefined height.

[0112] In another embodiment, the assembly 800 includes a cleaning trolley 700. The receiving support 607 is reversibly attached to the cleaning trolley 700, as illustrated in the figure 7 .

[0113] Preferably, the receiving support 607 includes a reversible attachment element 602 for attaching the device 100 to the filling station 600. In the example of the figure 7 , the reversible attachment element 602 is an elastic interlocking element, such as a clip, which clamps the handle 300 of the device 100.

[0114] Preferably, the receiving support 607 includes guide elements 601 which advantageously guide and hold the device 100 in position within the filling station. The guide elements 601 are arranged on the receiving support so that they fit into the groove 482 of the protective housing 480 of the device 100.

[0115] Thus, when the device 100 is in place in the filling station, the connection of the tank 604 is opposite, and against, the peripheral protrusion 416 of the cap 415 of the main reservoir 410 of the reservoir assembly 400 of the device 100. The handle 300 of the device 100 is further held by the reversible attachment element 602 of the receiving support 607 of the filling station 600.

[0116] When the device 100 is in place in the filling station 600, a fluid passage between the tank 604 of said filling station and said main tank of said device, via the outlet orifice of tank 604 and the through orifice of the plug 415 of said main tank, appears.

[0117] The emptying device 606 of said tank of said filling station then interacts advantageously with the filling device 470 of the tank assembly 400 of said apparatus to transfer the cleaning liquid contained in said tank of said filling station to said main tank of said tank assembly of said apparatus.

[0118] When the user of the filling station 600 presses the user interface 603 of the tank 604 draining device 606, the draining device rod 606 moves the valve system out of the fitting until it presses the valve system of the through-hole of the button on the main tank 410. This releases both the tank fitting 604 and the through-hole of the cap 415 on the main tank 410 of the tank assembly 400 of the device 100. The cleaning fluid contained in the filling station tank can then flow directly into the main tank of the tank assembly of the device. As long as the user presses the push button (user interface 603), the cleaning fluid is discharged from the tank 604 into the main tank 410.And when the user stops pressing the push button (user interface 603), the flap system of the draining device 606 moves in the opposite direction, under the action of the return of the spring device, causing the through orifice of the cap 415 of the main tank 410 to be blocked by the flap system of the filling device 470 of the tank assembly 400 of the device 100 and returns to automatically block the connection.

[0119] The filling station as described is preferably adapted to the device 100, although this is not a limitation of the invention. It is entirely possible for the filling station 600 to be used alone or in combination with any other type of surface cleaning device, provided that the latter has a filling device compatible with the emptying device of the filling station. Therefore, it is not necessary for the cleaning device used with the filling station to include a reservoir assembly 400 as described herein.

Claims

1. Surface cleaning apparatus (100) comprising: - a handle (300), said handle extending longitudinally along a first axis (1000), between two ends, - a cleaning head (200) connected to one of the two ends of said handle, - a reservoir assembly (400) configured to store a cleaning liquid, characterised in that the reservoir assembly (400) includes two superimposed reservoirs (410, 420) extending longitudinally along a second axis (2000), parallel to the first axis (1000), and connected integrally with each other: - a main reservoir (410), extending longitudinally between a base (411) and an upper end (412), said base (411) including a so-called flow port (413), said main reservoir delimiting an internal volume Vp, - a discharge reservoir (420), extending longitudinally between a base (421) and an upper wall (422), said base including a so-called evacuation port (423), said upper wall having an opening (424) arranged facing the flow port (413) of the base (411) of the main reservoir (410), said discharge reservoir delimiting an internal volume Vd, and including, in said internal volume Vd, a body called valve(430) which is movable in rotation about the second axis (2000), and moving between a so-called initial position and a so-called discharge position, in that the reservoir assembly (400) includes a filling device (470) which is configured to allow the filling of said main reservoir with the cleaning liquid, and in that the reservoir assembly (400) includes an actuator (460) having a user interface (461), the actuator being configured to rotate the valve (430) between the initial position and the discharge position, such that in the initial position: - the opening (424) of said upper wall of the discharge reservoir (420) is not obstructed by said valve, allowing the passage of cleaning liquid between the main reservoir (410) and said discharge reservoir, and - the evacuation port (423) of said base of the discharge reservoir (420) is obstructed by said valve, preventing the evacuation of the cleaning liquid through the evacuation port (423) of said base of said discharge reservoir, and such that in the discharge position: - the opening (424) of said upper wall of the discharge reservoir (420) is obstructed by said valve, preventing the passage of the cleaning liquid between the main reservoir (410) and said discharge reservoir, and - the evacuation port (423) of said base of the discharge reservoir (420) is not obstructed by said valve, allowing the evacuation of the cleaning liquid through the evacuation port (423) of said base of said discharge reservoir.

2. Surface cleaning apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the valve (430) has: - a first base (431) arranged facing said base of the discharge reservoir (420), and comprising a so-called outlet port (433), - a second base (432) arranged facing said upper wall of the discharge reservoir (420), and comprising a so-called inlet port (434), and wherein the discharge reservoir (420) includes: - a first sealing element (450) configured to ensure a peripheral sealing of the opening (424) of the upper wall (422) of said discharge reservoir with the valve, - a second sealing element (440) configured to ensure the peripheral sealing of the evacuation port (423) of the base (421) of said discharge reservoir with the valve, and wherein the actuator is configured such that, in the initial position: - the inlet port (434) of said second base of said valve is facing said opening (424) of said upper wall of said discharge reservoir, and - the outlet port (433) of said first base of said valve is not arranged facing the evacuation port (423) of said base of said discharge reservoir, and so that, in the discharge position: - the inlet port (434) of said second base of said valve is not arranged facing said opening (424) of said upper wall of said discharge reservoir, and - the outlet port (433) of said first base of said valve is facing the evacuation port (423) of said base of said discharge reservoir.

3. Surface cleaning apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a protective casing (480) of the reservoir assembly (400), said protective casing being integrally connected to the handle (300).

4. Surface cleaning apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the reservoir assembly (400) is removable from the protective casing.

5. Surface cleaning apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal volume Vp of the main reservoir (410) is a multiple of the internal volume Vd of the discharge reservoir (420).

6. Assembly comprising a filling station (600) and a surface cleaning apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, said filling station including a tank (604) having an emptying device (606) configured to interact with the filling device (470) of the reservoir assembly (400) of the surface cleaning apparatus (100).

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