Floor cleaning and washing machine

Abstract

The apparatus for treating and cleaning a floor comprises a head having at least one tool for treating the floor, a handle for guiding the head, a first tank configured to contain a liquid used for cleaning the floor, a second tank for recovering the liquid sucked from the floor after cleaning by appropriate suction means, and a partition wall configured to prevent the liquid contained in the second tank from interfering with the suction circuit for the liquid from the floor during floor treatment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for dry cleaning and washing of floors.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, there are currently two types of machines available for cleaning and treating floors. That is, a machine having a horizontally extending, fixed rigid guide handle (which may be height adjustable) and a newer machine, where the handle is longer, has no fixed position, rotates freely about at least one axis, and also, some components of the machine (e.g., a tank and a supply battery) are arranged along or housed within the guide handle.

[0003] The first type of machine, i.e., the so-called "horizontal" machine, has the disadvantages of being bulky and having poor maneuverability in confined spaces (e.g., under sinks, tables or other types of furniture), or when operating in narrow bends or generally difficult paths.

[0004] The second type of machine, the so-called "vertical" machine, is more compact and generally has antilting handles configured to facilitate control of the head of the machine, and thus is much easier to handle in confined spaces.

[0005] Particularly, in the "vertical" machine, at least one of the two tanks (a tank for containing the cleaning liquid and a recovery tank) is arranged in the handle to reduce the volume of the head. This makes it easier to use the machine in a narrow space.

[0006] However, this type of floor cleaning machine also has disadvantages. These disadvantages are in this case related to ergonomics and operability.

[0007] In fact, in this type of machine, one of the two tanks (a cleaning fluid tank and a recovery tank) is located on the handle, and the other on the head. In this configuration, during operation of the floor cleaning machine, imbalance can occur due to changes in mass caused by the movement of liquid in the tanks. The movement of the handle affects the load effectively applied to the machine's head. This undesirable effect can result in similar effects on the head caused by the movement of liquid in the tanks, and can also be cumbersome for the operator due to the fill levels of the two tanks. Consequently, the operability is poor, which can cause significant difficulties for the operator.

[0008] Another problem affecting vertical machines equipped with a recovery tank in the head is related to the small size of the recovery tank. This effectively limits the operating time of the machine. Some machines of this type have a continuous operating time of only 15 minutes, which is extremely insufficient for use in specialized fields.

[0009] Finally, in vertical machines with a recovery tank in the head, the movement of the liquid mass contained in the recovery tank can interfere with the suction system, which is configured to transport the liquid recovered from the floor towards the recovery tank, especially in the case of sudden movement or collision with an obstacle. As a result, the suction system and the entire floor cleaning machine may malfunction.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning machine for cleaning floors that can overcome the problems present in the prior art. [Overview of the project]

[0011] The floor cleaning machine described herein overcomes the technical challenges described by introducing an optimized dual tank located in the machine head.

[0012] The machine described above includes a head, the head having at least one tool for processing the floor, for example, at least one brush, and a motor, preferably a battery-powered motor, for operating the at least one tool. The first tank is configured to contain a first liquid used for cleaning the floor, is preferably detachable from the head, and includes a dispensing means for dispensing the first liquid and sending it onto the floor. A removable second tank is equipped with a suction means for collecting wastewater from the floor, including a suction port from the floor, the suction port having at least one floor wiper, and is connected to a suction opening provided in the wall of the second container. Furthermore, the machine is equipped with a handle for guiding the head, and the handle is connected to the head by at least one joint having a joint axis lateral to the processing direction, preferably by multiple joints. The second tank has a partition wall positioned at the location of the suction opening, and the partition wall is configured to shield the suction opening from the dirty cleaning liquid that is collected during floor treatment and contained in the second tank. Advantageously, in a more preferred embodiment, the first tank may be housed within a second tank and may have flexible walls whose volume can change depending on the amount of liquid contained within. Furthermore, it is preferable that the second tank is characterized by having a height smaller than its width and depth. In short, the second tank has a volume that extends mainly in the depth and width directions, and its height can be kept low. Such a configuration is usually undesirable because the liquid contained in the tank moves considerably and "waves" significantly, interfering with the system that sucks up wastewater from the floor. However, by using the partition wall, it is possible to shield the suction port from the dirty cleaning liquid contained in the tank.

[0013] In this way, the floor cleaning machine described herein enables a high level of operability and handling, and avoids the problems associated with currently available machines of this type. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given as a non-limiting example with reference to the figures shown in the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device for cleaning floors according to this specification. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device for cleaning floors according to this specification. [Figure 3] This is an exploded view of one embodiment of a plurality of tanks in a device for cleaning floors according to this specification. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the head of a device for cleaning floors according to this specification. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a device for cleaning floors according to this specification. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the head of a floor cleaning device according to this specification. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the head of a device for cleaning floors according to this specification. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view from below of one embodiment of the tank of a floor cleaning apparatus according to this specification. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a tank in a device for cleaning floors according to this specification. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the tank of a floor cleaning apparatus according to this specification. [Figure 11] This is an exploded view of the second tank and corresponding cover of the floor cleaning apparatus according to this specification.

[0015] The following description of exemplary embodiments is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] In the first embodiment, the apparatus 10 for treating a floor according to this description includes a head 11. The head 11 includes a lower part having means for treating and cleaning a flat surface such as a floor, and an upper part having two tanks. The first tank 15 is configured to contain a liquid for cleaning the floor and has means for taking out the liquid and distributing it onto the floor. On the other hand, the second tank 14 is configured to collect the soiled liquid from the floor during the operation of the apparatus 10. The means for taking out the liquid from the first tank can include a pump, for example, a peristaltic pump or a vibration pump.

[0017] The apparatus 10 further includes a handle 12 for guiding the head 11. The handle 12 is connected to the head 11 by a first connection part. The first connection part includes, for example, at least a first joint 13 having a joint axis transverse to the treatment direction, and preferably, the handle 12 is connected to the head by a plurality of joints. In a preferred embodiment, the handle 12 has two joints, namely, a first joint 13 having a joint axis orthogonal to the treatment direction of the apparatus 10 and a second joint having a joint axis parallel to the treatment direction of the apparatus 10.

[0018] The means for treating and cleaning the flat surface below the head 11 preferably includes at least one tool to which power is supplied. The tool is configured to exert a rubbing action on the surface. For example, the tool may be made of one or more disks rotating about an axis perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned, or may be made by one or more cylinders 26 rotating about an axis parallel to the surface to be cleaned. The surface of the disk or cylinder used may be smooth or rough, or may include a brush.

[0019] The second tank 14 is connected to suction means configured to collect contaminated liquid from the floor during operation of the device. The suction means is disposed close to the floor and has a suction port 16 provided with at least one floor wiper 17. The floor wiper 17 preferably includes two rubber blades that cooperate to convey the liquid on the floor towards the suction port 16 when the device 10 is moving during floor treatment. The suction port 16 communicates with a first opening 21 through which the liquid sucked from the floor by the suction port flows into the second tank 14. The suction port 16 is preferably connected to a suction circuit configured to generate the reduced pressure necessary to suck the liquid from the floor.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the suction circuit has a suction fan 23 driven by an electric motor powered by a battery and connected to a second opening 19 facing into the second tank 14 by a first duct 18. The suction circuit further includes a second duct 20. The second duct 20 connects the suction port 16 to the first opening 21. By the operation of the suction fan 23, the negative pressure generated in the second tank 14 through the second opening 19 enables the liquid guided by the floor wiper 17 from the floor towards the suction port 16 to be sucked. The sucked liquid rises again through the second duct 20 and finally flows into the second tank 14 through the first opening 21.

[0021] To prevent the liquid level in the second tank 14 from exceeding a predetermined alarm level, the second tank 14 may, for example, be equipped with a float 25 connected to the drive circuit of the suction fan 23. The float 25 is configured to interrupt the suction of liquid from the floor when the liquid level in the second tank 14 reaches the predetermined alarm level. In one embodiment, the float 25 may be housed in a special protective tray.

[0022] Advantageously, to prevent the liquid contained in the second tank 14 from interfering with the second opening 19 and the first duct 18 due to movement of the device 10 during operation, thereby impairing the proper suction of liquid from the floor during operation, the second tank 14 is provided with a partition wall 22 positioned at the second suction opening 19, configured to shield the second suction opening 19 from the liquid contained in the second tank 14 during floor treatment. The partition wall 22 can be fixed, for example, to the second tank 14 or the first duct 18. Furthermore, in one embodiment, a protective tray 30 configured to accommodate a float 25 can be provided within the partition wall 22.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the first tank 15 is located inside the second tank 14 and has flexible walls. The flexible walls allow the first tank 15 to occupy a volume that varies depending on the amount of liquid contained in the first tank 15. This gives the assembly of the first and second tanks a constant weight and a substantially fixed center of gravity, which is advantageous for the operability of the apparatus 10 described herein.

[0024] Advantageously, the first tank 15 has an opening with a removable cap for easy filling or discharging. In this preferred embodiment, the partition wall 22 further prevents the flexible wall of the first tank 15 from interfering with the second opening 19 and the first duct 18 by preventing proper suction of liquid from the floor during operation of the device.

[0025] The partition wall can be manufactured to dimensions such that it covers only a portion of the surface of the second tank 14. For example, the partition wall may extend equally to at least about one-third of the upper surface of the second tank 14. In one embodiment, both the second opening 19 and the partition wall 22 are located on the upper part of the wall of the second tank 14.

[0026] Furthermore, the second tank 14 may be provided with a removable cover. This removable cover allows easy access to the interior of the second tank 14 for cleaning and maintenance work. It also allows access to the first tank 15 if it is located inside the second tank 14. In addition, in this embodiment, the partition wall 22 may be fixed to the removable cover of the second tank 14.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the removable cover of the second tank 14 may also be provided with at least one rapid discharge opening equipped with a cap 24. The at least one rapid discharge opening is configured to allow the second tank 14 to be emptied without removing the cover of the second tank 14.

[0028] Referring to the attached Figures 9 and 11, in a more preferred embodiment, there are two openings 31, 32, configured so that the second tank 14 and the tray 30 of the float 25 can be emptied simply by the user conveniently tilting the second tank 14. Correspondingly, the cap 24 is provided with engaging means 27, 29 for engaging with the rapid discharge openings 31, 32.

[0029] In other embodiments, the tray 30 is provided with an additional opening 33 to ensure that the tray 30 is completely emptied even if the user does not fully tilt the tank 14 during the discharge operation. Correspondingly, the cap 24 includes an additional engaging means 28 configured to engage with the additional opening 33 located within the tray 30 of the float 25.

[0030] The second tank 14 may be characterized by having a height less than its width and depth. As a result, in short, the second tank 14 has a volume that extends primarily in the depth and width directions, while keeping its height low. This feature is advantageous for the adoption of the apparatus described herein, even in situations where available space is reduced. Furthermore, the second tank 14 may be removable from the head 11 to facilitate discharge, cleaning, and maintenance work. It may also be provided with appropriate engaging means for engaging with the head 11. The engaging means may be configured to lock the second tank 14 to the head 11 while the apparatus 10 is in operation and to facilitate vertical removal of the second tank 14 when necessary. The second tank 14 may include a recess on its lower base configured to engage with a corresponding projection present on the upper part of the head 11 that supports the second tank 14. Furthermore, the head 11 may be provided with an additional retaining edge for the second tank 14 to ensure the stability of its position in the event of an impact or sudden movement in the head 11.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the second tank 14 has a U-shape or horseshoe shape, allowing the connection point between the handle 12 and the head 11 of the device 10 to be centrally located with respect to the head 11. This improves the ergonomics of the device 10 and optimizes its operability for the user.

Claims

1. A head (11) having at least one tool for processing the floor and a motor for operating the at least one tool, A handle (12) for guiding the head (11) is connected to the head by a first connecting part (13), A first tank (15) configured to contain a liquid used for cleaning the floor and means for distributing the liquid onto the floor, A second tank (14) connected to a suction circuit has a liquid suction port (16) connected to the first opening (21) and a second opening (19) directed inward of the second tank (14) and connected to an air suction means, so that the liquid sucked from the floor by the suction port (16) flows into the second tank (14) through the first opening (21), The floor comprises a partition wall (22) positioned in the second opening (19) and configured to shield the second opening (19) from the liquid contained in the second tank (14) during the floor treatment, A device (10) for treating the floor.

2. The second tank (14) is provided on the head (11), The apparatus (10) according to claim 1.

3. The first tank (15) is provided on the handle (12), The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

4. The first tank (15) is provided on the head (11), The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

5. The first tank (15) is located inside the second tank (14), The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first tank (15) has a flexible wall, and the volume occupied by the first tank (15) changes according to the amount of liquid contained in the first tank (15) due to the flexible wall. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first tank (15) has an opening with a removable cap, The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The second tank (14) has a width, depth and height, wherein the height is smaller than either the width or the depth. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

9. The at least one tool for treating a floor comprises one or more rotating discs that rotate around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the surface to be cleaned, or one or more rotating cylinders (16) that rotate around an axis parallel to the plane of the surface to be cleaned. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1.

10. The motor is powered by at least one battery. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The suction port (16) has at least one floor wiper (17), The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The at least one floor wiper (17) comprises two blades made of a flexible material, configured to guide the liquid present on the floor to the suction port (16) when the device (10) is moving. The apparatus (10) according to claim 11.

13. The partition wall (22) is located on the upper part of the second tank (14). The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The partition wall extends over an area equal to at least about one-third of the area of ​​the upper surface of the second tank (14). The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The means for extracting the liquid and sending the extracted liquid onto the floor includes a pump. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The aforementioned pump is a peristaltic pump or a vibratory pump. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The second tank (14) has a removable cover. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The second tank (14) is removable from the head (11). The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 17.

19. The second tank (14) has means for engaging with the head (11), configured to facilitate locking or vertically removing the second tank (14) from the head (11). The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The second tank (14) is a support base that supports the second tank (14) and has a plurality of recesses on its lower bottom surface that are configured to engage with corresponding projections located on the upper part of the head (11). The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 18 to 19.

21. The partition wall (22) is fixed to the second tank (14) or the first duct (18). The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. The partition wall (22) is fixed to the removable cover of the second tank (14). The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 17 to 21.

23. The head (11) has a retaining edge for housing the second tank (14), and the retaining edge is configured to hold the second tank (14) in the event of an impact to the head (11) or a sudden movement of the head (11). The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 22.

24. The handle (12) is connected to the head (11) by a first joint having a joint axis transverse to the processing direction and a second joint having a joint axis parallel to the processing direction. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. The second tank (14) is U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped, and the connection point between the handle (12) and the head (11) of the device (10) is positioned centrally relative to the head (11). The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 24.

26. The second tank (14) has a float (25) configured to shut off the suction of the liquid from the floor when the level of the liquid contained in the tank (14) reaches a predetermined alarm level. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

27. The float (25) is housed in a protective tray (30) formed in the partition wall (22). The apparatus (10) according to claim 26.

28. The removable cover of the second tank (14) has at least one opening for rapid discharge, which is provided with a cap (24). The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 17 to 27.

29. The at least one opening has two openings (31, 32) which are adapted to allow the second tank (14) and the tray (30) of the float (25) to be emptied by tilting the tank (14) appropriately. The apparatus (10) according to claim 28.

30. The cap (24) has engaging means (27, 29) for engaging with the openings (31, 32). The apparatus (10) according to claim 29.

31. The at least one opening includes a further opening (33) in the tray (30) of the float (25), and the cap (24) has a further engaging means (28) configured to engage with the further opening (33). The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 29 to 30.

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