Self-cleaning device for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces

Abstract

A self-cleaning device (100) for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces, adapted to spread and shape acrylic paint, silicone and / or soft cement-mixed paste type material to create grout lines, joints or mortar on the vertical surface and prevent the product from flowing downwards, the self-cleaning device (100) for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces is adapted to speed up the application process and reduce the labor of the worker to a minimum. The self-cleaning device includes at least one microfiber roller (17) moved by at least one of the drive wheels (11) by a rubber belt (21) passing through a pulley (20) and adapted to clean the spatula (14) and the excess dispensed product (200) from the surface. The microfiber roller (17) regulates all parameters of the orientable dispenser (12) and the liquid sprayer (13).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing equipment for applying plaster material between tiles and removing excess mortar remaining on the tile surface after application. More particularly, an electromechanical device is disclosed for spreading materials such as acrylic paint, silicone, and / or plaster between the grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces at higher speeds than can be achieved with manual methods used in the industry. [Background technology]

[0002] prior art Liquid mortar is a finely processed, very low viscosity mortar that is used to fill cracks and grout lines such as those that form between tiles on floors, shower walls, or similar situations.

[0003] The mortar is generally applied by spreading it over the entire tile surface, compacting it into the grout lines, and then removing the excess mortar from the tile surface before it dries.

[0004] Plaster can only be applied to small areas at a time because the surface mortar must be removed before it hardens, which is a significant time-consuming factor.

[0005] The inherent drawbacks of applying mortar to tile surfaces are the time requirements to accomplish the extensive work and the labor intensity of bending and kneeling working positions.

[0006] In order to solve these problems, various solutions have been proposed in recent years.

[0007] One example is provided by U.S. Patent Application No. 6,260,743 B1 to Gino A. Mazzenga. This patent claims an apparatus for dispensing mortar into joints formed between laterally adjacent floor tiles. It includes a hopper containing a quantity of mortar mounted on a movable frame. The apparatus includes multiple nozzle sets connected to the hopper through tubular channels. The nozzle sets are mounted on mounting brackets extending parallel to the front face of the frame assembly, thereby allowing the lateral distance between the nozzle sets to be adjusted to accommodate the lateral distance between joints formed by different sized floor tiles. A rack and pinion is attached to the mounting bracket, allowing the vertical distance between the nozzle assemblies and the floor tiles to also be adjusted.

[0008] Another example is that of U.S. Patent Application No. 7,614,813 B1 to Chandrakant R. Yande. This patent claims a mortar dispensing device that dispenses a plaster mixture stored in a container through a square-tooth tracing nipple equipped with an on-off valve, which pushes the mixture into the spaces between pre-laid tiles. The invention also includes a utility stand, a mortar float device, and a tracking wheel for maintaining alignment. When the device is used, the material flows at a predetermined width, gap, or track at the edges of laid tiles.

[0009] Despite these technological advances and the resolution of some problems, these devices are still very bulky, have many hard-to-reach internal parts, make their maintenance laborious, and, among other things, do not take full advantage of the technology available on the market today. Furthermore, due to their construction, they are not suitable for use on vertical surfaces.

[0010] The problem multiplies when it comes to filling joints on vertical surfaces because once applied, the stucco will run downwards if not treated promptly. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The aim of the present invention is to propose a device that benefits the worker by making the operation of spreading mortar between tiles much faster, while at the same time providing an intuitive and comfortable tool for use on vertical surfaces. Many of the components are replaceable and easily accessible / removable, and thanks to the presence of state-of-the-art sensors, the high precision tool is able to achieve very high results. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] Description of the Invention The present invention provides an innovative device for spreading and shaping acrylic paint, silicone, and / or soft cement-mixed paste-type materials in a practical and precise manner to create grout lines, joints, or mortar on vertical surfaces while preventing the product from dripping downward.

[0013] This device advantageously speeds up all painting operations compared to those achieved with manual methods used in the industry, including cleaning up excess product dispensed, minimizing labor by personnel, and protecting personnel from any occupational diseases.

[0014] The device advantageously comprises a lightweight rectangular frame in which at least two drive wheels are engaged in parallel, allowing the device to move along a surface. A threaded spring regulator, which engages the surface of the frame and is connected to the drive wheels, allows its height relative to the surface to be adjusted to suit the customer's needs and to adapt to any type of surface.

[0015] Movement of the drive wheels is supported by ergonomic handles attached along the sides of the invention.

[0016] The drive wheels can advantageously be equipped with a shock absorbing system, which allows precise operation even on uneven surfaces.

[0017] Preferably, the stability of the device is further ensured by guides provided with wheels, which engage at the edges of the underside of the frame and are placed in contact with the surface.

[0018] Application and processing work between the grout lines of tiles an orientable dispenser; A liquid sprayer; Spatula and -Water-containing microfiber roller; A second spatula for cleaning the rollers This is ensured by a nozzle package consisting of:

[0019] All electrical components of the nozzle package, and of the invention in general, are advantageously controlled by an internal microcontroller which is hardwired to the electrical components. All adjustments can be made by the user via a keypad mounted on the surface of the frame. Power for all components, including the movement of the drive wheels, is provided by a rechargeable battery mounted inside the frame.

[0020] Specifically, an orientable dispenser mounted downwards on the central forward portion of the underside of the frame is connected to a tank mounted nearby, and by means of an electric motor and a piston that compresses the product, the product leaves a cartridge previously loaded into the device as it is expelled from the orientable dispenser. In one of the preferred embodiments, the invention provides a laser pointer that engages with the orientable dispenser, whereby a user can receive clear information regarding the exact orientation of the orientable dispenser during use, and further, the device can advantageously comprise a rotation sensor mounted near the drive wheel, which collects data regarding the speed of the drive wheel and transmits this to a microcontroller, ensuring that the delivery rate is constant in relation to the speed of the drive wheel itself.

[0021] A liquid sprayer engaged behind the orientable dispenser sprays the pre-dispensed product via an electric pump to effectively spread and subsequently clean it, and the liquid sprayer is also connected to a second tank engaged in its immediate vicinity and containing the liquid to be sprayed.

[0022] Advantageously, the device spreads pre-dispensed product inside the tile grout lines as it moves forward, thanks to a spatula that engages behind the liquid sprayer on the underside of the frame. The spatula is preferably of the interchangeable type and can be adjusted to suit the customer's needs to perfectly fit and work on any surface.

[0023] The microfiber roller, which is also located on the underside of the frame but which is in close engagement with the rear part of the spatula in particular, is rotated by at least one of the drive wheels by a rubber belt which is connected to the drive wheel and passes through a pulley which is used on top of the microfiber roller and which allows the roller to rotate, in this way not only cleaning the spatula at all times but also allowing the device to clean the surface of any excess product that has been dispensed and that has dripped down from the grout line.Furthermore, the rubber belt advantageously operates crosswise by a guide system, which allows the microcontroller provided with the pulley to rotate at a speed higher than that of the drive wheels.

[0024] The cleaning of the microfiber roller is ensured, on the one hand, by a second sprayer that engages inside the frame and is connected to a second tank, keeping it constantly hydrated, and, on the other hand, by a second spatula that engages closely behind and / or in front of it, and that removes the product adhering to it by means of direct contact with the roller and its rotation. The second spatula can be provided with a suction system, which not only ensures a more accurate removal of the product from the microfiber roller, but is also connected to the tank, allowing the sucked-up product to be filtered and recovered, thereby allowing the product to be reused and avoiding waste.

[0025] In one of its preferred embodiments, the invention may include a bubble level adapted to engage the upper surface of the frame and to enable control of the horizontal and vertical orientation of the device during use.

[0026] Finally, the device can advantageously include a micro video camera that engages on the underside of the frame and is adapted to capture images during use, said micro video camera being connectable to any mobile device via a network and / or Bluetooth, thus allowing the user to access all captured images and verify the correct functioning of the device in real time.

[0027] The advantages offered by the present invention are apparent from the foregoing description and will become even more apparent from the accompanying drawings and related detailed description.

[0028] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described in at least preferred embodiments by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 shows a side view in longitudinal section of a self-cleaning apparatus 100 for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces, in accordance with the present patent application. [Figure 2] 1 shows a bottom view of the components of a self-cleaning device 100 for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces according to the present patent application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Detailed Description of the Invention The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting or binding example with the aid of drawings showing some embodiments of the inventive concept of the present application.

[0031] 1 and 2, the major components of a self-cleaning apparatus 100 for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces, in accordance with the present patent application, are shown. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a side view of a longitudinal cross section of the self-cleaning apparatus 100 for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces, and FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of some of the components included in the self-cleaning apparatus 100 for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces.

[0032] The present invention consists of a frame 10 having a rectangular configuration, which is adapted to house and provide a very stable / secure hold and protection for the internal components of the present invention.

[0033] Two pairs of parallel drive wheels 11 engage the interior of the frame 10, precisely near the two long sides of the underside, and are adapted to be moved by the user by handles 19 that engage along the sides of the frame 10, allowing the invention to be moved along the surface. Its height relative to the surface can be adjusted by a threaded spring regulator 32 that engages the surface and is connected to the drive wheels 11. The distance of the drive wheels 11 can be adjusted by a locking system along an axis 18 that engages the interior of the frame 10 and passes through the drive wheels 11, in a manner that does not interfere with the spreading of the product 200.

[0034] To improve the stability of the invention, four guides 15 with wheels engage the edges of the underside of the frame 10, which by contact with surfaces increase the precision of the device 100 while in use.

[0035] The dispensing of product 200 and its processing is accomplished by a series of components described below.

[0036] The dispensing of the product 200 inserted into the spaces between the tiles is ensured by a dispenser 12 that is orientable by an electric motor.

[0037] The orientable dispenser 12 is connected to a tank 24, which is mounted in close proximity and adapted to contain the product 200 to be dispensed, and which includes an electric motor and a piston that compresses the product 200 so that it leaves its cartridge as it is dispensed through the orientable dispenser 12.

[0038] A liquid sprayer 13 engages the underside of the frame 10 behind the orientable dispenser 12 and is powered by an electric pump to spray pre-dispensed product 200 to effect its application and subsequent cleaning.

[0039] The liquid sprayer 13 is also connected to a second tank 25 which is closely fitted within the frame 10 and which is adapted to contain the liquid to be sprayed.

[0040] Each of the tank 24 and the second tank 25 includes a capacitance sensor that, when product 200 and / or liquid is exhausted, activates an LED 30-29 that engages with the surface of the frame 10. A door 31 that engages with the upper portion of the frame 10 allows the tanks 24-25 to be removed to allow for their routine cleaning and maintenance.

[0041] The present invention provides a spatula 14 that engages behind the liquid sprayer 13 on the underside of the frame 10, which performs the function of spreading the pre-dispensed product 200 inside the grout lines of the tiles. The spatula 14 is replaceable and adjustable according to customer needs.

[0042] A microfiber roller 17 with a pulley 20 is in close engagement with the rear of the spatula 14 and is driven by one of the drive wheels 11 by a rubber belt 21 passing through the pulley 20, always simultaneously cleaning both the spatula 14 and the surface from the excess dispensed product 200 outside the grout line, the rubber belt 21 engaging inside the frame 10 and operating crosswise by a guide system 22 so that the microfiber roller 17 rotates at a higher speed than the drive wheel 11.

[0043] The microfiber roller 17 itself is kept clean by moisture obtained from a second sprayer 23 connected to the second tank 25 and by a second spatula 16 closely engaging with it at the rear of the microfiber roller 17, which removes the already removed and adhering product 200 by means of direct contact with the microfiber roller pulley 20 and its rotation.

[0044] A microcontroller 27 mounted within the frame 10 coordinates all of the electrical components of the invention by wiring, thereby supporting the orientable dispenser 12, the liquid sprayer 13, the spatula 14, and the microfiber roller 17 in the movement of the drive wheel 11. All functions and adjustments provided by the microcontroller 27 are accessible via a keypad 26 mounted on the top surface of the frame 10. The autonomy and electrical energy required for the operation of the electrical components and for the movement of the drive wheel 11 are ensured by a rechargeable battery 28 mounted inside the frame 10.

[0045] Finally, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that improvements, additions or modifications may be made to the invention as described above without departing from the scope of protection provided by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning device (100) for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces, adapted to spread and shape acrylic paint, silicone and / or soft cement-mixed paste type material in a practical and precise manner to create grout lines, joints or mortar, said device being adapted to speed up the work to be carried out, reduce to a minimum the effort required by the worker and protect him from possible occupational diseases, said device (100) for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces comprising: a frame (11) of rectangular form, adapted to house, hold and protect the internal components of the invention in a very stable / firm manner; - at least two drive wheels (11) that engage parallel to the underside of the frame (10) near opposite long sides and are adapted to be moved by a user handle (19), and that are attached along the sides of the frame (10) and allow movement of the invention along a surface, the height of the drive wheels (11) being adjustable by means of threaded spring regulators (32); at least one orientable dispenser (12) adapted to engage in a front central portion of the underside of the frame (10) and to dispense, facing downwards, by means of a small electric motor, a product (200) to be inserted into the spaces between the tiles, the at least one orientable dispenser (12) being mounted in the immediate vicinity of the frame (10) and connected to a tank (24) adapted to contain the product (200) to be dispensed, the tank (24) being provided with one of the small electric motors and a piston adapted to compress the product (200) in such a way that it leaves its cartridge as it is progressively dispensed by the orientable dispenser (12); at least one liquid sprayer (13) engaged behind the orientable dispenser (12) in the lower part of the frame (10) and adapted to spray the dispensed product (200) by means of an electric pump in such a way as to effect spreading of the product (200) and subsequent cleaning, the liquid sprayer (13) being engaged within the frame (10) in the immediate vicinity of the frame and connected to a second tank (25) adapted to contain the liquid to be sprayed; - at least one spatula (14) adapted to engage behind the liquid sprayer (13) on the underside of the frame (10) and to spread the previously dispensed product (200) into the grout lines of the tiles, said spatula (14) being of an interchangeable and adjustable type based on the needs of the customer; - at least one microfiber roller (17) intimately engaged with the rear part of the spatula (14) in the lower part of the frame (10) and adapted to be moved by at least one of the drive wheels (11) by means of a rubber belt (21) passing through a pulley (20) in such a way as to clean the surface of the spatula (14) and of the excess dispensed product (200), the pulley (20) engaging in the upper part of the microfiber roller (17) in such a way that the rotation caused by the movement of the rubber belt (21) is transmitted to the microfiber roller (17), the microfiber roller (17) moving faster than the speed adopted by the drive wheels (11) so that the rubber belt (21) engages in the frame (10) and crosses it by means of a system of guides (22); at least one microfiber roller (17) adapted to rotate at a higher speed than the microfiber roller (17), the microfiber roller (17) being constantly kept moist by a second sprayer (23), engaged within the frame (10) and connected to the second tank, the microfiber roller (17) being kept clean by at least one second spatula (16) behind and / or in front of the microfiber roller (17) in the lower part of the frame (10) and closely engaging with the microfiber roller (17), the second spatula (16) removing the product (200) adhering thereto by means of direct contact with the microfiber roller (17) and rotation by the microfiber roller (17); - at least one microcontroller (27) mounted within said frame (10) and adapted to coordinate by wiring all of the electrical components of said invention so that said orientable dispenser (12), said liquid sprayer (13), said spatula (14) and said microfiber roller (17) follow the movement of said drive wheel (11), said microcontroller (27) allowing said user to access all functions by means of a keypad (26) connected thereto and mounted on the top surface of said frame (10); - at least one rechargeable battery (28) fitted within said frame (10) and adapted to power said drive wheels (11) and all of said electrical components of said invention; - at least two guides (15) with two small wheels engaging at the edges of the lower surface of the frame (10) and adapted to hold the invention stable and accurate in contact with said surface during its use; 1. A self-cleaning device (100) for applying material between grout lines of tiles on a vertical surface, comprising:

2. 2. A self-cleaning device (100) for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance of the drive wheels (11) is adjustable by a locking system along an axis (18) that engages inside the frame (10) and passes through the drive wheels (11) in such a way as not to interfere with the spreading of the product (200).

3. A self-cleaning device (100) for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive wheels (11) are provided with a shock absorbing system.

4. 2. The self-cleaning device (100) for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that the second spatula (16) is provided with a suction system adapted to more accurately remove the product (200) on the microfiber roller (17), the suction system being connected to the tank (24) and adapted to filter and recover the sucked product (200) in such a way that it can be reused.

5. 2. The self-cleaning device (100) for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that the tanks (24) and (25) are removable by means of doors (31) that engage in the upper part of the frame (10) to allow for regular cleaning and maintenance thereof.

6. 2. The self-cleaning device (100) for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that the tank (24) includes a capacitive sensor adapted to activate an LED (30) that engages the surface of the frame (10) when the product (200) is finished.

7. 2. The self-cleaning device (100) for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that the second tank (25) includes a capacitive sensor adapted to activate an LED (29) that engages the surface of the frame (10) when the liquid in the second tank (25) is finished.

8. 2. A self-cleaning device (100) for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a spirit level adapted to engage with the upper part of the frame (10) and to enable control of the horizontal and / or vertical position that the device assumes during its use.

9. 2. The self-cleaning device (100) for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces according to claim 1, further comprising at least one rotation sensor mounted near the drive wheel (11) and adapted to collect data relating to the speed of the drive wheel (11) and transmit such data to the microcontroller (27) so that the delivery rate of the orientable dispenser (12) is constant with respect to the speed of the drive wheel (11).

10. 2. The self-cleaning device (100) for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a laser pointer that engages on the orientable dispenser (12) and enables the user to receive clear information regarding the correct orientation of the orientable dispenser (12) during use.

11. 2. A self-cleaning device (100) for applying material between grout lines of tiles on vertical surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a micro-video camera engaged in the lower part of the frame (10) and adapted to take images during use of the invention, the micro-video camera being connected to the user's mobile device by network and / or Bluetooth in such a way that the user can see images of the operation and the correct operation of the invention in real time on his mobile device.

Images