EP1654974A1 - Cleaning device for flat surfaces, such as floors, fitted carpets and the like - Google Patents
Cleaning device for flat surfaces, such as floors, fitted carpets and the like Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1654974A1 EP1654974A1 EP05077313A EP05077313A EP1654974A1 EP 1654974 A1 EP1654974 A1 EP 1654974A1 EP 05077313 A EP05077313 A EP 05077313A EP 05077313 A EP05077313 A EP 05077313A EP 1654974 A1 EP1654974 A1 EP 1654974A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- opening
- cloth
- steam
- holes
- suction
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/4036—Parts or details of the surface treating tools
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/34—Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or vapour, e.g. by steam
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
- A47L5/30—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle with driven dust-loosening tools, e.g. rotating brushes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
- A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
- A47L7/0009—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners with means mounted on the nozzle; nozzles specially adapted for the recovery of liquid
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
- A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
- A47L7/0023—Recovery tanks
- A47L7/0038—Recovery tanks with means for emptying the tanks
Definitions
- the present invention refers to a cleaning device for flat surfaces in accordance with the preamble of claim 1. More specifically, the present invention refers to a cleaning device capable of sucking, washing and drying floors providing multiple functions that can be used as desired.
- the purpose of the present invention is that of providing a cleaning device for flat surfaces having structural and functional characteristics such as to satisfy the aforementioned requirements and at the same time to avoid the aforementioned drawbacks with reference to the prior art.
- a further purpose is that of providing a cleaning device that is more effective against dirt and highly versatile. Such purposes are accomplished through a cleaning device for flat surfaces in accordance with claim 1.
- a cleaning device for flat surfaces such as floors, fitted carpets and the like, in accordance with the present invention, is globally indicated with 1.
- the cleaning device 1 comprises a casing 2 suitable for being moved over a flat surface through moving means such as a pair of wheels 3 arranged at the back end of the casing 2.
- the casing 2 is in the form of a base 4 and a cover 5 suitably profiled and shaped to form a hollow inside the casing 2.
- the base 4 and the cover 5 are fixed together through screws 48 (Fig. 2) or other preferably removable fastening means.
- the base 4 (Fig. 2) has a substantially flat surface on the bottom side in contact with the surface to be cleaned, where a first opening 6 and a second opening 7 are formed, the latter in a recess, extending transversally with respect to the direction in which the wheels 3 of the device 1 advance.
- the first opening 6 is divided into two equal portions through a divider element 8 and is arranged at the front end of the base 4.
- a roller 9 provided with bristles 10 faces the first opening 6.
- the roller 9 is rotatably associated with two opposite walls of the base 4 according to the prior art (Fig. 3).
- the first opening 6 and consequently also the roller 9 are in communication with an aspirator 11 through a suction duct 36 (Fig. 3).
- the roller 9 is placed in rotation through a transmission belt 12 actuated by the shaft 13 of the aspirator 11 itself without the help of a further motor means.
- the bristles 10 are arranged along two helical paths, not visible in the figures, about the entire roller 9 starting from the centre in a symmetrical manner.
- a dispenser group 14 provided with a first row of holes 15 and with a second row of holes 16, arranged parallel to the first opening 6 and having a rectangular configuration in plan defined by side walls 26, faces the second opening 7.
- the first and second row of holes 15, 16 are arranged along two lines parallel to the extension of the second opening 7 with an equal number of holes for each row.
- the two rows of holes 15, 16 are in fluid communication respectively with a vapour generator, called boiler 17 and a tank 18 suitable for containing a liquid detergent through two distinct flexible ducts 19 and 20 generally made from plastic.
- the holes 15, 16 face the surface to be cleaned with the interposition of a cloth 21 suitably removably fixed to the base 4 and covering the entire second opening 7.
- vapour generally steam
- liquid detergent coming out from the holes 15, 16 wet the surface to be cleaned through the cloth 21.
- the plate 22 is in the form of a frame provided with a pair of opposite grooves 23 in which two ribbings 24 are inserted suitable for clamping and holding taut the cloth 21 and shaped to slide along the two opposite walls 25 that are transversal with respect to the direction in which the wheels 3 advance, defining the closed perimeter of the second opening 7.
- the plate slots drawer-like along the walls 25 of the second opening 7.
- the dispenser group 14 is further provided with a pair of parallel walls 26 that defines with the cloth 21 a dispensing chamber 27 (Fig. 6) arranged centrally with respect to the second opening 7.
- the dispensing chamber 27 faces its centre and along its entire transversal extension, again with respect to the direction in which the casing 2 advances.
- the dispensing chamber 27 is divided into two further chambers, respectively a first vapour dispensing chamber 27a coming from the boiler 17 and a second detergent dispensing chamber 27b coming from the tank 18.
- Such a division is made through the use of a dividing partition 28 suitable for keeping the fluids dispensed in the first and second dispensing chamber 27a, 27b divided until the cloth 21 is reached.
- the aspirator 11 In order to remove the dirt collected by the cloth 21 and to dry the treated surface, the aspirator 11 is placed in communication with the cloth 21 from which it sucks, through the suction duct 36, the dust and the liquid collected during the passage on the surface to be cleaned.
- the cloth 21 is placed in communication with the aspirator 11 through two suction cones 29 arranged so as to partially lie on top of the dispenser group 14 with which they neither interfere nor communicate.
- a diaphragm 30 is arranged (Figs. 4, 6), generally made from rubber, which is fixed at one point and selectively blocks the through port.
- the diaphragm 30 rises under the effect of the pneumatic force remaining firmly connected to the edge of the cone 29 only at the fastening point.
- said cloth is made from porous material not holding dirt like for example polyester.
- the liquid and the dust sucked up through the cloth 21 are temporarily stored in a collection tub 32 in communication with the two suction cones 29 (Figs. 3, 4).
- the tub 32 is kept in depression through the suction duct 36, when the aspirator 11 is working.
- each cone 29 emerges inside the tub 32 acting as an overflow.
- the tub 32 and the cones 29 are made in a single piece that can be removed from the casing 2.
- a dry filter 35 made from polyether is arranged on the suction duct 36, upstream of the aspirator 11 (Fig. 4).
- the filter 35 is arranged over the tub 32 so as to be reached by the dust and other solids sucked up by the first opening 6 through the roller 9 with bristles 10.
- Such a part of steam is spilled from the dispenser group 14 through a pair of holes 37 made on the portions of dispenser group 14 with the respective cones 29 (Figs. 3, 6) on top.
- the steam crosses the cones 29 and reaches an area over the tub 32 where the powder coming from the first opening 6 is suitably directed before it crosses the filter 35.
- the slid dirt sucked up through the first opening 6 reaches the tub 32 through an inlet slot 53.
- a partition 38 is arranged suitable for lowering the kinetic energy of the solids sucked up through the first opening 6 thus easing their contact with the steam spilled from the dispenser group 14.
- the dust sucked up through the first opening 6 comes out from the slot 53, hits the wall 38 and licks the top part of the cones 29 where it is reached by the steam spilled through the hole 37.
- the steam in contact with the fine dust forms minuscule droplets by coalescence that fall in the tub without reaching the filter 35.
- the water boiler 17 that generates the steam dispensed through the first row of holes 15 is arranged in the back part of the hollow of the casing 2 in a position adjacent to the aspirator 11, the latter placed in the centre of the hollow, and divided by it through a dividing wall 39 provided with two holes for the steam and detergent ducts 19, 20 to cross (Figs. 3, 4).
- the boiler 17 operates at atmospheric pressure and since it is closed through a cap 40, the steam generated in it crosses the duct 19 to be dispensed through the first row of holes 15 on the cloth 21.
- the tank 18 is arranged at the back end of the casing 2 of the device 1 and is provided with a pedal 41 that if pressed opens a through port 42 communicating with the duct 20 that leads to the second row of holes 16.
- the through port 42 is kept closed at the bottom through a spherical shutter 43 and relative thrusting spring 45 that acts upwards.
- the thrusting of the shutter 43 in contrast to the spring 45 is effectively obtained through a thrusters 46 arranged inside the tank 18, cooperating with the pedal 41 and provided with a pin 47 arranged in direct contact with the shutter 43.
- a second pair of front wheels 50 are used, sized so as to reduce to the minimum the sliding friction forces that the cloth 21 exerts by suction effect on the surface when the aspirator 11 is working.
- the front wheels 50 are made with an externally elastic material to allow their constant contact with the ground even if cloths 21 of different thickness are used.
- the guiding of the device 1 by the user is carried out through a handle 51 with an ergonomic grip 52 (Fig 1.).
- Such a handle 51 can be left in the vertical position thanks to stop means consisting of a pair of suitably interfering spherical elements 54 (Fig. 4).
- the device 1 can also be used for the brushing through the roller 9 and the cleaning with steam of floors and fitted carpets by simply replacing the plate 22 carrying the cloth 21 with a suitable second plate, not illustrated, to be hooked to the walls 25 of the second opening 7 that allows the friction against movement to be reduced.
- the device 1 of the present invention is also equipped with all of the safety systems with which the devices of the prior art are equipped and in addition with selective actuation means, not illustrated, to actuate the desired function as required.
- the device 1 can acts as: vacuum cleaner, steam floor washer, wash and dry steam aspirator, etc.
- the cleaning device for flat surfaces according to the present invention allows the requirements to be satisfied and allows the drawbacks mentioned in the introductory part of the present description with reference to the prior art to be overcome.
- the cleaning device according to the present invention allows any flat surface to be effectively cleaned.
- the surface is directly acted upon with the desired detergent without previous dilution with steam that would reduce its effectiveness.
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- Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
Abstract
- a casing (2) comprising a base (4) and a cover (5), said base (4) being provided with a first opening (6) and with a second opening (7) communicating with an aspirator (11) arranged in said casing (2);
- a roller (9) with bristles (10) arranged in said casing (2) and facing said first opening (6);
- a dispenser group (14) facing said second opening (7) and communicating with a steam generator (17) at atmospheric pressure;
- a cleaning cloth (21) permeable to the air and to the liquids covering said second opening (7);
Description
- The present invention refers to a cleaning device for flat surfaces in accordance with the preamble of
claim 1. More specifically, the present invention refers to a cleaning device capable of sucking, washing and drying floors providing multiple functions that can be used as desired. - As known, to clean flat surfaces a plurality of operations have to be carried out in succession that foresee first of all the removal of solid particles and dust from the surface to be cleaned and then washing through a cloth soaked with water preferably added to with detergent agents and finally drying.
- Nowadays, such tasks are increasingly carried out through the use of cleaning devices that manage to carry out each of the operations listed above.
- Devices are known that use cleaning heads through which liquid is sprayed that wets a cloth below to clean the surface on which it is passed. Since the wet cloth leaves the treated surface very wet, immediate drying is carried out through the use of an aspirator that sucks up the water through a suction mouth.
- To properly clean the surface it is necessary for the aspirator to suck up all of the water through the suction duct.
- This is obtained through the use of suitable brushes with rubber edge that allow the water left on the surface to be pushed and conveyed towards the suction duct.
- Although such devices often manage to carry out their task well, they do nevertheless have some drawbacks and disadvantages.
- Indeed, it is necessary to foresee suitable systems for raising and lowering the brushes with rubber edge as well as to take care of replacing them after a certain period of use.
- Therefore, said cleaning devices of the prior art require constructive provisions and continuous interventions in order to keep their cleaning ability effective.
- Therefore, there is a great requirement to have a cleaning device for flat surfaces that can carry out the suction, washing and drying operations in a single passage and that at the same time is constructively simple taking into account the functions carried out and that involves substantially less maintenance by the end user than that required by the devices of the prior art.
- The purpose of the present invention is that of providing a cleaning device for flat surfaces having structural and functional characteristics such as to satisfy the aforementioned requirements and at the same time to avoid the aforementioned drawbacks with reference to the prior art.
- A further purpose is that of providing a cleaning device that is more effective against dirt and highly versatile. Such purposes are accomplished through a cleaning device for flat surfaces in accordance with
claim 1. - The dependent claims outline preferred and particularly advantageous embodiments of the cleaning device for flat surfaces according to the invention.
- Further characteristics and advantages of the invention shall become clear from reading the following description provided as an example and not for limiting purposes, with the help of the figures illustrated in the attached tables, in which:
- figure 1 shows a view from above of a cleaning device for flat surfaces in accordance with the present invention;
- figure 2 shows a view from below partially in section of the device of figure 1;
- figure 3 shows a view along a horizontal plane of the device of figure 1;
- figure 4 shows a section view along the line IV-IV of figure 3;
- figure 5 shows a section view along the line V-V of figure 3;
- figure 6 shows a detail of the section view along the line VI-VI of figure 3.
- With reference to the aforementioned figures, a cleaning device for flat surfaces, such as floors, fitted carpets and the like, in accordance with the present invention, is globally indicated with 1.
- The
cleaning device 1 comprises acasing 2 suitable for being moved over a flat surface through moving means such as a pair ofwheels 3 arranged at the back end of thecasing 2. - In the example, the
casing 2 is in the form of abase 4 and acover 5 suitably profiled and shaped to form a hollow inside thecasing 2. - The
base 4 and thecover 5 are fixed together through screws 48 (Fig. 2) or other preferably removable fastening means. - The base 4 (Fig. 2) has a substantially flat surface on the bottom side in contact with the surface to be cleaned, where a
first opening 6 and asecond opening 7 are formed, the latter in a recess, extending transversally with respect to the direction in which thewheels 3 of thedevice 1 advance. - In the example, the
first opening 6 is divided into two equal portions through adivider element 8 and is arranged at the front end of thebase 4. - A
roller 9 provided withbristles 10 faces thefirst opening 6. - The
roller 9 is rotatably associated with two opposite walls of thebase 4 according to the prior art (Fig. 3). - The
first opening 6 and consequently also theroller 9 are in communication with anaspirator 11 through a suction duct 36 (Fig. 3). - In order to obtain a more compact structure, the
roller 9 is placed in rotation through atransmission belt 12 actuated by theshaft 13 of theaspirator 11 itself without the help of a further motor means. - To assist the pneumatic suction carried out through the
aspirator 11, thebristles 10 are arranged along two helical paths, not visible in the figures, about theentire roller 9 starting from the centre in a symmetrical manner. - A
dispenser group 14 provided with a first row ofholes 15 and with a second row ofholes 16, arranged parallel to thefirst opening 6 and having a rectangular configuration in plan defined byside walls 26, faces thesecond opening 7. - In the illustrated example, the first and second row of
holes second opening 7 with an equal number of holes for each row. - The two rows of
holes boiler 17 and atank 18 suitable for containing a liquid detergent through two distinctflexible ducts - The
holes cloth 21 suitably removably fixed to thebase 4 and covering the entiresecond opening 7. - Basically, the vapour, generally steam, and the liquid detergent coming out from the
holes cloth 21. - Alternatively and in the simplest embodiment it is possible to foresee the absence of the second row of
holes 16 and thus no use of detergent. - To allow easy removal and cleaning of the
cloth 21 after its use, it is foreseen to adopt a cloth-carryingplate 22 on which thecloth 21 is removably fixed so that it remains taut during use. - In the example, the
plate 22 is in the form of a frame provided with a pair ofopposite grooves 23 in which tworibbings 24 are inserted suitable for clamping and holding taut thecloth 21 and shaped to slide along the twoopposite walls 25 that are transversal with respect to the direction in which thewheels 3 advance, defining the closed perimeter of thesecond opening 7. - The hooking of the
plate 22 on thebase 4 is thus ensured by the interference existing between theribbings 24 and thewalls 25 of thesecond opening 7. - Basically, the plate slots drawer-like along the
walls 25 of the second opening 7. - In accordance with the present invention, the
dispenser group 14 is further provided with a pair ofparallel walls 26 that defines with the cloth 21 a dispensing chamber 27 (Fig. 6) arranged centrally with respect to thesecond opening 7. - Basically, when the
cloth 21 is fixed to thebase 4, thedispensing chamber 27 faces its centre and along its entire transversal extension, again with respect to the direction in which thecasing 2 advances. - Basically, only the part of
cloth 21 arranged at the dispensingchamber 27 is directly hit by the vapour and, if present, by the liquid detergent. - According to an advantageous aspect of the present invention and as illustrated in the figures, the
dispensing chamber 27 is divided into two further chambers, respectively a firstvapour dispensing chamber 27a coming from theboiler 17 and a seconddetergent dispensing chamber 27b coming from thetank 18. - Such a division is made through the use of a dividing
partition 28 suitable for keeping the fluids dispensed in the first andsecond dispensing chamber cloth 21 is reached. - This allows the vapour and the detergent to be dispensed onto the
cloth 21 without them previously being mixed. - In order to remove the dirt collected by the
cloth 21 and to dry the treated surface, theaspirator 11 is placed in communication with thecloth 21 from which it sucks, through thesuction duct 36, the dust and the liquid collected during the passage on the surface to be cleaned. - In the illustrated example, the
cloth 21 is placed in communication with theaspirator 11 through twosuction cones 29 arranged so as to partially lie on top of thedispenser group 14 with which they neither interfere nor communicate. - On the end of each
suction cone 29 at the side distal from thecloth 21, adiaphragm 30 is arranged (Figs. 4, 6), generally made from rubber, which is fixed at one point and selectively blocks the through port. - In practice, when the
aspirator 11 is actuated, thediaphragm 30 rises under the effect of the pneumatic force remaining firmly connected to the edge of thecone 29 only at the fastening point. - Of course, the portion of
cloth 21 at the sides of thedispensing chamber 27 is all involved by the suction effect carried out through the twocones 29 going into depression, when theaspirator 11 is working. - This creates a pair of
suction chambers - To ease the suction of the dust and of the liquid through the
cloth 21, said cloth is made from porous material not holding dirt like for example polyester. - The liquid and the dust sucked up through the
cloth 21 are temporarily stored in acollection tub 32 in communication with the two suction cones 29 (Figs. 3, 4). Thetub 32 is kept in depression through thesuction duct 36, when theaspirator 11 is working. - To avoid the liquid collected in the
tub 32 being able to go back onto the surface just cleaned, eachcone 29 emerges inside thetub 32 acting as an overflow. - The
tub 32 and thecones 29 are made in a single piece that can be removed from thecasing 2. - The removal of the
tub 32 is eased by agripping handle 33 arranged centrally (Figs. 3, 4). - The emptying of the liquid from the
tub 32 is allowed by the removal of an overlying cover 34 (Figs. 1, 4) having a configuration forming a homogeneous surface with thecover 5. - A
dry filter 35 made from polyether is arranged on thesuction duct 36, upstream of the aspirator 11 (Fig. 4). - To minimise the overall bulk of the
cleaning device 1, thefilter 35 is arranged over thetub 32 so as to be reached by the dust and other solids sucked up by thefirst opening 6 through theroller 9 withbristles 10. - In order to get rid of the dust sucked up through the
first opening 6 through theroller 9 more efficiently, it is advantageously foreseen to use a part of the steam to be dispensed on thecloth 21 to get rid of the fine dust sucked up by thefirst opening 6, before they reach thefilter 35. - Such a part of steam is spilled from the
dispenser group 14 through a pair ofholes 37 made on the portions ofdispenser group 14 with the respective cones 29 (Figs. 3, 6) on top. - Basically, from the
holes 37 the steam crosses thecones 29 and reaches an area over thetub 32 where the powder coming from thefirst opening 6 is suitably directed before it crosses thefilter 35. - The slid dirt sucked up through the
first opening 6 reaches thetub 32 through aninlet slot 53. - In the tub 32 a
partition 38 is arranged suitable for lowering the kinetic energy of the solids sucked up through thefirst opening 6 thus easing their contact with the steam spilled from thedispenser group 14. - In practice, the dust sucked up through the
first opening 6 comes out from theslot 53, hits thewall 38 and licks the top part of thecones 29 where it is reached by the steam spilled through thehole 37. The steam in contact with the fine dust forms minuscule droplets by coalescence that fall in the tub without reaching thefilter 35. - The
water boiler 17 that generates the steam dispensed through the first row ofholes 15 is arranged in the back part of the hollow of thecasing 2 in a position adjacent to theaspirator 11, the latter placed in the centre of the hollow, and divided by it through a dividingwall 39 provided with two holes for the steam anddetergent ducts - Preferably, the
boiler 17 operates at atmospheric pressure and since it is closed through acap 40, the steam generated in it crosses theduct 19 to be dispensed through the first row ofholes 15 on thecloth 21. - In accordance with the present invention and as visible in figure 4, the
tank 18 is arranged at the back end of thecasing 2 of thedevice 1 and is provided with a pedal 41 that if pressed opens a throughport 42 communicating with theduct 20 that leads to the second row ofholes 16. - The through
port 42 is kept closed at the bottom through aspherical shutter 43 and relative thrustingspring 45 that acts upwards. - Therefore, when the
pedal 41 is pressed down, making it rotate about apin 44, it thrusts theshutter 43 downwards. Once thepedal 41 is released, thespring 45 takes theshutter 43 back into the closed position. - The thrusting of the
shutter 43 in contrast to thespring 45 is effectively obtained through athrusters 46 arranged inside thetank 18, cooperating with thepedal 41 and provided with apin 47 arranged in direct contact with theshutter 43. - In this way a delivery of detergent is obtained by the force of gravity.
- In order to improve the dispensing of detergent, it is foreseen to make small notches 49 (Fig. 2, 6) on the
wall 26 of thedispenser group 14 to place thedetergent dispensing chamber 27b in communication with theadjacent suction chamber 31b. - In such a way, the simple force of gravity is added to with a further suction force that eases the dispensing of the detergent on the
cloth 21. - In order to ease the movement of the
device 1 on the surface to be cleaned, a second pair offront wheels 50 are used, sized so as to reduce to the minimum the sliding friction forces that thecloth 21 exerts by suction effect on the surface when theaspirator 11 is working. - Preferably, the
front wheels 50 are made with an externally elastic material to allow their constant contact with the ground even ifcloths 21 of different thickness are used. - The guiding of the
device 1 by the user is carried out through ahandle 51 with an ergonomic grip 52 (Fig 1.). - Such a
handle 51 can be left in the vertical position thanks to stop means consisting of a pair of suitably interfering spherical elements 54 (Fig. 4). - The
device 1 can also be used for the brushing through theroller 9 and the cleaning with steam of floors and fitted carpets by simply replacing theplate 22 carrying thecloth 21 with a suitable second plate, not illustrated, to be hooked to thewalls 25 of thesecond opening 7 that allows the friction against movement to be reduced. - The
device 1 of the present invention is also equipped with all of the safety systems with which the devices of the prior art are equipped and in addition with selective actuation means, not illustrated, to actuate the desired function as required. - As an example, the
device 1 can acts as: vacuum cleaner, steam floor washer, wash and dry steam aspirator, etc. - As can be appreciated from what has been described, the cleaning device for flat surfaces according to the present invention allows the requirements to be satisfied and allows the drawbacks mentioned in the introductory part of the present description with reference to the prior art to be overcome.
- Indeed, the cleaning device according to the present invention allows any flat surface to be effectively cleaned.
- Moreover, thanks to the possibility of selectively and separately dispensing the detergent and the steam, the surface is directly acted upon with the desired detergent without previous dilution with steam that would reduce its effectiveness.
- It is worth noting the reduced bulk that the
device 1 of the present invention requires whilst still conserving high flexibility and multifunctionality. - Of course, a man skilled in the art can bring numerous modifications and variants to the cleaning device for flat surfaces described above in order to satisfy contingent and specific requirements, all of which are covered by the scope of protection of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
Claims (10)
- Cleaning device (1) for flat surfaces comprising:- a casing (2) comprising a base (4) and a cover (5), said base (4) being provided with a first opening (6) and with a second opening (7) communicating with an aspirator (11) arranged in said casing (2);- a roller (9) with bristles (10) arranged in said casing (2) and facing said first opening (6);- a dispenser group (14) facing said second opening (7) and communicating with a steam generator (17) at atmospheric pressure;- a cleaning cloth (21) permeable to the air and to the liquids covering said second opening (7);characterised in that said dispenser group (14) dispenses steam onto a portion of cloth (21), the remaining portion of the cloth (21) that covers said second opening (7) being subjected to suction through said aspirator (11) communicating with said second opening (7).
- Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said dispenser group further communicates with a tank containing detergent.
- Device (1) according to claim 2, wherein said dispenser group is provided with a first row of holes (15) to dispense the steam and a second row of holes (16) to dispense the detergent.
- Device (1) according to claim 3, wherein said dispenser group is provided with walls (26) that define a dispensing chamber (27) in which steam and/or detergent is dispensed.
- Device (1) according to claim 3, wherein said first row of holes (15) dispenses steam into a first dispensing chamber (27a) and said second row of holes (16) dispenses detergent into a second dispensing chamber (27b) separated from said first chamber (27a) through a dividing partition (28).
- Device (1) according to claim 5, wherein said second opening (7) is provided with walls (25) on which a plate (22) carrying said cloth (13) is hooked.
- Device (1) according to claim 6, wherein at least one suction chamber (31a, 31b) is formed on said second opening (7), at the side of said dispensing chamber (27).
- Device (1) according to claim 7, wherein said detergent dispensing chamber (27a) is in communication with said suction chamber (31a, 31b) through notches formed on the wall (26) of the dispenser group (14).
- Device (1) according to claim 7, wherein said suction chamber (31a, 31b) is in communication with a tub (32) for collecting liquid through a pair of suction cones (29) .
- Device (1) according to claim 9, wherein a portion of steam intended for the first row of holes (15) is spilled through a pair of spilling holes (37) in communication with said tub (32) through said suction cones (29).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ITRE20040136 ITRE20040136A1 (en) | 2004-11-09 | 2004-11-09 | CLEANING DEVICE FOR FLAT SURFACES, WHICH FLOORS, CARPETS AND THE LIKE. |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1654974A1 true EP1654974A1 (en) | 2006-05-10 |
Family
ID=35767901
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP05077313A Withdrawn EP1654974A1 (en) | 2004-11-09 | 2005-10-11 | Cleaning device for flat surfaces, such as floors, fitted carpets and the like |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1654974A1 (en) |
IT (1) | ITRE20040136A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP2052658A2 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2009-04-29 | The Scott Fetzer Company | Vacuum cleaner nozzle with disposable cover sheet |
EP2109389A1 (en) * | 2007-02-08 | 2009-10-21 | LG Electronics Inc. | Nozzle for cleaner |
EP2343003A1 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2011-07-13 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Cleaning device with spraying means and rotatable brush |
WO2014085444A1 (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2014-06-05 | Euro-Pro Operating Llc | Steam cleaning appliance |
EP3763274A4 (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2021-04-28 | Ecovacs Robotics Co.,Ltd. | Cleaning robot |
EP4059398A1 (en) * | 2021-03-17 | 2022-09-21 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Supplying liquid to at least one wheel of a suction head |
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WO2005011461A1 (en) * | 2003-07-30 | 2005-02-10 | Gyung-Hee Hahn | Steam cleaner having vacuum cleaning function |
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JPH1043099A (en) * | 1996-08-06 | 1998-02-17 | Tec Corp | Suction port body for electric vacuum cleaner |
WO2005011461A1 (en) * | 2003-07-30 | 2005-02-10 | Gyung-Hee Hahn | Steam cleaner having vacuum cleaning function |
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Cited By (16)
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EP2109389A1 (en) * | 2007-02-08 | 2009-10-21 | LG Electronics Inc. | Nozzle for cleaner |
EP2109389A4 (en) * | 2007-02-08 | 2014-11-19 | Lg Electronics Inc | Nozzle for cleaner |
EP2052658A2 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2009-04-29 | The Scott Fetzer Company | Vacuum cleaner nozzle with disposable cover sheet |
EP2052658A3 (en) * | 2007-10-23 | 2009-07-15 | The Scott Fetzer Company | Vacuum cleaner nozzle with disposable cover sheet |
EP2343003A1 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2011-07-13 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Cleaning device with spraying means and rotatable brush |
WO2011083373A1 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2011-07-14 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Cleaning device and vacuum cleaner |
CN102711576A (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2012-10-03 | 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 | Cleaning device and vacuum cleaner |
US9186032B2 (en) | 2010-01-07 | 2015-11-17 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Cleaning device and vacuum cleaner |
GB2522392A (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2015-07-22 | Euro Pro Operating Llc | Steam cleaning appliance |
WO2014085444A1 (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2014-06-05 | Euro-Pro Operating Llc | Steam cleaning appliance |
US10448800B2 (en) | 2012-11-29 | 2019-10-22 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Steam cleaning appliance |
US11297995B2 (en) | 2012-11-29 | 2022-04-12 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Steam cleaning appliance |
EP3763274A4 (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2021-04-28 | Ecovacs Robotics Co.,Ltd. | Cleaning robot |
US11344173B2 (en) | 2018-03-09 | 2022-05-31 | Ecovacs Robotics Co., Ltd. | Cleaning robot and cleaning cloth bracket |
EP4059398A1 (en) * | 2021-03-17 | 2022-09-21 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Supplying liquid to at least one wheel of a suction head |
WO2022194717A1 (en) * | 2021-03-17 | 2022-09-22 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Supplying liquid to at least one wheel of a suction head |
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