Floor cleaning and floor washing machine

Abstract

Apparatus for treating and cleaning floors, comprising a head comprising at least one tool for treating a floor, a handle for guiding the head, a first tank configured to contain a liquid to be used for cleaning the floor, a second tank for collecting the liquid sucked up from the floor after washing by means of opportune suction means, and a partition wall adapted to prevent the liquid contained in the second tank from interfering with the suction circuit of the liquid from the floor during the treatment of the floor.

Description

[0001] FLOOR CLEANING AND FLOOR WASHING MACHINE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The object of the present invention is a machine for dry cleaning and washing floors.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] Substantially, two types of machines for cleaning and treating floors are currently available: machines that extend horizontally, comprising a fixed, rigid guiding handle, which is possibly adjustable in height, and more recent machines, wherein the handle is longer and does not have a fixed position, but is free to rotate inside at least one axis, and wherein part of the machine’s components (e.g. tanks and supply batteries) are arranged along the guiding handle or accommodated therein.

[0006] Machines of the first type, the so-called “horizontal” machines, have the disadvantage of being bulky and poorly maneuverable in small spaces (for example below sinks or tables or other types of furniture) or when operating in narrow bends or difficult paths in general.

[0007] Machines of the second type, the so-called “vertical” machines, are far more manageable in narrow spaces as they are more compact and generally include a tiltable handle, adapted to facilitate the control of the head of the machine.

[0008] In particular, in “vertical” machines, at least one tank of the two tanks - one tank containing the cleaning solution and a recovery tank - is positioned on the handle to reduce the volume of the head and thus allow the machine to be used more easily in reduced spaces.

[0009] However, this type of floor cleaning machines also have drawbacks, which are related, in this case, to ergonomics and maneuverability.

[0010] In fact, in machines of this type, one tank of the two tanks present - the cleaning solution tank and the recovery tank - is positioned on the handle and the other on the head. In this configuration, imbalances may occur due to the movement of the liquid mass in the tank during operation of the floor washing machine. The movements of the handle influence the load effectively applied to the head of the machine, and this undesired effect may contribute to a similar effect due to the movement of the liquid in the tank on the head and it may also be bothersome for the operator based on the filling level of the two tanks. The consequence is thus poor maneuverability, which may result in significant difficulty for the operator.

[0011] Other problems that affect vertical-type machines with the recovery tank on the head are related to the small dimensions of the tank, which de facto limits the operating autonomy thereof. Some machines of this type have an autonomy of only 15 minutes, which is highly inadequate for use in the professional field.

[0012] Finally, vertical type machines, which have the recovery tank on the head have the problem that, especially in the case of sudden movements or knocks against obstacles, the motion of the liquid mass contained in the recovery tank may interfere with the suction system, which is adapted to convey the liquid recovered from the floor towards the tank, with the consequent malfunctioning of the suction system and the floor washing machine as a whole. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning machine for cleaning floors, which allows overcoming the problems present in the state-of-the-art.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The machine for cleaning floors according to the present description overcomes the described technical problems by introducing an optimized double tank arranged on the head of the machine.

[0015] Said machine comprises a head, in turn comprising at least one tool for treating a floor - e.g. at least one brush - and a motor - preferably battery powered - to actuate this at least one tool; a first tank, preferably removable from the head, configured to contain a first liquid to be used for cleaning the floor and removal means for removing said first liquid and sending the first removed liquid on the floor; a second removable tank, equipped with suction means for collecting the dirty water from the floor, comprising a suction mouth from the floor, provided with at least one floor wiper, said suction mouth being connected to a suction hole made in a wall of said second receptacle; a handle for guiding said head, connected to the head by means of at least one joint with a joint axis transversal to the treatment direction and preferably connected to the head by means of multiple joints;

[0016] The second tank comprises a partition wall arranged at said suction hole and adapted to shield said suction hole from the dirty cleaning liquid, which is collected during the treatment of the floor, and contained in said second tank. Advantageously, in further preferred embodiments, said first tank may be contained inside the second tank and it may be made with flexible walls so as to occupy a volume, which varies as a function of the amount of liquid it contains. Furthermore, the second tank is preferably characterized by a height, which is smaller than the width and depth. Basically, the volume of said second tank mainly extends in depth and in width, allowing a reduced height to be maintained. This feature, which is normally unadvisable as large surfaces allow the liquid contained in the tank to move and “ripple” considerably, interfering with the suction system of the dirty liquid from the floor, is made possible by the use of the aforesaid partition wall, which is adapted to shield said suction hole from the dirty cleaning liquid contained in the tank.

[0017] In this manner, the machine for cleaning floors according to the present description allows a high level of maneuverability and handling, avoiding problems related to the machines of this type, which are currently available.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description given by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Fig. 1 shows an axonometric view of an embodiment of the apparatus for cleaning floors according to the present description;

[0020] Fig. 2 shows an axonometric view of an embodiment of the apparatus for cleaning floors according to the present description;

[0021] Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the tanks of the apparatus for cleaning floors according to the present description;

[0022] Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the head of the apparatus for cleaning floors according to the present description;

[0023] Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the apparatus for cleaning floors according to the present description;

[0024] Fig. 6 shows an axonometric view of an embodiment of the head of the apparatus for cleaning floors according to the present description;

[0025] Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the head of the apparatus for cleaning floors according to the present description;

[0026] Fig. 8 shows a sectional view, from below, of an embodiment of a tank of the apparatus for cleaning floors according to the present description;

[0027] Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a tank of the apparatus for cleaning floors according to the present description;

[0028] Fig. 10 shows an axonometric view of an embodiment of the tanks of the apparatus for cleaning floors according to the present description, and

[0029] Fig. 11 shows an exploded view of the second tank and relative cover of the apparatus for cleaning floors according to the present description. The following description of exemplary embodiments relates to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] The same reference numerals in different drawings identify the same elements or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Apparatus 10 for treating floors according to the present description, in a first embodiment a head 11 is comprised, provided with a lower part equipped with means for treating and cleaning a flat surface, such as a floor, and an upper part comprising two tanks. The first tank 15 is configured to contain a liquid for cleaning the floor and has means adapted to remove the aforesaid liquid and distribute it over the floor, while the second tank 14 is configured to collect the dirty liquid from the floor during operation of the apparatus 10. Said means for removing the liquid from the first tank may comprise a pump, for example, a peristaltic or vibration pump.

[0033] The apparatus 10 further comprises a handle 12 for guiding said head 11 , connected to the head 11 by means of a first connection, e.g. at least a first joint 13 with a joint axis transversal to the treatment direction and preferably connected to the head by means of multiple joints. In a preferred embodiment, said handle 12 comprises two joints, a first joint 13 with a joint axis transverse to the treatment direction of the apparatus 10, and a second joint with a joint axis parallel to the treatment direction of the apparatus 10.

[0034] Said means for treating and cleaning a flat surface on the lower part of said head 11 preferably comprise at least one tool provided with electric power and adapted to exert a rubbing action on the surface. For example, said tool may be made from one or more disks rotating about an axis perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned, or by means of one or more cylinders 26 rotating about an axis parallel to the surface to be cleaned. The surface of the disks or cylinders used may be smooth or rough, or it may comprise brushes. The second tank 14 is associated with suction means configured to collect the dirty liquid from the floor during operation of the apparatus. These suction means comprise a suction mouth 16 positioned close to the floor and provided with at least one floor-wiper 17. Said floor-wiper 17 preferably comprises two rubber blades, which work together to convey the liquid on the floor towards the aforesaid suction mouth 16, when the apparatus 10 is moving during the treatment of the floor. The suction mouth 16 corresponds to a first opening 21 through which the liquid sucked up from the floor by the suction mouth is poured into the second tank 14. Said suction mouth 16 is conveniently connected to a suction circuit configured to create the vacuum needed to suck up the liquid from the floor.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, said suction circuit comprises an air suction fan 23 - driven by an electric motor powerable by a battery - connected by a first duct 18 to a second opening 19 facing the inside of the second tank 14. Said suction circuit further comprises a second duct 20, which connects said suction mouth 16 to said first opening 21 . The vacuum created by the action of the suction fan 23, through the second opening 19, inside said second tank 14, allows the liquid, directed by the floor-wiper 17 from the floor towards said suction mouth 16, to be sucked up. The sucked liquid moves up again through the second duct 20 and is finally poured into the second tank 14 through said first opening 21.

[0036] In order to prevent the level of the liquid inside the second tank 14 from exceeding a predetermined alarm level, advantageously said second tank 14 can be provided with afloat 25 connected, for example, to the drive circuit of said suction fan 23 and configured to interrupt the suction of the liquid from the floor when the level of the liquid contained in the tank 14 reaches the aforesaid predetermined alarm level. In an embodiment, said float 25 can be accommodated in a special protective tray.

[0037] Advantageously, in order to prevent the liquid contained in the second tank 14 from interfering with said second opening 19 and with said first duct 18, due to the movement of the apparatus 10 during operation, compromising the correction suction of the liquid from the floor when the apparatus 10 is in operation, said second tank 14 comprises a partition wall 22 arranged at said second suction opening 19 adapted to shield said second suction opening 19 from the liquid contained in said second tank 14, during treatment of the floor.

[0038] Said partition wall 22 can be anchored, for example to said second tank 14 or to said first duct 18. Furthermore, in an embodiment, said protective tray 30 adapted to accommodate the float 25 can be obtained in the aforesaid partition wall 22.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the first tank 15 is inside the second tank 14 and comprises flexible walls, which allow said first tank 15 to occupy a volume, which varies as a function of the amount of liquid contained therein. Thereby, the assembly of the first and second tanks will have a constant weight and a substantially fixed center of gravity, favoring the maneuverability of the apparatus 10 according to the present description.

[0040] Advantageously, the first tank 15 comprises an opening provided with a removable cap to facilitate filling or emptying. In this preferred embodiment, the described partition wall 22 further allows preventing the flexible walls of the first tank 15 from interfering with said second opening 19 and said first duct 18 by hindering correct suction of the liquid from the floor when the apparatus is in operation

[0041] Said partition wall can be made with such dimensions to cover only a part of the surface of the second tank 14, e.g., said partition wall can have an extension equal to about at least one third of the upper surface of the second tank 14. In an embodiment, both said second opening 19 and said partition wall 22 are arranged at the upper part of a wall of the second tank 14.

[0042] Furthermore, the second tank 14 can be provided with a removable cover, which allows the inside of the second tank 14 to be easily accessed for cleaning and maintenance operations, as well as access to the first tank 15 should it be arranged inside the second tank 14. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the partition wall 22 can be fastened to the removable cover of the second tank 14. In a preferred embodiment, the removable cover of the second tank 14, can also be provided with at least one quick emptying opening provided with a cap 24. Said at least one quick emptying opening is configured to allow the second tank 14 to be emptied without having to remove the cover thereof.

[0043] With reference to the accompanying Figures 9 and 11 , in a further preferred embodiment, two openings 31 , 32 are present, adapted to allow the emptying of the second tank 14 and the tray 30 of the float 25, simply by the user conveniently tilting the tank 14. Correspondingly, said cap 24 comprises engagement means 27, 29 for engaging said quick emptying openings 31 , 32.

[0044] In other embodiments, a further opening 33 is present in the tray 30 for ensuring that said tray 30 is emptied completely even if the user does not completely tilt the tank 14 during the emptying operations. Correspondingly, said cap 24 comprises further engagement means 28 adapted to engage with said further opening 33 present in the tray 30 of the float 25.

[0045] Said second tank 14 may be characterized by a smaller height than the width and depth so that basically, the volume of said second tank 14 extends mainly in depth and width, allowing the height to be kept reduced. This feature favors the employing of the apparatus according to the present description also in situations in which available spaces are reduced. Furthermore, said second tank 14 may be removable from the head 11 to facilitate the emptying, cleaning and maintenance operations, and it may be provided with suitable engagement means for engaging with the head 11 , which are configured to lock said second tank 14 to the head 11 when the apparatus 10 is in operation, and favor the vertical removal of said second tank 14, when required. The second tank 14 may comprise cavities on the lower base adapted to be engaged with corresponding projections present in the upper part of the head 11 , at the support base for supporting said second tank 14. Furthermore, the head 11 may comprise a further containment edge for said second tank 14 to ensure the stability of the position thereof in the event of knocks or sudden movements of the head 11. In a preferred embodiment, said second tank 14 has a “U”-shape or “horseshoe”- shape to allow the connection point between the handle 12 and the head 11 of the apparatus to be arranged in a central position with respect to the head 11 , thereby improving the ergonomics of the apparatus 10 and optimizing the maneuverability thereof by the user.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Apparatus (10) for treating a floor, comprising: a head (11) comprising at least one tool for treating a floor and a motor for actuating the at least one tool; a handle (12) for guiding said head (11 ), wherein said handle is connected to the head by means of a first connection (13); a first tank (15) configured to contain a liquid to be used for cleaning the floor and means for distributing said liquid onto the floor; a second tank (14), associated with a suction circuit, comprising a liquid suction mouth (16) connected to a first opening (21 ), through which the liquid sucked up from the floor by the suction mouth (16) is poured into the second tank (14), and a second opening (19) facing the inside of the second tank (14) and connected to air suction means; a partition wall (22) arranged at said second opening (19) and adapted to shield said second opening (19) from the liquid contained in said second tank (14) during the treatment of the floor.

2. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1 , wherein said second tank (14) is accommodated on said head (11).

3. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 1 to 2, wherein said first tank (15) is accommodated on said handle (12).

4. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 1 to 2, wherein said first tank (15) is accommodated on said head (11 ).

5. Apparatus (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first tank (15) is inside the second tank (14).

6. Apparatus (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first tank (15) comprises flexible walls, which allow said first tank (15) to occupy a volume, which varies as a function of the amount of liquid contained therein.

7. Apparatus (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first tank (15) comprises an opening provided with a removable cap.

8. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 2 to 7, wherein said second tank (14) comprises a width, a depth and a height, wherein the height is smaller than both the width and the depth.

9. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one tool for treating a floor comprises one or more rotating disks rotating about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the surface to be cleaned, or one or more rotating cylinders (16) rotating about an axis parallel to the plane of the surface to be cleaned.

10. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 1 to 9, wherein said motor is powered by at least one battery.

11. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 1 to 10, wherein said suction mouth (16) is provided with at least one floor-wiper (17).

12. Apparatus (10) according to claim 11 , wherein said at least one floor-wiper (17) comprises two blades made of a flexible material configured to convey the liquid present on the floor towards said suction mouth (16), when the apparatus (10) is moving.

13. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, wherein said partition wall (22) is positioned in the upper part of said second tank (14).

14. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 1 to 13, wherein said partition wall extends over a surface equal to about at least one third of the upper surface of said second tank (14).

15. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 1 to 14, wherein said means for removing the liquid and sending the removed liquid on the floor comprise a pump.

16. Apparatus (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said pump is a peristaltic or vibration pump.

17. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 1 to 16, wherein said second tank (14) comprises a removable cover;18. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 2 to 17, wherein said second tank (14) is removable from the head (11 ).

19. Apparatus (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said second tank (14) is provided with means for engaging with the head (11) configured to favor the locking or vertical removal of the second tank (14) from the head (11 );20. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 18 to 19, wherein said second tank (14) comprises cavities on the lower base adapted to be engaged with corresponding projections present in the upper part of the head (11), at the support base for supporting said second tank (14).21 . Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 1 to 20, wherein the partition wall (22) is fixed to said second tank (14) or to said first duct (18).

22. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 17 to 21 , wherein said partition wall (22) is fixed to the removable cover of the second tank (14).

23. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 2 to 22, wherein the head(11 ) comprises a containment edge for containing the second tank (14), which is configured to retain the second tank (14) in the event of knocks or sudden movements of the head (11).

24. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 1 to 23, wherein said handle(12) is connected to the head (11) by means of a first joint having a joint axistransverse to the treatment direction and a second joint having a joint axis parallel to the treatment direction.

25. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 2 to 24, wherein said second tank (14) is “U”-shaped or “horseshoe”- shaped so as to allow the connection point between the handle (12) and the head (11 ) of the apparatus (10) to be arranged in a central position with respect to the head (11 ).

26. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 1 to 25, wherein said second tank (14) comprises a float (25) configured to interrupt the suction of the liquid from the floor when the level of the liquid contained in the tank (14) reaches a predetermined alarm level.

27. Apparatus (10) according to claim 26, wherein said float (25) is accommodated in a protective tray (30) made in said partition wall (22).

28. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims from 17 to 27, wherein the removable cover of the second tank (14) comprises at least one quick emptying opening provided with a cap (24).

29. Apparatus (10) according to claim 28, wherein said at least one opening comprises two openings (31 , 32), adapted to allow the second tank (14) and the tray (30) of the float (25) to be emptied, by conveniently tilting said tank (14).

30. Apparatus (10) according to claim 29, wherein said cap (24) comprises engagement means (27, 29) for engaging with said openings (31 , 32).

31. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims 29 and 30, wherein said at least one opening comprises a further opening (33) in the tray (30) of the float (25) and said cap (24) comprises further engagement means (28) adapted to engage with said further opening (33).

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