Brush for floors and related method for sweeping a floor

Abstract

Brush (1) for floors (30), and relative cleaning method, the brush comprising a main body (2) comprising on the top a coupling portion (3) to a coupling member (15) and on the bottom a free edge (6) lying in the second semispace (55) and configured to slide on a floor (30) during a first movement of the brush (1) with direction (56) generally from the first (54) to the second semispace (55), wherein the main body (2) comprises a pushing surface (9) ending at the bottom on the free edge (6) and facing toward the second semispace (55), the pushing surface (9) being configured to receive and push a loose solid material during the first movement of the brush (1), and wherein the brush comprises a plurality of bristles (4) lying entirely in the first semispace (54) and protruding from a lower surface of the main body (2) downward to slide on the floor (30) during a second movement of the brush with direction generally from the second (55) to the first semispace (54).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention concerns a brush for floors for sweeping large floors and a relative system and method for sweeping such surfaces, for example for removing loose solid material from such floors.State of the art

[0002] Brushes for floors for sweeping large floors to remove loose solid material are known.

[0003] For example, EP3120729A1 and EP3162248A1 describe a brush for floors configured to be mounted on a self-propelled vehicle, and comprising a frame provided with a portion for mounting the brush to the two prongs of a goods-handling vehicle commonly referred to as a 'forklift'. A plurality of tufts of bristles are rigidly fixed to the frame, protruding from the frame orthogonally thereto. In use, the bristles rest, with their free end opposite to the frame, on the surface to be swept, thus partially or entirely supporting the weight of the brush. As a result of the movement of the self-propelled vehicle, the bristles drag with their free end on the surface, exerting a brushing action on the material present.Summary of the invention

[0004] "Loose solid material" is intended to mean a flowing mass (e.g. objects not mutually constrained to one another, except for occasional and accidental interlocks or adhesions) of solid objects, possibly heterogeneous (e.g. objects of various shapes, sizes, materials, specific weights, etc.), such as for example metal scrap, metal shavings, municipal solid waste, grains, sand, paper cuttings, dust, etc.

[0005] "Substantially parallel / perpendicular", with reference to a pair of geometric elements (e.g. lines and / or planes), is intended to mean that one element forms with the other element an angle of 0°+ / -15°, preferably 0°+ / -10°, or, respectively, 90°+ / -15°, preferably 90°+ / - 10°.

[0006] The terms "longitudinal", "transverse", and "vertical" refer to a direction parallel respectively to the longitudinal, transverse and vertical direction.

[0007] "Side view" is intended to mean the view orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0008] The terms "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "height" and the like refer to the vertical direction.

[0009] The Applicant has realized that known brushes are not free from drawbacks and / or can be improved in various aspects.

[0010] The Applicant has therefore addressed the problem of sweeping a floor cluttered with loose solid material, even highly heterogeneous, in an effective and rapid manner and with limited costs.

[0011] According to the Applicant the above problem is solved by a brush and a method for sweeping in accordance with the appended claims and / or having one or more of the following features.

[0012] According to one aspect the invention concerns a brush for floors.

[0013] The brush extends along a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, and a vertical direction, orthogonal to each other, and comprises a reference plane with longitudinal and vertical extension, said reference plane defining a first and a second semispace.

[0014] Preferably the brush comprises a main body comprising on the top a coupling portion for coupling to a coupling member.

[0015] Preferably said main body comprises on the bottom a free edge lying in the second semispace and configured to slide on a floor during a first movement of the brush with direction generally from the first to the second semispace.

[0016] Preferably said main body comprises a pushing surface ending at the bottom on said free edge and facing towards said second semispace, the pushing surface being configured to receive and push a loose solid material during said first movement of the brush.

[0017] Preferably the brush comprises a plurality of bristles lying entirely in the first semispace and protruding from a lower surface of the main body downward to slide on said floor during a second movement of the brush with direction generally from the second to the first semispace.

[0018] According to one aspect the invention concerns a system for sweeping a floor comprising: a brush according to the present invention, in one or more of its embodiments; and a movement system comprising said coupling member coupled to said coupling portion of the brush for moving said brush.

[0019] According to one aspect the invention concerns a method for sweeping a floor.

[0020] The method comprises: providing a brush according to the present invention, in one or more of its embodiments; in a first phase, imparting to said brush a first movement with direction generally from the first to the second semispace, with said free edge sliding on said floor to remove loose solid material from said floor; and in a second phase, temporally distinct from the first phase, imparting to said brush a second movement with direction generally from the second to the first semispace with said bristles sliding on said floor to remove further loose solid material from said floor.

[0021] The expressions first and second phase, or first and second movement, do not necessarily imply a corresponding temporal order.

[0022] The Applicant has realized that the simultaneous presence of bristles lying in the first semispace and of the free edge in the second semispace makes the brush for floors particularly versatile in sweeping the floor. For example, moving the brush with the bristles sliding on the floor and with direction generally from the second to the first semispace (such movement direction being parallel to the floor) makes it possible to remove from the floor, and push into a desired area, finer debris, such as iron shavings, dust, etc. Instead moving the brush with the free edge sliding on the floor and with direction generally from the first to the second semispace, makes it possible to remove, and push into a desired area, large and / or heavy debris, even in large quantities, thanks to the pushing surface which progressively collects the removed debris and pushes it into the desired area. Furthermore, in the case of flat and heavy objects, such as metal sheets and the like, the Applicant has observed that, while the bristles tend to pass over the object without removing it, by contrast the free edge is capable of collecting even such flat objects thanks to the rubbing on the floor.

[0023] Furthermore, the sliding of the free edge on the floor can exert a scraping action that effectively removes even dirt adhered to the floor.

[0024] Therefore, the combination of the bristles and the free edge, arranged on opposite sides of the reference plane, synergistically makes the same brush for floors suitable for removing dirt of various types, in terms of shape, size, specific weight, quantity, materials, etc., while maintaining a low cost of the brush itself and ease and speed of use. For example, to sweep the same portion of floor by pushing the material toward the same target area, it may be sufficient, after a phase in which one between the bristles and the free edge has been used, to rotate the brush by 180° around a vertical axis (without needing to disassemble and reassemble the brush on the coupling member) and, after a possible appropriate inclination of the brush, as explained below, use the other between the bristles and the free edge, with the final result of sweeping the floor in a rapid, effective, and efficient way, even in the presence of highly heterogeneous material.

[0025] The present invention may comprise one or more of the following preferred features.

[0026] Preferably said coupling portion is coupled to said coupling member.

[0027] Preferably said coupling member comprises a polygrab or a clamp for handling loose solid material.

[0028] Preferably said coupling comprises closing said coupling member around said coupling portion to releasably grip said brush. In this way not only is the coupling particularly quick, but also the operation of reversing the movement direction of the brush between the first and second phase is simple and quick (being for example sufficient to rotate the coupling member around its own vertical axis). Advantageously the same coupling member can also normally be used for handling loose solid material.

[0029] Preferably said movement system comprises a material handler for handling loose solid material, such as for example ferrous scrap, metals, wood, and industrial waste, said material handler being a self-propelled vehicle and comprising an arm (preferably having at least three axes, e.g. hydraulic) at the end of which said coupling member is fixed. In this way it is possible to move the brush over a wide working area and minimize the movements of the material handler.

[0030] Preferably said plurality of bristles comprises a plurality, e.g. at least four, of rows of bristles having longitudinal extension. Preferably in side view an envelope of the free ends of the bristles has an at least partially curvilinear shape with the concavity facing upwards. In this way the sliding of all the bristles is facilitated when the brush is moved in an inclined position.

[0031] Preferably each bristle protrudes from the main body by a length greater than or equal to one quarter, and / or less than or equal to one third, of an overall height of the brush.

[0032] Preferably said main body is made by means of appropriately shaped and mutually assembled steel sheets.

[0033] Preferably said free edge lies in a plane, more preferably is rectilinear, even more preferably has (purely) longitudinal extension. In this way it can slide entirely on the floor, even at different inclinations of the brush.

[0034] In one embodiment said free edge extends on said reference plane at a lower end of said main body. In this way the brush results structurally simple.

[0035] In one embodiment said main body comprises at a lower end a squeegee portion extending into said second semispace away from said reference plane, more preferably substantially orthogonally to said reference plane, wherein a transverse end edge of said squeegee portion coincides with said free edge of the main body. In this way the lower edge, positioned at a distance from the reference plane, scrapes the floor more effectively, even with a limited inclination of the brush. The pushing surface may also result more effective in receiving and pushing the material.

[0036] Preferably an upper surface of said squeegee portion forms a lower portion of said pushing surface.

[0037] Preferably said pushing surface extends predominantly (e.g. a predominant upper portion of said pushing surface) substantially parallel to said reference plane.

[0038] Preferably, during said first phase, said brush is moved (more preferably parallel to the floor at least for a portion) with the vertical direction inclined with respect to said floor such that an acute angle formed between the vertical direction and a projection of it onto said floor lies in the second semispace (the acute angle being above the floor). Preferably said acute angle has An amplitude greater than or equal to 30°, more preferably greater than or equal to 40°, and / or less than or equal to 70°, more preferably less than or equal to 60°. In this way advantageously the free edge slides on the floor under the weight of the brush, ensuring effective sweeping, while at the same time the bristles remain well detached from the floor without interfering with the action of the free edge.

[0039] Preferably, during said second phase, said brush is moved (more preferably parallel to the floor at least for a portion) with the vertical direction inclined relative to said floor such that an acute angle formed between the vertical direction and a projection of it onto said floor lies in the first semispace (the acute angle being above the floor). Preferably said acute angle has an amplitude greater than or equal to 35°, more preferably greater than or equal to 45°, and / or less than or equal to 75°, more preferably less than or equal to 65°. In this way advantageously the bristles, subjected to the weight of the brush, deform against the floor ensuring effective sweeping, while at the same time the free edge remains well detached from the floor without interfering with the bristles.

[0040] Preferably between said first and second phase, or vice versa, rotating said brush (more preferably with said brush lifted from the floor) around a vertical axis, preferably passing through said coupling portion, by approximately 180°. In this way the transition between the two phases is rapid.Brief description of the figure

[0041] figures 1-3 schematically and in perspective view show, a brush according to the present invention from three different viewpoints; figure 4 schematically and in side view show the brush for floors of figures 1-3; figure 5 schematically and in side view show a system for sweeping during the first phase of the present invention; and figure 6 schematically and in side view show a part of the sweeping system of figure 5 during the second phase of the present invention. Detailed description of some embodiments of the invention

[0042] The features and advantages of the present invention will be further clarified by the following detailed description of some embodiments, provided by way of example and not limitation of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0043] In the figures the reference number 1 indicates a brush for floors according to the present invention.

[0044] The brush 1 conventionally extends along a longitudinal direction 50, a transverse direction 51, and a vertical direction 52, mutually orthogonal, and comprises a reference plane 53 having longitudinal and vertical extension and defining a first 54 and a second semispace 55 (shown in figure 4).

[0045] By way of example the longitudinal length is approximately 200 cm, the transverse width is approximately 90 cm, and the height is approximately 80 cm, with an overall weight of the brush of approximately 900 kg. The dimensions and / or weight may vary depending on the type of use.

[0046] The brush 1 comprises a main body 2 comprising on the top a coupling portion 3 to a coupling member 15.

[0047] By way of example the main body 2 is made by means of appropriately shaped and mutually assembled steel sheets, wherein a main sheet 8 extends predominantly on the reference plane 53.

[0048] By way of example the coupling portion 3 is made by means of a shaped sheet that comprises overhanging portions, with respect to the main sheet 8, to allow gripping by the coupling member 15.

[0049] The brush for floors 1 comprises a plurality of bristles 4 lying entirely in the first semispace 54 and protruding from a lower surface of the main body downward. By way of example the bristles 4, arranged in tufts, protrude from a sheet appropriately shaped, as shown in the figures (in figure 4 said sheet is shown in dashed line). By way of example the bristles are made of steel and / or of a polymeric material such as, for example, propylene. By way of example each bristle protrudes from the main body for a length slightly less than one third of the overall height of the brush. The materials and fastening techniques of the bristles may be of known type, such as for example those described in EP3120729A1 and EP3162248A1.

[0050] By way of example the brush comprises eight longitudinal rows of bristles, wherein in side view (fig. 4) an envelope 5 of the free ends of the bristles 4 shows a first rectilinear portion, proximal to the reference plane 53, and a second portion, distal from the reference plane 53, with a curvilinear profile with upward concavity.

[0051] Preferably the main body 2 comprises on the bottom a free edge 6 lying in the second semispace 55 and having longitudinal extension. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the free edge 6, while lying on a plane, may have a curvilinear profile.

[0052] Preferably the main body 2 comprises at a lower end a squeegee portion 7 extending away from the reference plane 55 and orthogonally thereto. Said free edge 6 is thus formed by the transverse end edge of the squeegee portion 7. By way of example, the squeegee portion 7 is constituted by a lower end portion of the main sheet 8 of the main body 2 folded at 90°, and by an additional sheet arranged on the top to the folded portion, as shown in the figures.

[0053] Preferably the main body 2 comprises a pushing surface 9 that terminates at the bottom on the free edge 6 and is directed toward the second semispace 55.

[0054] By way of example the pushing surface 9 is formed for a predominant upper portion thereof by the flat face of the main sheet 8 facing the second semispace 55 and for a lower portion thereof by the upper surface of the squeegee portion 7, more specifically by the aforesaid sheet arranged above the folded portion of the main sheet 8 (arranged at approximately 45° with respect to the upper portion of the pushing surface).

[0055] In a not shown embodiment, the sheet 8 may be without the folded lower portion, that is in other words it is entirely flat, and in such case the longitudinal free edge extends on the same plane as the pushing surface, which is also entirely flat.

[0056] Figures 5 and 6 show a system 10 for sweeping a floor 30, comprising the brush 1 according to the present invention and a movement system 13 which comprises a coupling member 15 coupled to the coupling portion 3 of the brush 1 for moving the brush 1.

[0057] Preferably the movement system 13 comprises a self-propelled material handler 11 (omitted in figure 6) for handling loose solid material, for example of known type. The self-propelled material handler 11, equipped with motorized wheels or tracks, comprises an arm 12 with three hydraulic axes (in addition to the rotation of the entire cabin of the handler 11), at the end of which the coupling member 15 is fixed. Preferably the coupling member 15 is a polygrab for handling loose solid material, as shown in the figures, or (not shown) a clamp for handling beams or wood. In a further embodiment, not shown, the coupling member may be a first portion of a quick coupling, for example of known type. In such case the coupling portion forms a second portion of said quick coupling.

[0058] The sweeping system 10 is capable of implementing the method for sweeping the floor 30 according to the present invention.

[0059] Initially the polygrab 15, in open configuration, is brought above the brush for floors 1, typically resting on the ground with the vertical direction 52 substantially orthogonal to the floor, and is closed around the coupling portion 3 to releasably grip the brush 1.

[0060] In a first phase, by way of example performed first, the polygrab 15 is moved horizontally by means of the arm 12 (also with the handler 11 stationary), and tilts passively (that is, without dedicated tilting actuators), and in turn tilts the brush for floors 1 to the inclination shown in Figure 5, namely with the vertical direction 52 of the brush 1 inclined with respect to the floor 30 so that the acute angle 57 formed between the vertical direction 52 and its projection on the floor 30 (the acute angle being above the floor) lies in the second semispace 55. In this way the inclination of the brush to assume the working tilt occurs passively. In further embodiments, not shown, such inclination of the brush is obtained actively by means of suitable actuators.

[0061] At this point the polygrab 15 begins to drag the brush 1 on the floor to impart a first movement having a direction 56 parallel to the floor 30 and oriented generally from the first 54 to the second semispace 55 (with this expression being intended to mean any direction oriented from the first to the second semispace). During said first movement, the free edge 6 (specifically, the lower edge at the free edge 6) slides on the floor 30 to remove loose solid material from the floor, which progressively accumulates against the pushing surface 9 to be pushed toward a desired area. During said first movement, the amplitude of the angle 57, although it may vary slightly, is preferably kept within a desired range, for example between approximately 40° and 60°. In this way the bristles 4 remain well lifted from the floor 30, not interfering with the action of the free edge 6. Once the desired area is reached, the brush is typically lifted (leaving the material near the desired area) and repositioned back to sweep the same and / or a further portion of floor in the same manner as described above. This operation is repeated until the floor is completely swept.

[0062] Once the first phase is completed, the polygrab 15, and with it the brush 1, is lifted and rotated by 180° around its own axis (in this case vertical) by means of the arm 12, said axis coinciding with a vertical axis 58 of the brush passing through the coupling portion 3. In a second phase, in the present example temporally subsequent to the first phase, the brush 1 is initially placed on the ground and, similarly to the first phase, tilted until it assumes the inclination shown in figure 6, namely with the vertical direction 52 inclined with respect to the floor 30 so that the acute angle 57 formed between the vertical direction 52 and its projection on the floor 30 lies in the first semispace 54. In this position the bristles 4, subjected to the weight of the brush, deform against the floor ensuring full contact with the latter, while at the same time the free edge 6 remains well detached from the floor.

[0063] At this point the polygrab 15 begins to drag the brush 1 on the floor to impart a second movement having direction 56 parallel to the floor 30 (for example the same direction as in the first phase) and oriented generally from the second 55 to the first semispace 54, with the bristles sliding on the floor to remove further loose solid material from the floor, typically finer than the previously removed material, such as dust or fine dirt. During said second movement, the amplitude of the angle 57, although it may vary slightly, is preferably kept within a desired range, for example between approximately 45° and 65°. In this way the bristles 4 remain well deformed against the floor 30, ensuring full contact, while the free edge 6 remains well lifted from the floor, not interfering with the action of the bristles. Once the desired area is reached, the brush is typically lifted (leaving the further material near the desired area) and repositioned back to sweep the same and / or a further portion of floor in the same manner as described above. This operation is repeated until the floor is completely swept.

Claims

1. Brush (1) for floors (30), said brush (1) extending along a longitudinal direction (50), a transverse direction (51), and a vertical direction (52), orthogonal to each other, and having a reference plane (53) with longitudinal and vertical extension, said reference plane defining a first (54) and a second semispace (55), wherein the brush (1) comprises a main body (2) comprising on the top a coupling portion (3) for coupling to a coupling member (15), wherein said main body (2) comprises on the bottom a free edge (6) lying in the second semispace (55) and configured to slide on a floor (30) during a first movement of the brush (1) with direction (56) generally from the first (54) to the second semispace (55), wherein said main body (2) comprises a pushing surface (9) ending at the bottom on said free edge (6) and facing towards said second semispace (55), the pushing surface (9) being configured to receive and push a loose solid material during said first movement of the brush (1), and wherein the brush comprises a plurality of bristles (4) lying entirely in the first semispace (54) and protruding from a lower surface of the main body (2) downward to slide on said floor (30) during a second movement of the brush generally from the second (55) to the first semispace (54).

2. Brush (1) according to claim 1, wherein, in a side view, an envelope of the free ends of the bristles (4) has at least partially a curvilinear shape with the concavity facing upwards, and wherein each bristle protrudes from the main body by a length greater than or equal to one quarter, and / or less than or equal to one third, of an overall height of the brush (1).

3. Brush (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said free edge (6) is straight with longitudinal development.

4. Brush (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main body (2) comprises at a lower end a squeegee portion (7) extending into said second semispace (55) away from said reference plane (53), wherein a transverse end edge of said squeegee portion (7) coincides with said free edge (6) of the main body.

5. Brush (1) according to claim 4, wherein a predominant upper portion of said pushing surface (9) extends substantially parallel to said reference plane (53), and an upper surface of said squeegee portion (7) forms a lower portion of said pushing surface (9).

6. System (10) for sweeping a floor (30), the system comprising: - the brush (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and - a movement system (13) comprising said coupling member (15) coupled to said coupling portion (3) to move said brush; wherein said movement system (13) comprises a material handler (11) for the movement of loose solid material, and wherein said material handler (11) is a self-propelled vehicle and comprises an arm (12) with at least three axes at the end of which said coupling member (15) is attached.

7. Method for sweeping a floor (30), the method comprising: - providing the brush (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or the system (10) according to claim 6; - in a first phase, imparting to said brush (1) a first movement with direction (56) generally from the first (54) to the second semispace (55) with said free edge (6) sliding on said floor (30) to remove loose solid material from said floor; and - in a second phase, temporally distinct from the first phase, imparting to said brush (1) a second movement with direction (56) generally from the second (55) to the first semispace (54) with said bristles (4) sliding on said floor (30) to remove additional loose solid material from said floor.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein, during said first phase, said brush is moved with said vertical direction (52) inclined relative to said floor (30) such that an acute angle (57) formed between said vertical direction (52) and a projection of it onto said floor (30) lies in the second semispace (55), and wherein said acute angle (57) has an angle greater than or equal to 30°, and / or less than or equal to 70°.

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, during said second phase, said brush (1) is moved with said vertical direction (52) inclined relative to said floor (30) such that an acute angle (57) formed between said vertical direction (52) and a projection of it onto said floor (30) lies in the first semispace (54), and wherein said acute angle (57) has an angle greater than or equal to 35°, and / or less than or equal to 75°.

10. Method according to any one of claims from 7 to 9, comprising, between said first and second phases, or vice versa, rotating said brush (1) by approximately 180° around a vertical axis (58) passing through said coupling portion (3).

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