Squeegee assembly with adjustable support

Abstract

A squeegee assembly (10) for collecting liquid (W) from a floor (F) comprises a frame (11) with at least one squeegee blade (12) comprising a flexible material. A set of support rollers (13a,13b,13c) is connected to the frame (11) and configured to support the squeegee assembly (10) with respect to the floor (F), together with the squeegee blade (12) pressing against the floor (F). At least one adjustment mechanism (14) is configured to determine a vertical offset (H) of at least one respective support roller (13) relative to the squeegee blade (12) for controlling an amount of support provided by the set of support rollers (13a,13b,13c) relative to the squeegee blade (12). In this way the amount of pressure (P) applied by the squeegee blade (12) pressing against the floor (F) can be controlled and / or the squeegee blade (12) can be at least partially lifted off the floor (F).

Description

[0001] Title: SQUEEGEE ASSEMBLY WITH ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

[0003] The present disclosure relates a squeegee assembly, a bottom deck comprising the squeegee assembly, a cleaning apparatus comprising the squeegee assembly and / or bottom deck, and a method of collecting liquid from a floor using the squeegee assembly, the bottom deck, and / or the cleaning apparatus.

[0004] Wet cleaning of surfaces such as floors typically comprises applying a liquid cleaning solution such as water with optional detergent, disinfectant, et cetera. After the cleaning solution has performed its function of taking up dirt, disinfecting the surface, et cetera, it is important to effectively collect the liquid from the surface being cleaned, e.g. to prevent leaving residual dirt, alleviate slipperiness, prevent water damage or mold growth, et cetera. A squeegee assembly can be used to collect water or other liquids from surfaces such as floors, windows, countertops, et cetera. For example, a squeegee assembly for collecting liquid from a surface may comprise a squeegee blade formed of a flexible material that is pressed against and moved along the surface for the collecting of the liquid from the surface. Typically, a squeegee work most efficiently on relatively smooth and flat surfaces. If the surface being cleaned is relatively rough or uneven, such as with tile or grout lines, it can be more difficult to collect all of the liquid with the squeegee. For example, liquid may remain trapped in the crevices or grooves of the surface.

[0005] Accordingly, there remains a need for further improvement of squeegee assemblies and methods of cleaning floors using squeegee assemblies, in particular to improve the adaptability of squeegee assemblies for effectively operating on different types of floors.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] These or other needs may be met by the squeegee assemblies and methods of using squeegee assemblies as disclosed herein. Typically, the squeegee assembly has at least one squeegee blade extending from a bottom side of a frame. The squeegee blade is formed of a flexible resilient material, such as rubber, that is in use pressed against the floor by the frame for the collecting of the liquid. As disclosed herein, a set of support rollers is connected to the frame and configured to, in use, support the squeegee assembly with respect to the floor, together with the squeegee blade. For example, the set of support rollers, comprises one or more wheels or other transport means. At least one adjustment mechanism is configured to determine a vertical offset of at least one respective support roller of the set of support rollers relative to the squeegee blade. For example, the adjustment mechanism may control a vertical offset at which a respective support roller extends below the bottom side of the frame. This may allow controlling, e.g. varying, an amount of support provided by the set of support rollers relative to the squeegee blade. In this way an amount of pressure applied by flexible material of the squeegee blade pressing against the floor can be controlled, e.g. varied. Alternatively, or in addition, the adjustment mechanism may allow lifting the squeegee blade at least partially off the floor. For example, this may allow a cleaning apparatus with the squeegee assembly to selectively operate in a wet-scrubbing mode.

[0008] As will be appreciated, the vertical offset of a respective support roller with respect to the frame may determine a spacing which is available for the squeegee blade below the frame, e.g. at or near the position of the support roller. By forming the squeegee blade of a flexible material, the squeegee blade may deform, e.g. compress and / or fold by contact with the floor, depending on the available spacing below the bottom side of the frame. By forming the squeegee blade of a resilient material, i.e. tending to regain its original shape, the deformed squeegee blade may exert a restoring (resilient) force between the frame and the floor, thus exerting pressure on the floor and / or making close contact. When the vertical spacing is relatively low, the flexible resilient material of the squeegee blade may be more deformed and hence exert higher pressure on the floor. When the vertical spacing is relatively high, the flexible resilient material of the squeegee blade may be less deformed and hence exert lower pressure on the floor. Accordingly, an amount of pressure applied by the squeegee blade pressing against the floor can be controlled by controlling the vertical offset at which a respective support roller extends below the bottom side of the frame.

[0009] The inventors find that the controllability of the amount of pressure exerted by the squeegee blade on the floor can improve the adaptability of the squeegee assembly for effectively operating on different types of floors. In one situation, when collecting liquid from a relatively rough or uneven floor, the adjustment mechanism of the squeegee assembly can be configured with the respective support roller set to a relatively low vertical offset. This may correspond with a relatively high amount of pressure being applied by the squeegee blade pressing on the floor. The relatively high pressure exerted by the squeegee blade may allow more effectively collecting the liquid from a relatively rough or uneven floor. It can even be envisaged to remove one or more support rollers for further maximizing the pressure, e.g. when parts of the frame may rest completely on the squeegee blade. In another situation, when collecting liquid from a relatively smooth or even floor, the adjustment mechanism of the squeegee assembly can be configured with the respective support roller set to a relatively high vertical offset. This may correspond with a relatively low amount of pressure being applied by the squeegee blade pressing on the floor. The relatively low pressure may be sufficient to effectively remove the liquid from a smooth or even surface while also alleviating wear of the squeegee blade.

[0010] The inventors find that if the adjustment mechanism allows continuous adjustment of the vertical offset, e.g. using a continuous screw mechanism, a user could in principle set the support rollers to any height. However, it would require great precision and insight of the user to determine the optimal vertical offset which exerts the right amount of pressure for a specific type of floor. So, the inventors find it preferable that the adjustment mechanism is provided with a discrete height adjustment control. In one embodiment, the vertical offset of a respective roller is exclusively selectable from a set of predefined discrete offsets. In other words, the adjustment mechanism may be only fixate the respective support roller at one or more specific vertical offsets, and not just any intermediate offset, i.e. not a continuous range of offsets. In another or further embodiment, the adjustment mechanism is configured to only adjust the height with one or more predefined fixed increments. As will be appreciated, the discrete height adjustment control may be advantageous for easily and precisely adjusting the squeegee assembly to operate with specific amounts of pressure which may be predefined by the manufacturer of the assembly for specific types of floor.

[0011] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism comprises at least one slider connected to a respective support roller. For example, each slider may be configured to slide along a respective guidance connected to the frame for determining the vertical offset of the respective roller with respect to the frame. In other or further embodiments, an adjustable fixation mechanism is configured to controllably fixate the slider to a respective fixation structure. This fixation structure may be selected from a set of discrete fixation structures. For example, each fixation structure is disposed at a respective position corresponding to a specific vertical offset selected from the set of predefined discrete offsets.

[0012] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism comprises at least two distinct fixation structures fixedly arranged at different positions to predefine at least two distinct offsets of the respective support roller relative to the bottom side of the frame. For example, for each distinct offset, the squeegee blade presses on the floor with a distinct amount of pressure. In one embodiment, the distinct fixation structures are arranged for adjusting the squeegee assembly to operate with different amounts of pressure on different types of floor. In another or further embodiment, at least one of the distinct fixation structures is arranged for lifting the squeegee blade at least partially off the floor.

[0013] In some embodiments, one or more of the set of support rollers are removable and / or replaceable by means of a manually operable, and reversible, attachment and removal mechanism. For example, one or more of the support rollers are connected to be frame by means of a mechanism selected from a click mechanism, snap mechanism, magnetic mount, bayonet mount, cam-lock mechanism, quick release skewer. Also other such mechanisms can be envisaged. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism comprises a guidance connected to the frame with an opening, preferably at the bottom side or at the backside, configured to slide out a respective slider connected to a respective support roller for exchanging and / or removing the respective support roller. For example, the respective support roller can be selectively secured by any of the mechanisms mentioned above. Alternatively to sliding mechanisms for attaching / removing a support roller, also other mechanism can be envisaged such as a twisting mechanism, e.g. a twist and lock mechanism. Advantageously, these mechanisms may allow a user to easily remove and / or replace a support wheel without requiring external tools.

[0014] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism comprises a lever mechanism configured to change an offset of the support roller. Preferably, a path length traversed by a grip portion of the lever, when actuating the lever, is larger than the resulting change in offset of the respective support roller, e.g. larger by at least a factor two, three, five, or more. The higher the factor, the less force may be needed by the user to adjust the roller offset, and the more precise may be the control. Most preferably, the range by which the offset can be varied, by a lever or other mechanism, is less than a maximum height of the squeegee blade extending below the frame. In other words, the offset of the support rollers may be varied over a range that is equal to or less than a height of the squeegee blade. Accordingly, the squeegee blade may still be touching the floor (with different amounts of deformation) for each of the selectable offsets. Alternatively, the range may be higher and / or the squeegee blade may be at least partially lifted off the floor.

[0015] In some embodiments, the set of support rollers comprise multiple rollers, e.g. side rollers arranged at the left and right side of the frame and at least one center roller arranged at the middle of the frame. Preferably, the side rollers and the center roller are individually adjustable in their vertical offset with respect to each other by means of their respective adjustment mechanism. In this way more control may be exerted over the distribution of pressure at different positions along the squeegee blade and / or a specific part of the squeegee blade can be at least partially lifted off the floor. Preferably, each of the set of support rollers is connected to the back side of the frame, e.g. arranged behind the squeegee blade. For example, arranging the support rollers behind the squeegee blade may prevents the rollers from getting wet and enabling the maximum side-reach of the squeegee blade when collecting liquid close to an obstacle, e.g. along a wall or furniture. When using an arc- or v-shaped frame and squeegee blade, the center roller(s) may be horizontally offset, e.g. to further backwards with respect to the side rollers. By providing individual adjustment mechanisms for the center roller(s) and side rollers, in such an arc- or v-shaped configuration, also the forward tilt of the squeegee assembly may be advantageously controlled.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one of the set of support rollers comprises a swivel mechanism, e.g. a swivel wheel configured to roll in different directions. The inventors find that this may improve maneuverability and / or alleviate wear. Preferably, at least a center roller (e.g. placed at a center of the squeegee blade) comprises a swivel wheel. The inventors find that especially the center roller, if it is fixated, may experience relatively high wear when using a highly maneuverable cleaning apparatus as described herein. Preventing wear of the rollers can be particularly important for the application of the present teachings which may rely on the support rollers providing a predetermined offset. Also the side rollers may be swivel wheels, but the inventors find this is not strictly necessary to achieve satisfactory maneuverability and / or preventing wear. So, the side rollers may be fixed rollers configured to roll only in the working direction. This may save manufacturing costs.

[0017] In other or further aspects of the present disclosure a bottom deck for a cleaning apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the bottom deck comprises at least one scrubbing tool, such as a brush or pad, configured to scrub the floor. The squeegee assembly, as described herein, may be arranged in the working direction at least partially behind the scrubbing tool. In another or further embodiment, the bottom deck and / or cleaning apparatus comprises a liquid supply configured to supply liquid on the floor which may be used in the scrubbing and / or collected by the squeegee assembly.

[0018] In some embodiments, the bottom deck and / or squeegee assembly comprises at least one support roller with a respective adjustment mechanism configured to switch the bottom deck between a scrubber-dryer configuration and a wet-scrubbing configuration. For example, a retractable and / or foldable roller can be used, or any of the other adjustment mechanisms described herein can be used. In the scrubber-dryer configuration, the bottom deck is arranged with the at least one scrubbing tool on the floor for the scrubbing of the floor, and with the squeegee blade of the squeegee assembly pressing on the floor for the collecting of the liquid used in the scrubbing. In the wet-scrubbing configuration, a backside of the bottom deck is fully supported by the at least one support roller with at least part of the squeegee blade lifted at a distance above the floor while keeping the at least one scrubbing tool at least partially on the floor for scrubbing the floor without collecting the supplied liquid. The inventors find that in the wet-scrubbing configuration, an amount of cleaning liquid on the floor may be increased and / or the cleaning liquid may remain longer on the floor, allowing more time to act. Accordingly, cleaning efficiency and / or usage of cleaning liquid may be improved.

[0019] In other or further aspects of the present disclosure a cleaning apparatus comprising the squeegee assembly and / or bottom deck is provided. In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus comprises a guide part connected to the bottom deck by means of an articulated arrangement there between for allowing the bottom deck to be tilted with respect to the guide part in a tilted position. In one embodiment, the bottom deck is provided with at least one support means configured to support the bottom deck in the tilted position for accessing the respective adjustment mechanism of a respective support roller, while the guide part is supported against the bottom deck, and the squeegee assembly and the at least one scrubbing tool are lifted off the floor.

[0020] In some embodiments, the squeegee assembly comprises a front side squeegee blade and a backside squeegee blade (placed behind the front side squeegee blade as seen in the working direction). The front and back side squeegee blades may form a suction cavity there between. For example, the squeegee assembly is connected to a cleaning apparatus with a suction motor configure to suck the collected liquid from the suction cavity. Preferably, the front side squeegee blade has openings or other means to allow liquid into the suction cavity when moving the squeegee assembly in the working direction. Preferably, the backside squeegee blade is closed against the floor to keep the liquid in.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawing wherein:

[0023] FIGs 1 A- IB illustrate a squeegee assembly and adjustment mechanism;

[0024] FIGs 2A-2C illustrate a squeegee assembly with lever-based adjustment mechanism;

[0025] FIGs 3A-3C illustrate further aspects of an arc-shaped squeegee assembly;

[0026] FIGs 4A-4B illustrate a bottom deck for a cleaning apparatus comprising a squeegee assembly;

[0027] FIG 5 illustrates aspects of a cleaning apparatus;

[0028] FIGs 6A-6C illustrate exchanging a squeegee blade of the squeegee assembly.

[0029] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Terminology used for describing particular embodiments is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features. It will be further understood that when a particular step of a method is referred to as subsequent to another step, it can directly follow said other step or one or more intermediate steps may be carried out before carrying out the particular step, unless specified otherwise. Likewise it will be understood that when a connection between structures or components is described, this connection may be established directly or through intermediate structures or components unless specified otherwise. The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the absolute and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and / or crosssection illustrations of possibly idealized embodiments and intermediate structures of the invention. In the description and drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Relative terms as well as derivatives thereof should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the system be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless stated otherwise.

[0031] FIG 1A illustrates a squeegee assembly 10 for collecting liquid “W” from a floor “F”. Typically, the squeegee assembly 10 comprises a frame 11 having a front side Ila, in use facing a working direction “D” of the squeegee assembly 10, a back side 11b opposite and behind the front side Ila, and a bottom side 11c in use facing the floor “F”. Typically, at least one squeegee blade 12 is connected to the bottom side 11c of the frame 11. Preferably, the squeegee blade 12 is formed of a flexible and / or resilient material which, when connected to the bottom side 11c of the frame, is configured to be brought in contact with the floor “F” thereby pressing on the floor “F” for sweeping and collecting liquid from the floor “F”. In yet further embodiments, a set of support rollers 13a, 13b, 13c is connected to the frame 11 and arranged to roll in the working direction “D”. While the figures illustrate the set of support rollers comprises wheels, it will be understood that also other (rollable) transport means, such as balls, can be used in any of the embodiments described herein. Alternatively, or in addition to support rollers, also sliding support means could be used. When connected to the bottom side 11c of the frame 11, the support rollers 13a, 13b, 13c may to at least partially support the squeegee assembly 10 on the floor “F” together with the squeegee blade 12. Preferably, the set of support rollers 13 is placed behind the squeegee blade 12, e.g. connected to the backside 11b to prevent the rollers from getting wet and to utilize the maximum side-reach of the squeegee blade. Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the support rollers 13 is elsewhere, e.g. placed in front or on the side of the squeegee blade 12. In yet further embodiments, the squeegee assembly 10 comprises at least one adjustment mechanism 14 configured to adjust a height H of a respective roller of the set of support rollers 13 relative to the squeegee blade 12 and / or exchange the respective roller to control an amount of support provided by the set of support rollers 13 to the squeegee blade 12 pressing on the floor “F”.

[0032] The inset of FIG 1A illustrates a schematic side view of the squeegee assembly 10 including an adjustment mechanism 14 configured to determine a vertical offset H of at least one respective support roller 13 of the set of support rollers 13a, 13b, 13c relative to the squeegee blade 12. This may allow controlling an amount of support provided by the set of support rollers 13a, 13b, 13c relative to the squeegee blade 12. In this way a variable amount of pressure P applied by the flexible material of the squeegee blade 12 pressing against the floor F can be controlled. As illustrated by the dotted lines, the squeegee blade(s) 12 may protrude below the bottom side 11c of the frame 11 with an undeformed squeegee height 12u when the squeegee assembly 10 in use, i.e. not deformed against the floor “F”. For example, the undeformed squeegee height 12u extending below the bottom side 11c of the frame 11 is between one and ten centimeter, preferably between two and five centimeter. Also other heights can be envisaged. When the squeegee assembly 10 is in use, the squeegee blade(s) 12 may be deformed, e.g. folded and / or compressed. Preferably, the squeegee blade(s) 12 have a flexibility allowing the squeegee blade(s) 12 to deform to obtain a height equal to the vertical offset H of the respective support roller 13 relative to the bottom side 11c of the frame 11. In some embodiments, the squeegee assembly 10 is configured such that the undeformed squeegee height 12u is equal to or more than the vertical offset H in one or more settings of the adjustment mechanism 14. This allows the squeegee blade 12 touching the floor F, preferably with at least some pressure caused by the deformation of the flexible resilient material. In other or further embodiments, the squeegee assembly 10 is configured such that the undeformed squeegee height 12u is less than the vertical offset H in at least one possible setting of the adjustment mechanism 14. This allows the squeegee blade 12 to be lifted (at least partially) off the floor F.

[0033] In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 14 is configured to vary the vertical offset H of the respective support roller 13 with respect to the bottom side 11c of the frame 11 in a range between ten to hundred percent of the undeformed squeegee height 12u, preferably in a range between thirty and ninety-five percent, more preferably in a range between fifty and ninety percent. In another or further embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 14 is configured to vary the vertical offset H of the respective support roller 13 with respect to squeegee blade 12, e.g. within said range, by at least ten percent of the undeformed squeegee height 12u, more preferably by at least twenty percent of the undeformed squeegee height 12u, e.g. up to thirty or fifty percent. For example, the vertical offset H may be controlled to vary the respective support roller 13 by a difference of ten percent between a first height that is ninety percent of the undeformed squeegee height 12u, and a second height that is eighty percent of undeformed squeegee height 12u. The inventors find that by varying the vertical offset in these ranges, the amount of pressure exerted by the squeegee blade 12 on the floor F can be carefully controlled for different types of floors. Alternatively, the adjustment mechanism 14 may be configured to vary the vertical offset H of the respective support roller 13 with respect to the bottom side 11c of the frame 11 in a range above hundred percent of the undeformed squeegee height 12u, e.g. to lift the squeegee blade 12 at least partially off the floor.

[0034] FIG IB illustrates one embodiment of an adjustment mechanism 14. Preferably, the adjustment mechanism 14 has discrete height adjustment control configured to fixate a respective roller of the set of support rollers 13 at a respective height of a set of one or more predefined discrete heights. Alternatively, a continuous height adjustment can be envisaged. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 14 comprises at least one guidance 14a and at least one slider 14a’ configured to slide in the respective guidance 14a and connected (directly or indirectly) to a respective roller of the set of support rollers 13. In another or further embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 14 comprises at least one fixation structure 14p and an adjustable fixation mechanism 14f configured to controllably fixate the slider 14a’ along a path of the guidance 14a, by a connection to a respective fixation structure 14p, thereby fixating the respective roller of the set of support rollers 13 at a respective height. Preferably, the guidance 14a and the slider 14a’ are provided with smooth surfaces to facilitate ease of sliding.

[0035] In some embodiments, the guidance 14a comprises at least one open side 14o (preferably at the bottom side 11c, or facing away from the back side 11b) configured to slide out the slider 14a’ of a respective one of the set of support rollers for exchanging the respective roller. For example, the support roller can be exchanged for a roller having a different height or vertical offset, or the support roller may be removed. In one embodiment, the adjustable fixation mechanism 14f is configured to temporally disable the fixation, e.g. when force is exerted on the adjustable fixation mechanism 14f in a direction opposite to a respective fixation structure 14p, thereby enabling the respective roller of set of support rollers 13 to be exchanged. Preferably, the adjustable fixation mechanism 14f comprises click-on or pull-out structure, dent, bump, or protrusion. Alternatively or in addition, the fixation mechanism may comprise a magnet, or any other manually operable fixation mechanism.

[0036] In some embodiments, the squeegee assembly 10 is configured for liquid uptake. In one embodiment, the squeegee assembly 10 comprises a connection 15, e.g. tube extending from the squeegee assembly 10, for connecting the squeegee assembly 10 to a suction path, e.g. suction hose. For example, the connection 15 can be provided on the top side of the squeegee assembly 10, as shown, or elsewhere. In other or further embodiments, the squeegee assembly 10 is part of a cleaning and / or drying apparatus (not shown here). In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises one or more of a suction motor, a storage tank for the liquid uptake and / or suction hoses interconnecting the squeegee assembly 10 to the storage tank. These and other features will be further elaborated later by reference to the cleaning apparatus 100 of FIGs 4 and 5.

[0037] FIGs 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate a adjustment mechanism 14 with a lever 141. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 14 comprises a lever 141 with at least two respective sliders 14b’, 14c’ configured to slide along at least two respective guidances 14b, 14c and forming a connection between at least two of the respective guidance’s 14b, 14c, thereby causing the at least two of the guidance’s 14b, 14c to work together. In one embodiment, at least one of the sliders 14b’ is directly or indirectly connected to an axis of the respective roller of the set of support rollers 13. While FIGs 2B and 2C show only the guidance’s 14b, 14c on the front side of the roller, in one embodiment there are equal guidance’s on the back side of the roller as well.

[0038] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 14 comprises a lever 141 with a grip portion 14g for actuating the lever 141 between a first lever position La and a second lever position Lb. In one embodiment, the lever 141 comprises an adjustable fixation mechanism 14f configured to move with the lever 141 between a first fixation structure 14pa disposed at the first lever position La, and a second fixation structure 14pb, disposed at the second lever position Lb. In another or further embodiment, the adjustable fixation mechanism 14f is configured to controllably fixate the lever 141. Preferably, the fixation mechanism 14f is configured to controllably fixate the lever 141 to a respective one of the fixation structures 14pa, 14pb. Also other fixation mechanisms can be envisaged. In another or further embodiment, the lever 141 is connected to a respective support roller 13 for adjusting the vertical offset H of the respective roller between a first offset Ha at the first lever position La, and a second offset Hb at the second lever position Lb. In a preferred embodiment, a path length AL traveled by the grip portion 14g, when actuating the lever 141 between the first lever position La and the second lever position Lb, is larger than an offset difference AH between the first offset Ha and the second offset Hb, e.g. by at least a factor two, three, five, or more. Most preferably, the offset difference AH is less than a maximum height of the squeegee blade 12 extending below the frame 11.

[0039] In one embodiment, the lever 141 is connected to the respective support roller 13 via a first slider 14b’ arranged to move vertically along a first guidance 14b with the respective support roller 13 to adjust the vertical offset H of the respective support roller 13 between the first offset Ha and the second offset Hb. In another or further embodiment, the lever 141 is connected to a second slider 14c’, arranged along the lever 141 further from the respective support roller 13 than the first slider 14b’, and configured to move along a curved path formed by a second guidance 14c at least partially circumferencing the first guidance 14b. Preferably, when the lever 141 is moved between the first lever position La and the second lever position Lb, a path length traversed by the first slider 14b’ along the first guidance 14b is shorter than a path length traversed by the second slider 14c’ along the second guidance 14c, e.g. by at least a factor two, three, five, or more. Most preferably, the second slider 14c’ is arranged between the grip portion 14g and the first slider 14b’.

[0040] FIGs 3A-3C illustrate different views of an arc-shaped squeegee assembly 10 with a set of support rollers. In some embodiments, the squeegee assembly 10 comprises at least two side rollers 13a, 13b arranged on the left side and the right side of the squeegee frame 11 behind the at least one squeegee blade 12, and at least one center roller 13c arranged between the two side rollers 13a, 13b. In another or further embodiment, the two side rollers 13 a, 13b and the center roller 13c are individually exchangeable and / or adjustable in height Ha, Hb with respect to each other by the means of the adjustment mechanism 14. For example, the center roller 13c is adjustable in height with respect to the two side rollers 13a, 13b. In other or further embodiments, the squeegee blade 12 is arc-shaped with the sides of the arc pointing in the working direction “D”. In yet further embodiments, the side rollers 13a, 13b are offset by a distance “O” in the working direction “D” towards a front side Ila of the frame 11 with respect to the center roller 13c, which is offset towards the back side 11b of the frame 11. For example, the offset distance “O” is a factor 0.1 - 0.9 smaller than the width W of the squeegee assembly 10. In one embodiment, the offset distance “O” is measured in-between the axes of the rollers.

[0041] In some embodiments, the center roller 13c is a swivel roller, e.g. swivel wheel. Most preferably, the center roller 13c comprises at least two wheels, e.g. a double wheel as shown. This may provide extra support and / or alleviate wear. In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, the side rollers 13a, 13b are configured to roll in a fixed direction. Alternatively, all rollers can be swivel rollers. In one embodiment, at least one swivel roller is a liftable roller. In another or further embodiment, a liftable roller is arranged adjacent a center roller 13c of the set of support rollers 13. In another or further embodiment, the liftable roller 14d is configured to fold from a first state, in which the squeegee blade 12 of the squeegee assembly 10 resides on the floor “F” to a second state, in which the squeegee blade 12 is lifted off the floor “F”. Preferably, the liftable roller 14d is arranged behind the squeegee. Alternatively or in addition, the liftable roller 14d is arranged in front or side of the squeegee blade 12. In another or further embodiment, the lifting mechanism is operable by foot (not shown), e.g. by kicking or pushing, and / or by hand, e.g. by pulling. Preferably, the liftable roller 14d flips to the side. Alternatively or in addition, the liftable roller 14d flips or folds to any direction away from the floor “F”.

[0042] FIGs 4A-4B illustrates a bottom deck 20 for a cleaning apparatus. In some embodiments, the bottom deck 20 comprises a liquid supply 21 configured to supply liquid “W” on a floor “F”. In other or further embodiments, the bottom deck 20 comprises at least one scrubbing tool 22 configured to scrub the floor “F” with the supplied liquid “W”. Preferably, the bottom deck 20 comprises the squeegee assembly 10, as described herein. Most preferably, the squeegee assembly 10 is arranged in the working direction D at least partially behind the scrubbing tool 22 and / or configured to allow collecting of the liquid “W” supplied by the liquid supply 21.

[0043] In other or further embodiments, the bottom deck 20 and / or squeegee assembly 10 comprises at least one support roller 13d with a respective adjustment mechanism 14d configured to switch the bottom deck 20 between scrubber-dryer configuration, and a wet-scrubbing configuration. In the scrubber-dryer configuration (e.g. as illustrated in FIG 4A), the bottom deck 20 is arranged with the at least one scrubbing tool 22 on the floor F for the scrubbing of the floor F, and with the squeegee blade 12 of the squeegee assembly 10 pressing on the floor F for the collecting of the liquid “W” used in the scrubbing. In the wet-scrubbing configuration (e.g. as illustrated in FIG 4B), a backside of the bottom deck 20 is partially or fully supported by the at least one support roller 13 with at least part of the squeegee blade 12 lifted at a distance above the floor F while keeping the at least one scrubbing tool 22 at least partially on the floor F for scrubbing the floor F without collecting the supplied liquid “W”.

[0044] In one embodiment, the scrubbing tool 22 comprises one or more moving elements, e.g. a rotating brush or pad, configured to clean a surface, e.g. by applying pressure and / or friction on the surface, e.g. a floor, thereby removing dirt, stains, or other types of buildup. In another or further embodiment, the scrubbing tool 22 is configured to aid in propulsion of the cleaning apparatus 100, e.g. by lowering friction and / or exerting a net (forward) propulsion force. For example, the brushes may be slightly tilted such that a friction force of a part of the brush moving backwards is greater than a friction force of a part of the brush moving forwards. Alternatively, or additionally, the cleaning apparatus may also have other propulsion means.

[0045] FIG 5 illustrate a cleaning apparatus 100 comprising a squeegee assembly 10 and bottom deck 20. In some embodiments (not specifically illustrated here), the cleaning apparatus 100 comprises the squeegee assembly 10 and / or the bottom deck 20 as described herein, e.g. with reference to any of FIGs 1-4.

[0046] In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus 100 comprising a guide part 30 connected to the bottom deck 20 by means of an articulated arrangement 25 there between. In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, the articulated arrangement 25 allows the bottom deck 20 to be tilted with respect to the guide part 30 in a tilted position. In another or further embodiment, the articulated arrangement 25 comprises a multidirectional and / or flexible hinge, allowing the guide part 30 to be tilted with respect to vertical axis of the bottom deck 20 in different directions, e.g. forward, backward, and / or sideward. In one embodiment, the bottom deck 20 is provided with at least one support means 21 configured to support the bottom deck 20 in the tilted position for accessing the respective adjustment mechanism 14 of a respective support roller 13. In another or further embodiment, the guide part 30 is supported against the bottom deck 20. In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, the squeegee assembly 10 and the at least one scrubbing tool 22 are lifted off the floor “F” in the tilted position.

[0047] In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus 100 comprises a (dirty) liquid storage tank 32 configured to store liquid taken up from the floor by the squeegee assembly 10. In other or further embodiments, the cleaning apparatus 100 comprises a (clean) liquid storage tank 31 configured to store liquid supplied to the floor. For example, the storage tank(s) 31 and / or 32 may be provided in the guide part 30, as illustrated, and / or provided in the bottom deck 20 (not shown). Preferably, the guide part 30 has a handle part 35 for holding and / or operating the cleaning apparatus 100.

[0048] In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus 100 comprise a suction motor 33 for taking up the liquid from the floor via the squeegee assembly 10, e.g. depositing the taken up liquid in the storage tank 32. Preferably, the suction motor 33 is arranged on the guide part 30, as shown. Alternatively, the suction motor 33 can be provided elsewhere, e.g. on the bottom deck 20 (not shown). In other or further embodiments, the cleaning apparatus 100 comprises a pump (not indicated) for supplying the liquid onto the floor “F”, e.g. from the liquid storage tank 31. Preferably, the liquid is supplied centrally through the at least one scrubbing tool 22. Alternatively, or additionally, liquid can be supplied elsewhere, e.g. in front of the at least one scrubbing tool.

[0049] In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus 100 is provided with a control panel (not indicated) for controlling operational aspects of the cleaning apparatus 100 such as suction control, scrubbing control, liquid supply, et cetera. In other or further embodiments, the cleaning apparatus 100 comprises a battery 23, e.g. for powering one or more of the scrubbing tool(s) 22, the suction motor 33, the suction motor 33, the liquid supply pump, the control panel, et cetera.

[0050] While the present features of the squeegee assembly 10 and the bottom deck 20 as described herein can be particularly advantageous in combination with a hand-guided cleaning apparatus, as illustrated, these features can also be implemented in other types of cleaning apparatuses, e.g. a ride-on scrubber drier. Preferably, the at least one scrubbing tool 22 comprises at least one brush. For example, the cleaning apparatus 100 comprises two counter-rotating brushes as shown. Alternatively, or in addition to brushes, also other tools can be used, e.g. pads. Alternatively, or in addition to rotating motion, also other types of motion can be used, e.g. reciprocating and / or eccentric motion.

[0051] FIGs 6A-6C illustrates aspects of a squeegee assembly 10 comprising at least one replaceable squeegee blade 12. In one embodiment, the frame 11 of the squeegee assembly 10 comprises a frame insert Hi configured to be introduced into the frame 11 and comprising a plurality of protrusions 17 arranged along its length direction. In another or further embodiment, the replaceable squeegee blade 12 comprises a plurality of openings 12o arranged along its length direction. The protrusions 17 disposed on the frame insert Hi may fit into the openings of the squeegee blade 12. When the frame insert Hi with the squeegee blade 12 is inserted into the frame 11, the plurality of protrusions 17 through the plurality of openings 12o may hold the replaceable squeegee blade 12 in place. In some embodiments, one or more release button 16 or other means are configured to more easily release the frame insert Hi out of the frame 11.

[0052] In some embodiments, a set of squeegee blades is provided configured to protrude with different heights below the bottom side of the frame. For example, the squeegee blades may have different heights. This may allow varying a vertical offset at which the squeegee blade 12 extends below the bottom side 11c of the frame 11 and / or relative to the set of support rollers. Preferably, at least one squeegee blade 12 is dual sided, i.e. can be flipped upside down to use both the bottom and top sides of the squeegee blade 12. This may improve the lifespan of the squeegee blade 12. In one embodiment (not shown), a dual sided squeegee blade 12 comprises a set, e.g. row, of the openings 12o that is placed off-center towards the top side (or bottom side) of the squeegee blade. In other words the height of the squeegee blade 12 above the openings may be different than the height of the squeegee blade 12 below the openings. This may allow flipping the squeegee upside-down to change a height of the squeegee blade 12 extending below the bottom side 11c of the frame 11. Alternatively, or additionally, the squeegee blade 12 can be provided with multiple sets, e.g. rows, of openings 12o arranged at different vertical offsets, to allow varying a vertical offset at which the squeegee blade 12 extends below the bottom side 11c of the frame 11.

[0053] In some embodiments, the frame insert Hi is configured to hold at least two squeegee blades 12, e.g. by comprising a plurality of protrusions 17 on both the front side and the back side of the frame insert Hi (not visible here). For example, the squeegee assembly 10 comprises at least two squeegee blades 12 arranged on the front side and the back side of a frame insert 1 li, thereby forming a suction region between the two squeegee blades 12. Preferably, the frame insert Hi is hollow, in particular, when forming a suction space between the two squeegee blades 12. For example, the hollow frame insert Hi and / or squeegee blades 12 may be part of a liquid uptake. In one embodiment, the front side squeegee blade 12 comprises openings configured to allow liquid flow into the suction region between the squeegee blades 12. In some embodiments (not shown here), the liquid in the suction region is sucked out through the hollow frame insert Hi by a suction mechanism into a reservoir (e.g. the reservoir 32 illustrated in FIG 5). For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described. While embodiments were shown for adjustment mechanisms configured to control an amount of support provided to a squeegee blade by a set of support rollers, also alternative ways may be envisaged by those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure for achieving a similar function and result. Alternatively, or in addition, to varying a vertical offset of one or more support rollers relative to the frame, it can also be envisaged to provide an adjustment mechanism configured to vary a vertical offset of the squeegee blade relative to the frame and / or relative to the support rollers. Alternatively, or in addition to an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a fixed component, the amount of support of the rollers relatively to the squeegee blade can also be varied by the replaceability of one or more components such as of the rollers and / or squeegee blade, e.g. using a set of replacement components with different offsets and / or heights.

[0054] The various elements of the embodiments as discussed and shown offer certain advantages, such as controlling the amount of pressure exerted by the squeegee blade on a floor. Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the above embodiments or processes may be combined with one or more other embodiments or processes to provide even further improvements in finding and matching designs and advantages. It is appreciated that this disclosure offers particular advantages to squeegee blades for liquid collection after cleaning a floor, and in general can be used for any application wherein it is desired that the amount of pressure of a squeegee acting on a surface is easily and accurately controllable and / or adjustable.

[0055] In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in a given claim; the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements; any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope; several "means" may be represented by the same or different item(s) or implemented structure or function; any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise. Where one claim refers to another claim, this may indicate synergetic advantage achieved by the combination of their respective features. But the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot also be used to advantage. The present embodiments may thus include all working combinations of the claims wherein each claim can in principle refer to any preceding claim unless clearly excluded by context.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A squeegee assembly (10) for collecting liquid (W) from a floor (F), the squeegee assembly (10) comprising a frame (11); at least one squeegee blade (12) extending below a bottom side (11c) of the frame (11) and formed of a flexible resilient material which, in use, is pressed against the floor (F) by the frame (11) and moved along the floor (F) in a working direction (D) for the collecting of the liquid (W) from the floor (F); a set of support rollers (13a, 13b, 13c) connected to the frame (11) and configured to, in use, support the squeegee assembly (10) with respect to the floor (F), together with the squeegee blade (12) pressing against the floor (F); and at least one adjustment mechanism (14) configured to determine a vertical offset (H) of at least one respective support roller (13) of the set of support rollers (13a, 13b, 13c) relative to the squeegee blade (12) for controlling an amount of support provided by the set of support rollers (13a, 13b, 13c) relative to the squeegee blade (12), thereby controlling a variable amount of pressure (P) applied by the flexible material of the squeegee blade (12) pressing against the floor (F) and / or lifting the squeegee blade (12) at least partially off the floor (F).

2. The squeegee assembly (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the adjustment mechanism (14) comprises a lever (141) with a grip portion (14g) for actuating the lever (141) between at least a first lever position (La) and a second lever position (Lb); wherein the lever (141) comprises an adjustable fixation mechanism (141) configured to controllably fixate the lever (141) at the first lever position (La) or at the second lever position (Lb);wherein the lever (141) is connected to a respective support roller (13) for adjusting the vertical offset (H) of the respective roller between a first offset (Ha) at the first lever position (La), and a second offset (Hb) at the second lever position (Lb); wherein a path length (AL) traveled by the grip portion (14g), when actuating the lever (141) between the first lever position (La) and the second lever position (Lb), is larger than an offset difference (AH) between the first offset (Ha) and the second offset (Hb).

3. The squeegee assembly (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the lever (141) is connected to the respective support roller (13) via a first slider (14b’) arranged to move vertically along a first guidance (14b) with the respective support roller (13) to adjust the vertical offset (H) of the respective support roller (13) between the first offset (Ha) and the second offset (Hb), wherein the lever (141) is connected to a second slider (14c’) configured to move along a curved path formed by a second guidance (14c) at least partially circumferencing the first guidance (14b), wherein, when the lever (141) is moved between the first lever position (La) and the second lever position (Lb), a path length traversed by the first slider (14b’) along the first guidance (14b) is shorter than a path length traversed by the second slider (14c’) along the second guidance (14c), wherein the second slider (14c’) is arranged between the grip portion (14g) and the first slider (14b’).

4. The squeegee assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment mechanism (14) comprises a third guidance (14a) connected to the frame (11) with an opening (14o) configured to slide out a third slider (14a’) connected to a respective support roller (13) for removing and / or exchanging the respective support roller (13).

5. The squeegee assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment mechanism (14) has a discrete height adjustment control configured to fixate the respective support roller (13) at a respective vertical offset (H) with respect to the bottom side (11c) of the frame (11) which offset is exclusively selectable from a set of predefined discrete offsets (Ha, Hb).

6. The squeegee assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment mechanism (14) comprises at least one slider (14a’, 14b’, 14c’) connected to a respective support roller (13), each slider (14a’, 14b’, 14c’) configured to slide along a respective guidance (14a, 14b, 14c) connected to the frame (11) for determining the vertical offset (H) of the respective roller with respect to the frame (11); and an adjustable fixation mechanism (14f) configured to controllably fixate the slider (14a’, 14b’, 14c’) to a respective fixation structure (14p) of a set of discrete fixation structures, wherein each fixation structure (14p) is disposed at a respective position corresponding to a specific vertical offset (H) selected from the set of predefined discrete offsets (Ha, Hb).

7. The squeegee assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least two distinct fixation structures (14p) fixedly arranged at different positions to predefine at least two distinct offsets (Ha, Hb) of the respective support roller (13) relative to the bottom side (11c) of the frame (11), wherein for each distinct offset (Ha, Hb), the squeegee blade (12) presses on the floor (F) with a distinct amount of pressure (P).

8. The squeegee assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the set of support rollers (13a, 13b, 13c) comprisesa first side roller (13a) arranged on a left side of the frame (11); a second side roller (13b) arranged on a right side of the frame (11); at least one center roller (13c) arranged at a center of the frame (11) between the first side roller (13a) and the second side roller (13b); wherein the side rollers (13a, 13b) and the center roller (13c) are individually adjustable in their vertical offset (H) with respect to each other by means of their respective adjustment mechanism (14).

9. The squeegee assembly (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the frame (11) has a front side (Ila), in use, facing the working direction (D), and a back side (11b) opposite and behind the front side (Ila), wherein each of the set of support rollers (13a, 13b, 13c) is connected to the back side (11b) of the frame (11), arranged behind the squeegee blade (12), wherein the frame (11) with the at least one squeegee blade (12) is arc-shaped with respective sides of the arc shape pointing forward in the working direction (D), wherein the at least one center roller (13c) is horizontally offset (O) behind the side rollers (13a, 13b) in the working direction (D).

10. The squeegee assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the set of support rollers (13a, 13b, 13c) comprises a swivel wheel (13c) configured to roll in different directions.

11. A bottom deck (20) for a cleaning apparatus (100), the bottom deck (20) comprising a liquid supply configured to supply liquid (W) on a floor (F); at least one scrubbing tool (22) configured to scrub the floor (F) with the supplied liquid (W); the squeegee assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims; andat least one support roller (13d) with a respective adjustment mechanism (14d) configured to switch the bottom deck (20) between a scrubber-dryer configuration, wherein the bottom deck (20) is arranged with the at least one scrubbing tool (22) on the floor (F) for the scrubbing of the floor (F), and with the squeegee blade (12) of the squeegee assembly (10) pressing on the floor (F) for the collecting of the liquid (W) used in the scrubbing, and a wet-scrubbing configuration, wherein a backside of the bottom deck (20) is supported by the at least one support roller (13d) with at least part of the squeegee blade (12) lifted at a distance above the floor (F) while keeping the at least one scrubbing tool (22) at least partially on the floor (F) for scrubbing the floor (F) without collecting the supplied liquid (W).

12. A cleaning apparatus (100) comprising the squeegee assembly (10) and / or bottom deck (20) according to any of the preceding claims.

13. The cleaning apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, comprising a guide part (30) connected to the bottom deck (20) by means of an articulated arrangement (25) there between for allowing the bottom deck(20) to be tilted with respect to the guide part (30) in a tilted position (T), wherein the bottom deck (20) is provided with at least one support means(21) configured to support the bottom deck (20) in the tilted position (T) for accessing the respective adjustment mechanism (14) of a respective support roller (13), while the guide part (30) is supported against the bottom deck (20), and the squeegee assembly (10) and the at least one scrubbing tool (22)are lifted off the floor (F).

14. A method for cleaning a floor (F) using the squeegee assembly (10), the bottom deck (20), and / or the cleaning apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims.

15. The method according to the preceding claim, comprising collecting liquid from a first type of floor (F), wherein the at least one adjustment mechanism (14) of the squeegee assembly (10) is configured with the respective support roller (13) set to a first offset (Ha) for providing a first amount of pressure (P) applied by the squeegee blade (12) pressing on the first type of floor; collecting liquid from a second type of floor (F), that is relatively smooth compared to the first type of floor, wherein the at least one adjustment mechanism (14) of the squeegee assembly (10) is configured with the respective support roller (13) set to a second offset (Hb), wherein the second offset (Hb) is larger than the first offset (Ha), for providing a second amount of pressure (P) applied by the squeegee blade (12) pressing on the relatively smooth second type of floor that is lower than the first amount of pressure (P) applied by the squeegee blade (12) on the first type of floor.

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