Cleaning device

Abstract

To improve work efficiency when wiping off foul water adhering to a cleaning object surface.SOLUTION: A cleaning device includes: a first wiper for wiping off a deposit on a cleaning object surface to which cleaning fluid is applied; and a support part for supporting the first wiper in a manner to enable an inclined operation on one side so that the first wiper is moved and inclined with one of one end part and the other end part in a longitudinal direction of the first wiper as a fulcrum in a plane parallel to the cleaning object surface when the first wiper is moved while being pressed against the cleaning object surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device.

Background Art

[0002] Cleaning devices for cleaning windows and the like are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes the specific configuration of this type of cleaning device.

[0003] The cleaning device described in Patent Document 1 includes a suction nozzle and a cleaning accessory (such as a brush). An operator operates the cleaning device to spray a cleaning liquid onto the cleaning target surface, and includes the cleaning liquid sprayed onto the cleaning target surface in the cleaning accessory to clean the cleaning target surface.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, when an operator cleans the cleaning target surface with the cleaning accessory, the cleaning head is rotated 180 degrees and the suction nozzle is applied to the cleaning target surface to collect the sewage on the cleaning target surface into the tank in the cleaning device. However, when using the conventional cleaning device exemplified in Patent Document 1, the operation of removing the sewage adhering to the cleaning target surface cleanly is not easy even for a skilled operator.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a cleaning device capable of improving the workability when wiping off the sewage adhering to the cleaning target surface.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first wiper for wiping off deposits on a surface to be cleaned to which a cleaning solution has been applied, and a support part that supports the first wiper so as to be able to tilt on one side, such that when the first wiper is moved while being pressed against the surface to be cleaned, the first wiper moves and tilts in a plane parallel to the surface to be cleaned, with one of the longitudinal ends of the first wiper as a pivot point.

[0008] A cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a regulating unit that regulates the amount of inclination of the first wiper, with one end of the first wiper and the other end of the first wiper acting as a fulcrum.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the restricting portion is, for example, an elastic member that mechanically connects one end of the first wiper to the other end and to the support portion. When an external force is applied to the first wiper by moving it while it is pressed against the surface to be cleaned, the first wiper begins to tilt from its initial position with one end as the pivot point, and the elastic member extends from its natural length due to the external force acting through the first wiper. When the elastic member extends to the point where the internal force balances the external force, the tilting motion of the first wiper with one end as the pivot point is restricted, and when the external force acting on the first wiper ceases, the elastic member returns to its natural length, and the first wiper returns from its tilted position to its initial position.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first wiper is pivotally supported by a connector on a support so that it can tilt using one of its ends as a pivot point.

[0011] A cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include: a first elastic member that mechanically connects one longitudinal end of a first wiper to a support; a second elastic member that mechanically connects the other longitudinal end of the first wiper to the support; a first connecting part that connects the one end to the support with a first connector; and a second connecting part that connects the other end to the support with a second connector. In this case, for example, the first connector and the second connector are detachable. If only the first connector is removed from the first and second connectors, the first wiper can tilt and operate with the second connecting part as a pivot point. If only the second connector is removed from the first and second connectors, the first wiper can tilt and operate with the first connecting part as a pivot point.

[0012] A cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a cleaning liquid applicator for applying a cleaning liquid to a surface to be cleaned, and a supply unit for supplying a cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid applicator. In this case, the cleaning liquid applicator carries the cleaning liquid supplied by the supply unit, and when pressed against the surface to be cleaned, it applies the carried cleaning liquid to the surface to be cleaned.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first wiper and the cleaning fluid applicator may be arranged parallel to each other so that their longitudinal directions coincide. In this case, when the first wiper is pressed against the surface to be cleaned and the cleaning fluid applicator is pressed against the surface to be cleaned, the wiper tilts in a direction that is not parallel to the cleaning fluid applicator.

[0014] A cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a storage unit for storing cleaning liquid to be supplied to a cleaning liquid coated body, and a recovery unit for recovering at least a portion of the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid coated body into the storage unit.

[0015] A cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a guard portion for receiving cleaning liquid scattered from a cleaning liquid coated body, and a groove portion formed in the guard portion for guiding the cleaning liquid scattered from the cleaning liquid coated body and adhering to a collection portion.

[0016] The cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include a second wiper that receives the cleaning liquid flowing down on the cleaning target surface. The second wiper flows the received cleaning liquid toward the recovery unit.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the posture of the cleaning device is such that the first wiper is positioned above the cleaning liquid applicator, the second wiper is, for example, positioned below the cleaning liquid applicator.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the support portion may be configured to support the cleaning liquid applicator, the first wiper, and the second wiper in a positional relationship such that when the cleaning liquid applicator is pressed against the cleaning target surface, the first wiper and the second wiper are also pressed against the cleaning target surface.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the workability during wiping off the sewage adhering to the cleaning target surface can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a cleaning method using the cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] It is a side view showing the configuration of a pump provided in the cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] It is a top view showing the configuration of a pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] It is a side view showing the configuration of a pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. [[ID=�7]] [Figure 4B] It is a top view showing the configuration of a pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of a partial configuration of a cleaning device including a wiper according to an embodiment of the present invention. <00000§3> [Figure 6]It is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the wiper during cleaning. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of a partial configuration of a cleaning device including a wiper according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the wiper during cleaning by the cleaning device according to the modified example. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the wiper during cleaning by the cleaning device according to the modified example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Referring to the drawings, a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cleaning device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. An operator can clean a cleaning target surface SC with high work efficiency using the cleaning device 1. The cleaning target surface SC is, for example, a flat surface, such as a window, tile, wall, floor, mirror, or the like.

[0023] In the following description, in FIG. 1, the first horizontal direction orthogonal to the cleaning target surface SC is defined as the z direction, the second horizontal direction orthogonal to the z direction is defined as the x direction, and the vertical direction orthogonal to both the x direction and the z direction is defined as the y direction. The x direction, y direction, and z direction that are orthogonal to each other form a left-handed system.

[0024] The names of the directions are for convenience in explaining the relative positional relationship of the components and do not indicate absolute directions.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning device 1 includes a housing 10 that supports each part. The housing 10 is made of, for example, resin. The housing 10 supports a tank 12, a pump 14, an injection nozzle 16, a rotary brush 18, a brush drive unit 20, wipers 22, 24, a collection port 26, a sewage collection path 28, a filter 30, and a battery 32.

[0026] The operator uses the cleaning device 1 in the posture shown in Figure 1, for example. Specifically, the operator grips the cleaning device 1 in a posture in which the wiper 22 is positioned above the rotating brush 18 (negative y-direction) and the wiper 24 is positioned below the rotating brush 18 (positive y-direction). While pressing the rotating brush 18, which is soaked in cleaning fluid CL, against the surface to be cleaned SC, and pressing the wipers 22 and 24 against the surface to be cleaned SC, the operator pulls the cleaning device 1 vertically downward (positive y-direction) over the surface to be cleaned SC (see arrow A in Figure 1).

[0027] The housing 10 (an example of a support part) supports the rotating brush 18 (an example of a cleaning fluid applicator) and wipers 22 and 24 in such a positional relationship that when the rotating brush 18 is pressed against the surface SC to be cleaned, the wipers 22 (an example of a first wiper) and 24 (an example of a second wiper) are also pressed against the surface SC to be cleaned. Therefore, the operator can press all three—the rotating brush 18, wipers 22 and 24—against the surface SC to be cleaned at the same time.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a cleaning method using the cleaning device 1. In the example in Figure 2, the operator presses the rotating brush 18, which is soaked in cleaning solution CL, against the surface SC to be cleaned, and also presses the wipers 22 and 24 against the surface SC to be cleaned, while pulling the cleaning device 1 vertically downward on the surface SC to be cleaned (see arrow A1 in Figure 2).

[0029] Initially, the wipers 22 are positioned parallel to each other so that their longitudinal directions coincide with those of the rotating brush 18. When the cleaning device 1, which is pressed against the surface to be cleaned SC, is pulled down in the direction of arrow A1, an external force (specifically, the frictional force between the surface to be cleaned SC and the wipers 22) acts on the wipers 22. With the external force acting on the wipers 22, they tilt from their initial position (with their longitudinal direction facing the x-direction) to a direction that is non-parallel to the rotating brush 18 (with their longitudinal direction at an angle to the x-axis), using their end 22A as a pivot point, within the plane parallel to the surface to be cleaned SC (in the xy-plane).

[0030] Thus, in the cleaning device 1, the wiper 22 (an example of a first wiper) and the rotating brush 18 (an example of a cleaning fluid applicator) are arranged parallel to each other so that their longitudinal directions coincide. When the wiper 22 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned SC and the rotating brush 18 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned SC, the wiper 22 tilts in a direction that is not parallel to the rotating brush 18.

[0031] As the operator presses the rotating brush 18 and wiper 22 against the surface SC to be cleaned and pulls the cleaning device 1 vertically downward over the surface SC, the rotating brush 18 applies the cleaning solution CL to the surface SC, and the dirt loosened by the cleaning solution CL applied to the surface SC is scrubbed away by the rotating brush 18.

[0032] The residue remaining on the surface SC to be cleaned (specifically, the wastewater SW, which is the cleaning solution CL mixed with dirt) partially flows down the surface SC and is collected in the tank 12 via the collection port 26. The wastewater SW that is wiped away by the wiper 22 without flowing down the surface SC partially drips during wiping and is collected in the tank 12 via the collection port 26, while the remainder does not drip during wiping and is pushed to the right (see arrow E in Figure 2) across the surface SC by the wiper 22, which is pulled vertically downward in an inclined position due to external force.

[0033] The worker wipes the surface SC to be cleaned vertically downwards (see arrow A1), then moves slightly to the right (negative x-direction) and wipes the surface SC vertically downwards again (see arrow A2). The worker repeats this process. In other words, the worker continues wiping the surface SC to the right.

[0034] The angled wiper 22 pushes and collects any remaining wastewater SW on the surface SC being cleaned to the right (negative x-direction). This eliminates or minimizes any remaining wastewater SW on the surface SC being cleaned.

[0035] In this way, the cleaning device 1 simultaneously removes dirt with the rotating brush 18 and wipes away wastewater with the wiper 22. Therefore, the operator can clean the surface SC with high work efficiency.

[0036] Furthermore, by configuring the wiper 22 to wipe away the wastewater SW at an oblique angle during downward wiping, as shown in the example in Figure 2, the operator can simply wipe the surface SC to be cleaned vertically downwards, thereby pushing and collecting the wastewater SW on the surface SC in the direction of wiping (negative x-direction). Therefore, regardless of the operator's skill level, it is possible to eliminate or minimize any remaining wastewater SW on the surface SC to be cleaned. In other words, the work efficiency when wiping away wastewater SW adhering to the surface SC to be cleaned is improved.

[0037] As described above, the surface to be cleaned SC can be cleaned with a simple movement such as pulling the cleaning device 1 vertically downwards over the surface to be cleaned SC. Therefore, for example, the cleaning device 1 may be attached to a robot arm to perform the cleaning work. In this case, the robot arm automatically moves the cleaning device 1 vertically along the surface to be cleaned SC. This reduces the burden on the worker.

[0038] The specific configuration of cleaning device 1 will be explained below.

[0039] The operator can perform cleaning work while gripping the cleaning device 1 with the gripping portion 10A formed on the housing 10. A battery 32 is detachably housed inside the gripping portion 10A. The operator can charge the battery 32 removed from the gripping portion 10A with a charger (not shown), and can also install the charged battery 32 back into the gripping portion 10A. The battery 32 may also be configured to be rechargeable via a charging cable.

[0040] The battery 32 is the power source for the brush drive unit 20. When the hand switch 10B, located on the gripping unit 10A, is turned on, power is supplied to the brush drive unit 20. When the hand switch 10B is turned off, the power supply to the brush drive unit 20 is cut off.

[0041] Tank 12 is an example of a storage unit for containing the cleaning solution CL. The cleaning solution CL is, for example, a cleaning solution for the surface to be cleaned (e.g., for windows), water, or a mixture of detergent and water.

[0042] The tank 12 is detachable from the housing 10. The operator can clean the tank 12 after removing it from the housing 10 and also replenish the tank 12 with cleaning solution CL.

[0043] Figures 3A and 3B, and Figures 4A and 4B, show the configuration of the pump 14.

[0044] Pump 14 is an example of a pumping unit that pumps the cleaning liquid CL from the tank 12. In this embodiment, pump 14 is a hand pump that sucks up and pushes out the cleaning liquid CL from the tank 12 by manual operation by an operator. In another embodiment, pump 14 may be an electric pump that sucks up and pushes out the cleaning liquid CL from the tank 12 using an electric motor.

[0045] The pump 14 includes a lever 14A, a spring 14B, a plunger 14C, a staging 14D, and a cover 14E. One end of the lever 14A is connected to the spring 14B, and the other end is connected to the plunger 14C. One end of the spring 14B is connected to the lever 14A, and the other end is connected to the gripping part 10A.

[0046] Figures 3A and 3B show the state of the pump 14 when the lever 14A is not pulled (in other words, when the spring 14B is at its natural length). Figures 4A and 4B show the state of the pump 14 when the lever 14A is pulled by an operator. Figures 3A and 4A are side views of the inside of the staging 14D. Figures 3B and 4B are top views of the inside of the staging 14D. In Figures 3B and 4B, the lever 14A and spring 14B, which are components of the pump 14, are not shown.

[0047] Water inlets 14Da and drain outlets 14Db are formed on the bottom and top surfaces of the staging 14D, respectively. The cover 14E is fixed integrally with the plunger 14C. An opening 14Ea is formed in the cover 14E.

[0048] The cleaning fluid CL in the tank 12 is filled into the staging area 14D via the water inlet 14Da. ​​The cleaning fluid CL filled into the staging area 14D is discharged to the spray nozzle 16 via the drain port 14Db and the opening 14Ea.

[0049] When the operator pulls lever 14A, the plunger 14C connected to lever 14A slides inside the staging 14D in the direction of arrow B (see Figures 4A and 4B) and closes the water inlet 14Da. ​​At the same time, the opening 14Ea of the cover 14E, which moves integrally with the plunger 14C, communicates with the drain port 14Db of the staging 14D. The communication between the drain port 14Db and the opening 14Ea connects the staging 14D and the hose 34.

[0050] One end of the hose 34 is connected to the staging 14D via the drain port 14Db and opening 14Ea, and the other end is connected to the spray nozzle 16.

[0051] When the operator releases their finger from lever 14A, the plunger 14C slides inside the staging 14D in the direction of arrow C (see Figures 3A and 3B) in conjunction with the spring 14B returning to its natural length, and retracts from the water inlet 14Da. ​​At the same time, the cover 14E, which moved integrally with the plunger 14C, closes the drain port 14Db. As the plunger 14C retracts from the water inlet 14Da, the staging 14D and the hose 36 are connected.

[0052] One end of the hose 36 is connected to the staging 14D via the water inlet 14Da, and the other end is placed inside the tank 12.

[0053] When the operator releases their finger from lever 14A, the plunger 14C slides in the direction of arrow C, causing the air pressure inside the staging area 14D to decrease. This draws up the cleaning fluid CL from tank 12 and fills the staging area 14D through hose 36 and water inlet 14Da (see arrow D in Figure 3A).

[0054] When the operator pulls lever 14A, the plunger 14C slides in the direction of arrow B, and the cleaning fluid CL in the staging 14D is pumped to the spray nozzle 16 via the drain port 14Db, opening 14Ea, and hose 34 (see arrow E in Figure 4A).

[0055] The spray nozzle 16 is an example of a discharge unit that sprays (discharges) the cleaning fluid CL, which is pressurized by the pump 14, toward the rotating brush 18. Multiple spray nozzles 16 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the direction of the rotation axis AX of the rotating brush 18 (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1, and also parallel to the surface SC to be cleaned).

[0056] Thus, the tank 12, pump 14, and spray nozzle 16 function as a supply unit that supplies cleaning fluid CL to the rotating brush 18.

[0057] The rotating brush 18 is an example of a cleaning fluid applicator that applies cleaning fluid CL to the surface SC to be cleaned, and is rotatably supported by the housing 10. The rotating brush 18 includes a brush member 18A that is pressed against the surface SC to be cleaned. The brush member 18A carries the cleaning fluid CL sprayed from the spray nozzle 16.

[0058] The cleaning fluid CL is sprayed onto the brush member 18A from each of the multiple spray nozzles 16 arranged in the direction of the rotation axis AX. As a result, the rotating brush 18 becomes wet with the cleaning fluid CL evenly distributed along its entire length.

[0059] When the brush member 18A is pressed against the surface to be cleaned SC, it applies the supported cleaning solution CL to the surface to be cleaned SC. The brush member 18A is made of bristles made of, for example, plant-based, animal-based, metal, or synthetic fibers.

[0060] The rotating brush 18 is removably supported by the housing 10. Here, the required function of the rotating brush 18 changes depending on the material of the surface SC to be cleaned (e.g., window, tile, wall, floor, mirror material, etc.). The operator can replace the rotating brush 18 with one that has the optimal cleaning member, taking into account the material of the surface SC to be cleaned. Examples of cleaning members other than the brush member 18A include cloth members and sponge-like elastic members.

[0061] The brush drive unit 20 includes a rotary motor 20A and a transmission member 20B. The transmission member 20B is, for example, a chain that transmits the driving force of the rotary motor 20A to the shaft 18B of the rotary brush 18.

[0062] When the hand switch 10B is turned on, the rotary motor 20A rotates, and its driving force is transmitted to the shaft 18B via the transmission member 20B. As a result, the rotary brush 18 rotates around the rotation axis AX (with the shaft 18B as the axis of rotation).

[0063] When the rotating brush 18 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned SC and a driving force is transmitted to it, it rotates on the surface to be cleaned SC in a manner that rubs against the surface to be cleaned SC. In other words, the brush drive unit 20 is an example of a rotational drive unit that causes the rotating brush 18, which is pressed against the surface to be cleaned SC, to rotate on the surface to be cleaned SC.

[0064] By applying the cleaning solution CL, the loosened dirt is scrubbed away by the rotating brush 18. Therefore, not only relatively easy-to-remove dust and dirt such as sand and pollen, but also solid substances such as bird droppings and long-standing oil stains can be removed from the surface SC being cleaned.

[0065] The wiper 22 includes a wiper rubber 122 that deforms to conform to the surface SC to be cleaned when pressed against it. The wiper rubber 122, which has high adhesion and conformability to the surface SC to be cleaned, wipes away the wastewater SW, which is a deposit remaining on the surface SC to be cleaned to which the cleaning liquid CL has been applied.

[0066] Thus, the wiper 22 is an example of a first wiper that wipes away the wastewater SW, which is a deposit remaining on the surface SC to be cleaned to which the cleaning solution CL has been applied, from the surface SC to be cleaned.

[0067] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a part of the cleaning device 1, including the wiper 22. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the wiper 22 during cleaning.

[0068] The housing 10 includes a support section 10G. The wiper 22 is pivotally supported on the support section 10G by a connector so that it can tilt around its end 22A as a pivot point. More specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the wiper 22 is pin-connected to the support section 10G at its end 22A by a pin 40 (an example of a connector). That is, the support section 10G supports the wiper 22 at its end 22A so that it can tilt around its end 22A as a pivot point. Thus, in this embodiment, a pin connection is described as an example of a connection method.

[0069] As shown in the upper diagram of Figure 6, indicated by the symbol F1, the wiper 22 is initially positioned with its longitudinal direction facing the x-direction.

[0070] When the cleaning device 1 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned SC and pulled vertically downward, the frictional force between the wiper rubber 122, which is pressed against and deformed to follow the surface to be cleaned SC, and the surface to be cleaned SC acts as an external force on the wiper 22. As shown in the middle diagram of Figure 6, indicated by the symbol F2, the wiper 22, under the external force, moves and tilts in a direction non-parallel to the rotating brush 18, with its end 22A as the pivot point, from its initial position (see the upper diagram of Figure 6) in a plane parallel to the surface to be cleaned SC (in the xy plane).

[0071] The wiper 22 is mechanically connected to the support portion 10G by an elastic member 50 at the end 22B opposite to the end 22A.

[0072] The elastic member 50 is an example of a restricting part that regulates the amount of tilt of the wiper 22 with the longitudinal end 22A of the wiper 22 as the fulcrum. The elastic member 50 is, for example, a rubber member, with one end joined to the support part 10G with adhesive or the like, and the other end joined to the longitudinal end 22B of the wiper 22 with adhesive or the like. The elastic member 50 may also be a spring.

[0073] As the wiper 22 begins to tilt from its initial position (see upper diagram in Figure 6) with its end 22A as the pivot point, the end 22B of the wiper 22 moves away from the support 10G in the negative y-direction. As a result, the elastic member 50 that mechanically connects the end 22B and the support 10G is pulled by both, and extends beyond its natural length (see middle diagram in Figure 6).

[0074] The elastic member 50 stretches until the internal force balances the external force acting through the wiper 22, and does not stretch any further. Therefore, the tilting motion of the wiper 22 is restricted by the elastic member 50, which mechanically connects the end portion 22B and the support portion 10G.

[0075] The wastewater SW adhering to the surface SC to be cleaned is pushed to the right (see arrow E in the middle diagram of Figure 6) across the surface SC by the wiper 22, which is pulled vertically downward in an inclined position due to external force. As a result, any wastewater SW remaining on the surface SC is pushed to the right and collected. Therefore, any remaining wastewater SW on the surface SC can be eliminated or minimized.

[0076] By selecting an elastic member 50 with an appropriate modulus of elasticity, the angle of the wiper 22 when wiping the surface SC to be cleaned vertically downwards can be set to an appropriate angle. An appropriate angle is, for example, an angle at which the worker can easily push and collect the wastewater SW to the right when wiping the surface SC to be cleaned vertically downwards.

[0077] When the operator lifts the wiper 22 away from the surface SC to be cleaned, the external force acting on the wiper 22 is eliminated. As a result, the elastic member 50 returns to its natural length, and the wiper 22 returns from its tilted position (see the middle diagram in Figure 6) to its initial position (see the lower diagram in Figure 6, indicated by the symbol F3). In other words, the wiper 22 automatically retracts to its initial position.

[0078] Thus, in this embodiment, when an external force is applied to the wiper 22 by moving it while it is pressed against the surface SC to be cleaned, the wiper 22 begins to tilt from its initial position with its end 22A as the pivot point. At the same time, the elastic member 50 extends from its natural length due to the external force acting through the wiper 22. When the elastic member 50 extends to the point where the internal force balances the external force, the tilting motion of the wiper 22 with its end 22A as the pivot point is restricted. When the external force acting on the wiper 22 ceases, the elastic member 50 returns to its natural length, and the wiper 22 returns from its tilted position to its initial position.

[0079] The wiper rubber 122 is removably supported by the support part 10G. Therefore, the operator can replace a deteriorated wiper rubber 122 with a new one.

[0080] Furthermore, the operator can replace the wiper rubber 122 with one of a different size depending on the area of ​​wastewater SW they wish to wipe. In this embodiment, the wiper rubber 122 has a length approximately equal to the width of the rotating brush 18. However, the length of the wiper rubber 122 in the x-direction (in other words, the direction parallel to the width direction of the rotating brush 18) when it is tilted to its greatest extent may be longer than the width of the rotating brush 18. Even when the wiper rubber 122 is tilted to its greatest extent, the cleaning fluid recovery efficiency is improved because the wiper rubber 122 covers the same area as the wiper rubber 124 in the x-direction. In addition, by replacing the wiper rubber 122 with one that is longer than the width of the rotating brush 18, the operator can wipe a wider area of ​​wastewater SW at once.

[0081] The housing 10 includes a wall portion 10E that covers half the circumference of the rotating brush 18 (above, behind, and below the rotating brush 18). Here, "behind the rotating brush 18" refers to the position that faces the surface to be cleaned SC when the rotating brush 18 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned SC, with the rotating brush 18 in between.

[0082] The wall section 10E receives the cleaning liquid CL that is splashed from the rotating brush 18. This prevents the cleaning liquid CL from splashing into the surrounding area.

[0083] Thus, the wall portion 10E is an example of a guard portion that receives the cleaning liquid CL scattered from the rotating brush 18.

[0084] U-shaped grooves 10F are formed on the surface of the wall portion 10E. In Figure 1, hatching is applied to the U-shaped grooves 10F for convenience. The U-shaped grooves 10F are formed extending from the upper end to the lower end of the wall portion 10E. Multiple U-shaped grooves 10F are formed, for example, at predetermined intervals in the direction of the rotation axis AX.

[0085] The cleaning liquid CL that is scattered from the rotating brush 18 and adheres to the U-shaped channel 10F flows downward within the U-shaped channel 10F. Near the lower end of the U-shaped channel 10F, a collection port 26 is provided to receive the cleaning liquid CL that has flowed down within the U-shaped channel 10F.

[0086] The collection port 26 is connected to the tank 12 via the wastewater collection channel 28. Therefore, the cleaning solution CL received at the collection port 26 is dripped into the tank 12.

[0087] Thus, the U-shaped channel 10F is a groove formed in the wall portion 10E, and is an example of a groove that guides the cleaning liquid CL that has been scattered and adhered from the rotating brush 18 into the tank 12. The U-shaped channel 10F, the recovery port 26, and the wastewater recovery passage 28 form a recovery section that recovers at least a portion of the cleaning liquid CL supplied to the rotating brush 18 into the tank 12.

[0088] In the cleaning device 1, the cleaning solution CL used to clean the surface SC can be recovered and reused by the recovery unit. Therefore, the amount of cleaning solution CL used can be kept to a minimum.

[0089] For example, if the cleaning solution CL runs out while cleaning windows on the upper floors of a building, the gondola carrying the worker must be lowered to the ground to replenish the cleaning solution CL. In the cleaning device 1 according to this embodiment, a small amount of cleaning solution CL is required for cleaning, so the cleaning solution CL is less likely to run out. Therefore, for example, the cleaning of building windows can be completed without lowering the gondola to the ground to replenish the cleaning solution CL.

[0090] The more wastewater SW flows over the surface SC to be cleaned and falls below the surface SC, the lower the recovery rate of the cleaning solution CL becomes. Therefore, the cleaning device 1 is equipped with a wiper 24.

[0091] The wiper 24 includes a wiper rubber 124 that deforms to conform to the surface SC to be cleaned when pressed against it. The wiper rubber 124, which has high adhesion and conformability to the surface SC to be cleaned, receives the dirty water SW flowing down the surface SC to be cleaned.

[0092] The wiper rubber 124 is tilted downwards toward the collection port 26 (see Figure 1). Therefore, the wastewater SW received by the wiper rubber 124 flows toward the collection port 26.

[0093] Thus, the wiper rubber 124 is an example of a second wiper that receives wastewater SW containing cleaning fluid CL and directs it toward the collection section.

[0094] The wiper rubber 124 is also supported by the support part 10G in a replaceable manner. Therefore, the worker can replace a deteriorated wiper rubber 124 with a new one.

[0095] A filter 30 is installed in the middle of the wastewater collection channel 28. The filter 30 removes waste contained in the wastewater SW that flows from the wiper rubber 124 and U-shaped channel 10F into the collection port 26. In other words, the wastewater SW flows through the wastewater collection channel 28 and is filtered by the filter 30. The cleaning solution CL separated from the wastewater SW by filtration by the filter 30 is collected in the tank 12.

[0096] The filter 30 is detachable from the housing 10. The operator can clean the filter 30 after removing it from the housing 10 and reattach it, or replace it with a new filter 30.

[0097] Thus, in this embodiment, the cleaning solution CL contained in the wastewater SW flowing down the surface SC to be cleaned can also be recovered. Therefore, the cleaning solution CL is recovered with a high recovery rate.

[0098] Furthermore, in cleaning device 1, the amount of wastewater SW discharged outside cleaning device 1 is reduced by recovering and reusing the cleaning solution CL. Therefore, the workload for wastewater disposal is reduced.

[0099] A hand switch 10C is provided on the gripping part 10A. Each time the operator presses the hand switch 10C, the rotation direction of the rotating brush 18 switches between clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0100] When the rotating brush 18 is rotated clockwise, the direction of movement of the rotating brush 18 relative to the surface SC to be cleaned (direction of arrow A in Figure 1) and the direction of rotation become aligned, increasing the force with which the rotating brush 18 rubs against the surface SC. As a result, the cleaning ability is improved.

[0101] Depending on the shape of the surface SC to be cleaned, it may be easier to rotate the rotating brush 18 clockwise, or it may be easier to rotate it counterclockwise. By operating the hand switch 10C as appropriate, the operator can efficiently clean the surface SC.

[0102] The gripping section 10A is provided with an operating knob 10D. The rotation speed of the rotating brush 18 changes according to the amount of operation performed on the operating knob 10D by the operator. When the rotation speed of the rotating brush 18 increases, for example, the cleaning ability improves. When the rotation speed of the rotating brush 18 decreases, for example, the power consumption of the rotating motor 20A decreases.

[0103] The above is a description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. For example, embodiments of the present invention also include combinations of embodiments explicitly shown in the specification or obvious embodiments as appropriate.

[0104] In the above embodiment, a cleaning method was described in which the surface SC to be cleaned is wiped from right to left. However, depending on the worker (for example, their dominant hand), it may be easier to clean the surface SC by wiping it from left to right. Therefore, the modified cleaning device 1 is configured as follows.

[0105] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a part of the configuration of the cleaning device 1 according to a modified example. Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the wiper 22 when the surface SC to be cleaned is cleaned using the cleaning device 1 according to the modified example.

[0106] In the modified example, the wiper 22 is mechanically connected to the support portion 10G by an elastic member 50A at end 22A, and also mechanically connected to the support portion 10G by an elastic member 50B at end 22B.

[0107] In a modified example, the wiper 22 is pivotally supported on the support portion 10G at end 22A by a pin 40A (an example of a first connector), and at end 22B by a pin 40B (an example of a second connector). Here, as with the above embodiment, a case where the connection method is pin-jointed will be described as an example. That is, both ends of the wiper 22 are pin-jointed. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the wiper 22 when wiping down the surface SC to be cleaned, the wiper 22 maintains its initial position (a position where the longitudinal direction faces the x-direction) without tilting diagonally (see the upper diagrams of Figures 8 and 9, indicated by reference numerals F11 and F21).

[0108] Pins 40A and 40B are detachable from the ends 22A and 22B of the wiper 22, respectively.

[0109] The case where the pin 40B is removed from the end 22B of the wiper 22 will be described. In this case, the end 22B is allowed to move in the xy plane due to the release of the pin connection. Therefore, when wiping down the surface SC to be cleaned, the wiper 22 starts to move with the pin-connected end 22A as a pivot point, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 8, indicated by the reference numeral F12, and tilts to an appropriate angle. In this case, similar to the embodiment described above, the wastewater SW remaining on the surface SC to be cleaned is pushed to the right and collected (see arrow E1 in Figure 8). Therefore, it is preferable for the operator to wipe the surface SC to the right, as this makes cleaning easier.

[0110] The case where pin 40A is removed from end 22A of wiper 22 is described below. In this case, the end 22A is allowed to move in the xy plane due to the release of the pin connection. Therefore, when wiping down the surface SC to be cleaned, wiper 22 starts to move with the pin-connected end 22B as a pivot point, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 9, indicated by the symbol F22, and tilts to an appropriate angle. In this case, the wastewater SW remaining on the surface SC to be cleaned is pushed to the left and collected (see arrow E2 in Figure 9). Therefore, it is preferable for the operator to wipe the surface SC to be cleaned from left to right, as this is easier for them.

[0111] As described above, the modified cleaning device 1 includes an elastic member 50A (an example of a first elastic member) that mechanically connects the end 22A of the wiper 22 (an example of one end in the longitudinal direction of the first wiper) to the support part 10G, an elastic member 50B (an example of a second elastic member) that mechanically connects the end 22B of the wiper 22 (an example of the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first wiper) to the support part 10G, a first pin joint (an example of a first joint connected by a first connector) that pin-connects the end 22A and the support part 10G with a pin 40A, and a second pin joint (an example of a second joint connected by a second connector) that pin-connects the end 22B and the support part 10G with a pin 40B. Of the pins 40A and 40B, if only pin 40A is removed, the wiper 22 becomes capable of tilting and operating with the joint on the end 22B side (the second pin joint) as a pivot point. If only pin 40B of pins 40A and 40B is removed, the wiper 22 becomes capable of tilting and operating with the joint on the end 22A side (the first pin joint) as a pivot point. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1:Cleaning device 10: Cabinet 10A: Grip part 10B: Handheld switch 10C: Handheld switch 10D: Operation knob 10E: Wall 10F: U-shaped groove 10G: Support part 12: Tank 14: Pump 14A: Lever 14B: Spring 14C: Plunger 14D: Staging 14Da: Water inlet 14Db: Drain port 14E: Cover 14Ea:Aperture 16: Spray nozzle 18: Rotating brush 18A: Brush component 18B: Shaft 20: Brush drive unit 20A: Rotary motor 20B: Transmission member 22, 24: Wiper 26: Collection port 28: Sewage collection route 30: Filter 32: Battery 34, 36: Hose 40: Pin 50: Elastic member

Claims

1. A first wiper for wiping off any contaminants on the surface to be cleaned to which the cleaning solution has been applied, When the first wiper is moved while being pressed against the surface to be cleaned, the first wiper moves and tilts in a plane parallel to the surface to be cleaned, with one of its longitudinal ends acting as a pivot point, such that the first wiper is supported on one side so as to be able to tilt, It comprises a regulating unit that regulates the amount of inclination of the first wiper with the aforementioned one as a pivot point, When the first wiper is moved while pressed against the surface to be cleaned, an external force is applied to the first wiper, and the first wiper can tilt from its initial position with one of its sides as the pivot point. The aforementioned restricting part restricts the tilting motion of the first wiper with the one of the points as a pivot point. When the external force acting on the first wiper ceases, the first wiper returns from its tilted position to its initial position. Cleaning equipment.

2. The restricting portion is an elastic member that mechanically connects the other end of the one end and the support portion, When the external force acts on the first wiper, the first wiper begins to tilt from its initial position with one end as the pivot point, and the elastic member extends from its natural length due to the external force acting through the first wiper. When the elastic member extends to the point where the internal force balances the external force, the tilting motion of the first wiper with one end as the pivot point is restricted. When the external force acting on the first wiper ceases, the elastic member returns to its natural length, and the first wiper returns from its tilted position to its initial position. The cleaning device according to claim 1.

3. The first wiper is pivotally supported by a connector on the support portion so that it can tilt around one of the aforementioned points as a pivot point. A cleaning device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. A first wiper for wiping off deposits on a surface to be cleaned to which a cleaning solution has been applied, When the first wiper is moved while being pressed against the surface to be cleaned, the first wiper moves and tilts in a plane parallel to the surface to be cleaned, with one of its longitudinal ends acting as a pivot point, such that the first wiper is supported on one side so as to be able to tilt, A first connecting part that connects the aforementioned end and the aforementioned support part with a first connector, It comprises a second connecting portion which connects the other end and the support portion with a second connector, The first connector and the second connector are detachable. If only the first connector is removed from the first connector and the second connector, the first wiper becomes capable of tilting and operating with the second connector as a pivot point. If only the second connector is removed from the first connector and the second connector, the first wiper becomes capable of tilting and operating with the first connector as a pivot point. Cleaning equipment.

5. A first elastic member that mechanically connects one longitudinal end of the first wiper to the support portion, The device comprises a second elastic member that mechanically connects the other end of the first wiper in the longitudinal direction to the support portion, The cleaning device according to claim 4.

6. A cleaning solution applicator for applying the cleaning solution to the surface to be cleaned, The system further comprises a supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid coated body, The cleaning liquid applicator carries the cleaning liquid supplied by the supply unit, and when pressed against the surface to be cleaned, it applies the carried cleaning liquid to the surface to be cleaned. A cleaning device according to claim 1 or claim 5.

7. The first wiper and the cleaning fluid applicator are arranged parallel to each other so that their longitudinal directions coincide. When the first wiper is pressed against the surface to be cleaned and the cleaning fluid applicator is pressed against the surface to be cleaned, the first wiper tilts in a direction that is not parallel to the cleaning fluid applicator. The cleaning device according to claim 6.

8. A storage section for containing the cleaning liquid to be supplied to the cleaning liquid coated body, The system further includes a recovery unit for recovering at least a portion of the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid coated body into the storage unit. The cleaning device according to claim 6.

9. A guard portion that receives the cleaning liquid splashed from the cleaning liquid coated body, The guard portion further comprises grooves formed therein that guide the cleaning liquid that has splashed from the cleaning liquid coated body and adhered to it to the recovery portion. The cleaning device according to claim 8.

10. The system further includes a second wiper to receive the cleaning liquid flowing down the surface to be cleaned, The second wiper directs the received cleaning fluid toward the recovery section. The cleaning device according to claim 8.

11. When the cleaning device is positioned such that the first wiper is above the cleaning fluid coating body, the second wiper is positioned below the cleaning fluid coating body. The cleaning device according to claim 10.

12. The support portion supports the cleaning fluid applicator, the first wiper, and the second wiper in such a positional relationship that when the cleaning fluid applicator is pressed against the surface to be cleaned, the first wiper and the second wiper are also pressed against the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning device according to claim 10.

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