EP2747626A1 - Dispositif de nettoyage destiné à nettoyer une surface - Google Patents

Dispositif de nettoyage destiné à nettoyer une surface

Info

Publication number
EP2747626A1
EP2747626A1 EP12778420.5A EP12778420A EP2747626A1 EP 2747626 A1 EP2747626 A1 EP 2747626A1 EP 12778420 A EP12778420 A EP 12778420A EP 2747626 A1 EP2747626 A1 EP 2747626A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
brush
cleaning device
elements
liquid
squeegee element
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP12778420.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2747626B1 (fr
Inventor
Johannes Tseard Van Der Kooi
Britt ROUMEN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koninklijke Philips NV
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=47076294&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP2747626(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips NV filed Critical Koninklijke Philips NV
Publication of EP2747626A1 publication Critical patent/EP2747626A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2747626B1 publication Critical patent/EP2747626B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • A47L11/4041—Roll shaped surface treating tools
    • 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
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
    • A47L9/0488—Combinations or arrangements of several tools, e.g. edge cleaning tools
    • 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
    • A47L11/4044—Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees
    • 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
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
    • A47L9/0466—Rotating tools
    • A47L9/0477—Rolls

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a surface.
  • the present invention relates to a nozzle arrangement for such a cleaning device.
  • Hard floor cleaning these days is done by first vacuuming the floor, followed by mopping it. Vacuuming removes the coarse dirt, while mopping removes the stains.
  • Appliances for the professional cleaning sector are usually specialized for big areas and perfectly flat floors. They rely on hard brushes and suction power to get water and dirt from the floor. Appliances for home use often use a combination of a hard brush and a squeegee nozzle. Like the appliances for the professional cleaning sector these products use the brush to remove stains from the floor and the squeegee in combination with an under-pressure to lift the dirt from the floor.
  • Said squeegee elements are usually realized by a flexible rubber lip that is attached to the bottom of the cleaning device and merely glides over the surface to be cleaned thereby pushing or wiping dirt particles and liquid across or off the surface to be cleaned.
  • An under-pressure usually generated by a vacuum aggregate, is used to ingest the collected dirt particles and liquid.
  • a squeegee device for a vacuum cleaner system is, for example, known from EP 0 576 174 A 1.
  • a sweeper that uses an above-mentioned combination of a brush and a squeegee is, for example, known from US 7,665,172 Bl .
  • the power floor sweeper described therein comprises a foot assembly with a motor driven primary agitator and a pair of edge agitators coupled to wheels such that manual propulsion of the sweeper rotates the wheels and thereby the edge agitators.
  • the sweeper does not include a vacuum source and is therefore not able to pick-up water from the floor to be cleaned. The performance on drying the floor is thus rather low.
  • FIG. 1 Another vacuum cleaner that is known from the prior art and also uses a combination of a rotating brush and a squeegee is known from US 4,864,682 A.
  • This vacuum cleaner comprises a self-adjusting wiper strip assembly that automatically adjusts for the type of floor surface on which the vacuum cleaner is being used.
  • the assembly used therein requires a high suction power in order to receive a satisfactory cleaning result.
  • the brush which is used in this vacuum cleaner is an agitator (also denoted as adjutator) with stiff brush hairs to agitate the floor, e.g. a carpet. These stiff hairs show a rather good scrubbing effect, which enable to use the brush particularly for removing stains.
  • the performance on drying the floor is rather low, since such an agitator is not able to lift liquid from the floor.
  • Vacuum and mop in one go devices known from the prior art often use brush elements that are actively spayed with water or a cleaning rinse in order to improve the removal of stains.
  • Such devices usually use a double squeegee element having two squeegees that are arranged on one side of the brush, as this is exemplarily shown in the attached Fig. 11.
  • An additional vacuum source generates a suction in a channel between said double squeegee arrangement in order to remove the cleaning water from the floor again.
  • double squeegee arrangements as shown in the attached figures 11 and 12 has several further disadvantages. Due to the constant contact of the squeegees with the floor during the movement of the device, such double squeegees may generate a high scratch load to the floor. Especially when the double squeegee arrangements are used on each side of the brush, this will lead to an increased risk of inducing scratches on the floor. Furthermore, such squeegee arrangements include the disadvantage that they are not open for coarse dirt like e.g. hairs or peanuts, since coarse dirt is often entangled within the squeegees or is pushed away from the squeegees, and is thus not able to enter the suction inlet. Apart from that such double squeegee nozzles are hard to clean and do not have the ability to clean themselves.
  • a cleaning device of this kind is exemplarily known from US 1,694,937.
  • Said document discloses a floor scrubbing machine, which is capable of picking up dirt from a floor by two cylindrical floor brushes disposed parallel and close together. These brushes rotate at high speeds, one running clockwise and the other one counterclockwise. In this way, the adjacent peripheries travelling together with a sufficiently high velocity to project the dirt vertically upwards with a considerable force in the form of a substantially flat jet.
  • a wiper or a squeegee is applied in addition to the brushes in order to dry the floor. Due to the two separate brushes and the additional squeegees the nozzle becomes also according to this solution fairly bulky, which again ends up in a non-satisfying liberty of action for the consumer.
  • a cleaning device for cleaning a surface that comprises:
  • a nozzle arrangement that comprises
  • a brush rotatable about a brush axis said brush being provided with flexible brush elements having tip portions for contacting the surface to be cleaned and picking up dirt particles and liquid from the surface during a pick-up period when the brush elements contact the surface during the rotation of the brush, wherein a linear mass density of a plurality of the brush elements is, at least at the tip portions, lower than 150 g per 10 km, and ii) a single squeegee element for pushing or wiping dirt particles and liquid across or off the surface to be cleaned during movement of the cleaning device, said squeegee element being spaced apart from the brush and extending substantially along a longitudinal direction being substantially parallel to the brush axis, wherein a suction area is defined within the nozzle arrangement between the squeegee element and the brush, a drive means for driving the brush in rotation, wherein the drive means are adapted to realize a centrifugal acceleration at the tip portions which is, in particular during a dirt release period when the brush elements are free from contact to the
  • a vacuum aggregate for generating an under-pressure in the suction area for ingesting dirt particles and liquid.
  • the above-mentioned object is furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, achieved by a corresponding nozzle arrangement for use in a cleaning device as mentioned before.
  • the present invention is based on the idea that by choosing a special combination of the density parameters of the brush elements and a realized centrifugal acceleration at the tip portions of the brush elements during their rotation the disadvantages of the above-mentioned double squeegee and double brush cleaning solutions can be overcome by applying only one single squeegee element.
  • the nozzle arrangement of the presented cleaning device comprises only a single squeegee element and preferably only one primary brush. Because of having only one brush and one squeegee element, the nozzle thus becomes less bulky and shows an improved maneuverability.
  • the cleaning device therefore, enables to clean also narrow surfaces in an efficient way. Due to the chosen parameters, i.e. the linear mass density of the flexible brush elements with an upper limit of 150 g per 10 km and a centrifugal acceleration at the tip portions of the brush elements with a lower limit of 3,000 m/s 2 , which acceleration is realized by the drive means, it is possible to realize excellent cleaning results, wherein the surface to be cleaned is practically freed of particles and dried in one go.
  • a soft brush with flexible brush elements as presented here also has the ability to pick up water from the floor.
  • a second squeegee element is no longer needed.
  • Using the above-mentioned parameters concerning the linear mass density and the centrifugal acceleration of the brush elements has also shown to result in very good stain removing properties. Due to the flexible micro-fiber hairs that are preferably used as brush elements, dirt particles and liquid can be picked-up from the floor when the brush elements/microfiber hairs contact the floor during the rotation of the brush.
  • the ability to also pick-up liquid with a brush is mainly caused by capillary and/or other adhesive forces that occur due to the chosen linear mass density of the brush elements and the occurring high speeds with which the brush is driven. Due to the very thin microfiber hairs the brush is also open for coarse dirt.
  • the brush elements contact the floor with their tip portions and pick-up the dirt particles and the liquid from the floor during a pick-up period in which the said tip portions contact the floor.
  • the centrifugal acceleration of the tip portions of the brush elements becomes so high that the occurring centrifugal forces that appear to the dirt and liquid particles within the microfiber hairs become stronger than the adhesive forces with which the dirt and liquid particles are repressed from the brush elements.
  • the dirt and liquid particles are thus automatically released in the dirt release period when the brush elements are during their rotation inside the nozzle housing free from contact to the surface.
  • other acceleration forces can be present, particularly acceleration forces which are due to deformation of the flexible brush elements. Such deformations may exemplarily occur when the flexible brush elements contact the floor during rotation or encounter liquid or dirt particles.
  • the squeegee therefore ensures that the remaining liquid and dirt is not leaving the suction area again without being ingested by the vacuum aggregate. It therefore kind of closes the suction area for dirt and liquid on one side of the nozzle housing. Due to the chosen combination of a brush, which is, besides dirt, also able to pick-up liquid, with a single squeegee element for pushing or wiping dirt and liquid across or off the surface to be cleaned, it is thus possible to almost free the surface from dirt particles as well as from liquid. This results in improved cleaning properties and, at the same time, in a size reduction of the nozzle.
  • This suction area is an area of under-pressure that is used for ingesting the dirt and liquid particles which have been collected by either the squeegee element or the brush.
  • Said under-pressure is preferably generated by a vacuum aggregate that is in any way connected to the suction area.
  • the brush is preferably arranged at one side of the housing of the nozzle, whereas the squeegee element is arranged on another side of the housing, parallel to the brush, so that the brush and the squeegee element appear to be behind each other, when seen in the intended direction of the movement of the device.
  • the squeegee and the brush are thereto arranged on a bottom-side of the nozzle housing, which during use of the device faces the surface to be cleaned, and at least partly protrude from the nozzle housing on this bottom side.
  • the squeegee element When moving the device the squeegee element glides over the surface to be cleaned and thereby pushes or wipes dirt particles and liquid across or off the floor, while the brush, during its rotation, at same time picks-up dirt and liquid particles from the surface. In this way a suction inlet is created in between the brush and the squeegee element, which during use of the cleaning device, faces the surface to be cleaned. This suction inlet opens into the suction area, in which the above-mentioned under-pressure is created.
  • the brush elements may be made of a plastic material wherein polyester and nylon are suitable examples.
  • the linear mass density of a plurality of the brush elements is, at least at the tip portions, lower than 150 g per 10 km. This ensures that, at least the tip portions, the brush elements are flexible enough to undergo a bending effect and are able to pick-up dirt particles and liquid droplets from the surface to be cleaned. Furthermore, the extend of wear and tear of the brush elements appears to be acceptable within this linear mass density range. It is to be noted that the linear mass density as mentioned, i.e. the linear mass density in grams per 10 km, is also denoted as Dtex value.
  • the drive means are adapted to realize a centrifugal acceleration at the tip portions of at least 7,000 m s 2 and more preferably a centrifugal acceleration of 12,000 m/s 2 .
  • the drive means are adapted to realize centrifugal accelerations of the brush elements in the above-mentioned ranges, it is likely for the liquid droplets adhering to the brush elements to be expelled as a mist of droplets during a phase in which the brush elements are free from contact to the surface to be cleaned.
  • the combination of the linear mass density of the brush elements and the acceleration at the tips of the brush elements is a combination which yields optimal cleaning performance of the rotatable brush, wherein practically all dirt particles and spilled liquid encountered by the brush are picked-up by the brush elements and expelled at a position inside the nozzle housing.
  • effective pick-up of particles and liquid is advantageous when it comes to cleaning, wherein both a dirt removal and a drying process are realized at the same time.
  • An effective subsequent expelling process is advantageous in view of the fact that a re-introduction of dirt and/or liquid to the surface to be cleaned is avoided.
  • At least one rotatable brush When at least one rotatable brush is provided and operated as described by the present invention, it is ensured that liquid can be effectively removed from a surface to be cleaned, and that the same goes for dirt particles, which may be caught by the brush elements of the brush and/or be taken along with liquid.
  • the cleaning process which is performed on one side of the nozzle housing by a rotatable brush brushing the surface and on the other side by a squeegee element constantly contacting the surface and thereby wiping the surface, is especially suitable to be applied on hard surfaces. Examples of hard surfaces are hard floors, windows, walls, table tops, plates of hard material, sidewalls, etc.
  • the underpressure generated by the vacuum aggregate is in a range of 3 to 70 mbar, preferably in a range of 4 to 50 mbar, most preferably in a range of 5 to 30 mbar.
  • State of the art vacuum cleaners need to apply higher under-pressures in order to receive acceptable cleaning results.
  • very good cleaning results may already be realized in the above-mentioned pressure ranges.
  • smaller vacuum aggregates may be used. This increases the freedom in the selection of the vacuum pump.
  • the brush axis and/or the longitudinal direction of the squeegee element is arranged transverse, preferably perpendicular to the intended direction of movement of the cleaning device.
  • the brush and the squeegee are therefore able to encounter dirt and liquid particles along their complete longitudinal sides.
  • a perfect collaboration of the brush and the squeegee element is established for picking-up dirt and liquid particles from the floor.
  • a suction area of under-pressure is defined in between the squeegee element and the brush, which also substantially extends parallel to the brush axis.
  • said squeegee element comprises switching means for switching the squeegee element to a closed position, in which the squeegee element is adapted to push or wipe dirt particles and liquid across or off the surface to be cleaned, when the cleaning device is moved on the surface in a forward direction in which the squeegee element is, seen in the direction of movement of the cleaning device, located behind the brush, and for switching the squeegee element to an open position in which dirt particles and liquid from the floor can enter the suction area through an opening between the squeegee element and the surface to be cleaned, when the cleaning device is moved on the surface in a backward direction in which the squeegee element is, seen in the direction of movement of the cleaning device, located in front of the brush.
  • the ability to switch the squeegee element from an open to a close position depending on the movement direction of the cleaning device enables a good cleaning result in a forward as well as in a backward stroke of the nozzle.
  • the open configuration is in order to allow the dirt to enter when the squeegee approaches dirt and liquid on the floor before the brush.
  • the squeegee closes the gap to the floor, or in other words wipes or glides over the floor, when the brush approaches the dirt or liquid on the floor before the squeegee.
  • the squeegee element is preferably realized by a flexible rubber lip that, depending on the movement direction of the cleaning device, is adapted to flex about the longitudinal direction of said rubber lip.
  • This rubber lip preferably comprises at least one stud which is arranged near the lower end of the rubber lip, where the rubber lip is intended to touch the surface to be cleaned.
  • Said at least one stud is being adapted to at least partly lift the rubber lip from the surface, when the cleaning device is moved on the surface in a backward direction, in which the rubber lip is, seen in the direction of movement of the cleaning device, located in front of the brush.
  • the nozzle arrangement comprises a housing that at least partly surrounds the brush, wherein the squeegee element is attached to said housing.
  • the brush is at least partly surrounded by the nozzle housing and protrudes at least partially from a bottom side of said nozzle housing, which, during use of the device, faces the surface to be cleaned, so that the brush elements contact said surface outside of the housing during the rotation of the brush.
  • the squeegee element is preferably also attached to said bottom side of the housing in order to contact the surface to be cleaned when the nozzle is moved over said surface.
  • the suction area in which the above-mentioned under-pressure is applied, is defined in the space between the brush, said housing, the squeegee element and the surface to be cleaned, wherein the suction inlet is arranged between the squeegee element and the brush.
  • the cleaning device comprises positioning means for positioning the brush axis at a distance to the surface to be cleaned that is smaller than the radius of the brush with fully outstretched brush elements to realize an indentation of the brush part contacting the surface during operation, which indentation is in a range from 2% to 12% of the brush diameter.
  • the brush elements are bent when the brush is in contact with the surface.
  • the appearance of the brush elements changes from an outstretched appearance to a bent appearance, and as soon as the brush elements loose contact with the surface during rotation of the brush, the appearance of the brush elements changes from a bent appearance to an outstretched appearance.
  • a practical range for an indentation of the brush is arranged from 2% to 12% of a diameter of the brush relating to a fully outstretched condition of the brush elements.
  • the diameter of the brush as mentioned can be determined by performing an appropriate measurement, for example, by using a high-speed camera or a stroboscope which is operated at the frequency of a rotation of the brush.
  • a deformation of the brush elements is also influenced by the linear mass density of the brush elements. Furthermore, the linear mass density of the brush elements influences the power which is needed for rotating the brush. When the linear mass density of the brush elements is relatively low, the flexibility is relatively high, and the power needed for causing the brush elements to bend when they come into contact with the surface to be cleaned is relatively low. This also means that a friction power which is generated between the brush elements and the surface is low, whereby heating of the surface and associated damage of the surface are prevented.
  • the brush elements When brush elements come into contact with a dirt particle or liquid, or, in case an indentation of the brush with respect to the surface is set, the brush elements are bent. As soon as the brush elements with the dirt particles and liquid adhering thereto loose contact with the surface, the brush elements are straightened out, wherein especially the tip portions of the brush elements are moved with a relatively high acceleration. As a result the centrifugal acceleration at the top portions of the brush elements is increased. Hence, the liquid droplets and dirt particles adhering to the brush elements are launched from the brush elements, as it were, as the acceleration forces are higher than the adhesive forces, as this has been mentioned according to the embodiment above.
  • the values of the acceleration forces are determined by various factors, including the deformation and the linear mass density as mentioned, but also by the speed at which the brush is driven.
  • a factor which may play an additional role in the cleaning function of the rotatable brush is a packing density of the brush elements.
  • the packing density of the brush elements is at least 30 tufts of brush elements per cm 2 , wherein a number of brush elements per tuft is at least 500.
  • Arranging the brush elements in tufts forms additional capillary channels, thereby increasing the capillary forces of the brush for picking-up dirt particles and liquid droplets from the surface to be cleaned.
  • the linear mass density of a majority of a total number of the brush elements is, at least at the tip portions, lower than 20 g per 10 km.
  • the drive means are, according to an embodiment of the present invention, adapted to realize an angular velocity of the brush which is in a range of 3,000 to 15,000 revolutions per minute, more preferably in a range of 5,000 to 8,000 revolutions per minute, during operation of the device.
  • an angular velocity of the brush which is in a range of 3,000 to 15,000 revolutions per minute, more preferably in a range of 5,000 to 8,000 revolutions per minute, during operation of the device.
  • the desired centrifugal accelerations at the tip portions of the brush elements do not only depend on the angular velocity, respectively on the frequency of the brush, but also on the radius, respectively on the diameter of the brush.
  • the brush has a diameter which is in a range of 10 to 100 mm, more preferably in a range of 20 to 80 mm, most preferably in range of 35 to 50 mm, when the brush elements are in a fully outstretched condition, and wherein the length of the brush elements is in a range of 1 to 20 mm, preferably in a range of 8 to 12 mm, when the brush elements are in a fully outstretched condition.
  • the presented cleaning device has the ability to realize extremely good cleaning results. These cleaning results can be even improved by actively wetting the surface to be cleaned. This is especially advantageous in case of stain removal.
  • the liquid used in the process of enhancing adherence of dirt particles to the brush elements may be provided in various ways.
  • the rotatable brush and the flexible brush elements may be wetted by a liquid which is present on the surface to be cleaned.
  • a liquid is water, or a mixture of water and soap.
  • a liquid may be provided to the flexible brush elements by actively supplying the cleansing liquid to the brush, for example, by oozing the liquid onto the brush, or by injecting the liquid into a hollow core element of the brush.
  • the cleaning device comprises means for supplying a liquid to the brush at a rate which is lower than 6 ml per minute per cm of a width of the brush in which the brush axis is extending. It appears that it is not necessary for the supply of liquid to take place at a higher rate, and that the above- mentioned rate suffices for the liquid to fulfill a function as a carrying/transporting means for dirt particles. Thus, the ability of removing stains from the surface to be cleaned can be significantly improved.
  • An advantage of only using a little liquid is that it is possible to treat delicate surfaces, even surfaces which are indicated as being sensitive to a liquid such as water.
  • an autonomy time is longer, i.e. it takes more time before the reservoir is empty and needs to be filled again.
  • a spilled liquid i.e. a liquid which is to be removed from the surface to be cleaned.
  • a spilled liquid i.e. a liquid which is to be removed from the surface to be cleaned.
  • Examples are spilled coffee, milk, tea, or the like.
  • the above-mentioned effect of re-spraying the surface in the area between the brush and the squeegee is overcome by the squeegee element which collects this re-sprayed liquid and dirt by acting as kind of wiper, so that remaining liquid and dirt may then be ingested due to the applied under-pressure.
  • the squeegee thus ensures that the remaining liquid and dirt is not leaving the suction area again without being ingested by the vacuum aggregate. It therefore kind of closes the suction area for dirt and liquid on one side of the nozzle housing.
  • the combination of the selected brush with the squeegee thus results in a very good cleaning and drying effect.
  • the cleaning device further comprises means for generating an air- flow on a brush side facing away from the squeegee element, in an area where the brush contacts the surface to be cleaned during operation of the device.
  • Said air flow mainly has the function to counteract the air flow which is produced during the rotation of the brush. Due to the high speeds with which the brush is driven turbulent air streams may be generated outside the nozzle housing which could force dirt particles and liquid droplets present on the surface to blow away from the area where the brush elements, during rotation, first contact the floor.
  • means for generating an air flow in an area where the brush contacts the surface to be cleaned may be applied, such that the air flow caused by the brushes is compensated.
  • the generated counter-air flow is thereto preferably inwardly directed to generate a suction effect which forces the dirt particles and the liquid droplets to either directly enter the nozzle in front of the brush or to be encountered by the brush and then picked-up by the brush as explained above.
  • a possibility to implement such an air flow generation is to arrange a small opening between the nozzle housing and the brush at a front side of the brush, where the brush elements leave the nozzle housing during rotation. In this way a second suction inlet is created at the front of the nozzle.
  • the cleaning device comprises a deflector for contacting the brush at a location, seen in direction of rotation, before the location where the brush contacts the surface to be cleaned during rotation.
  • the brush elements are pressed together by the deflector, whereby air, which is during the operation of the device always present in the space between the brush elements, will be pushed out of said space.
  • the brush elements will be straightened out again and moved apart from each other in order to increase the area between the brush elements. This abrupt increase of the space between the brush elements generates an additional under-pressure in the area where the brush elements first contact the surface to be cleaned.
  • the additional under-pressure generates an additional suction effect with which air and thereby also dirt and liquid particles are sucked into the brush. Since the air is sucked into the brush close to the position where the brush is pressed together by the surface to be cleaned, the above-mentioned, unwanted turbulent air stream, which is caused by the rotation of the brush and its contact with the surface to be cleaned, is efficiently compensated for.
  • the deflector furthermore prevents droplets of water or cleaning liquid from falling back on the already cleaned surface.
  • the deflector is arranged to sufficiently contact the brush in order to being able to guarantee the above-mentioned functions.
  • the deflector can, for example, be a simple part of the nozzle housing that protrudes towards the inside of the housing and thereby contacts the brush elements during the rotation of the brush.
  • the deflector itself may either be realized by a stiff part of the nozzle housing or by a flexible element which is attached to the nozzle housing and is able to at least partly flex when it comes into contact with the brush elements.
  • the brush is a spiraled brush having tufts arranged on the periphery of the brush in a spiral-like pattern.
  • Such a spiraled configuration of the tufts significantly reduces the suction power needed.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-section of a first embodiment of a nozzle arrangement of a cleaning device according to the present invention, in a first working position;
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-section of the first embodiment of the nozzle arrangement shown in Fig. 1 in a second working position
  • Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-section of a second embodiment of the nozzle arrangement of the cleaning device according to the present invention, in a first working position
  • Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-section of the second embodiment of the nozzle arrangement shown in Fig. 3 in a second working position
  • Fig. 5 shows a schematic top view (Fig. 5a) and a schematic cross-section (Fig. 5b) of a squeegee element of the cleaning device according to the present invention in a first working position
  • Fig. 6 shows a schematic top view (Fig. 6a) and a schematic cross-section (Fig. 6b) of the squeegee element shown in Fig. 5 in a second working position;
  • Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross-section of the cleaning device according to the present invention in its entirety
  • Fig. 8 shows a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of a brush of the cleaning device
  • Fig. 9 shows a graph which serves for illustrating a relation between an angular velocity of a brush and a self-cleaning capacity of said brush;
  • Fig. 10 shows a graph which serves for illustrating a relation between a centrifugal acceleration of a brush and a self-cleaning capacity of said brush;
  • Fig. 11 shows a schematic cross-section of a first example of a nozzle arrangement according to the state of the art
  • Fig. 12 shows a schematic cross-section of a second example of a nozzle arrangement according to the state of the art.
  • Fig. 13 shows a schematic cross-section of a third example of a nozzle arrangement according to the state of the art.
  • Figs. 1 and 2 show a schematic cross-section of a first embodiment of a nozzle arrangement 10 of a cleaning device 100 according to the present invention.
  • the nozzle arrangement 10 comprises a brush 12 that is rotatable about a brush axis 14.
  • Said brush 12 is provided with flexible brush elements 16 which are preferably realized by thin micro fiber hairs.
  • the flexible brush elements 16 comprise tip portions 18 which are adapted to contact a surface to be cleaned 20 during the rotation of the brush 12 and to pick-up dirt particles 22 and liquid 24 from said surface 20 during a pick-up period when the brush elements 16 contact the surface 20.
  • a linear mass density of a plurality, preferably of a majority of the brush elements 16 is, at least at their tip portions 18, chosen to be lower than 150 g/10 km.
  • the nozzle arrangement 10 comprises a drive means, e.g. a motor (not shown), for driving the brush 12 in a predetermined direction of rotation 26.
  • Said drive means are adapted to realize a centrifugal acceleration at the tip portions 18 of the brush elements 16 which is, in particular during a dirt release period when the brush elements 16 are free from contact to the surface 20 during the rotation of the brush 12, at least 3,000 m/s 2 .
  • the brush 12 is at least partly surrounded by a nozzle housing 28.
  • the arrangement of the brush 12 within the nozzle housing 28 is preferably chosen such that the brush 12 at least partially protrudes from a bottom side 30 of the nozzle housing 28, which, during use of the device 100, faces the surface to be cleaned 20.
  • a squeegee element 32 is attached to said bottom side 30 of the nozzle housing 28.
  • This squeegee element 32 is arranged such that it contacts the surface to be cleaned 20 during the use of the device 100.
  • the squeegee 32 is used as a kind of wiping element for pushing or wiping dirt particles 22 and liquids 24 across or off the surface 20 when the cleaning device 100 is moved.
  • Said squeegee 32 is preferably spaced apart from the brush 12 and extends substantially parallel to the brush axis 14.
  • the nozzle housing 28, the squeegee 32 and the brush 12 together define a suction area 34 which is located within the nozzle housing 28.
  • the suction area 34 in the meaning of the present invention, not only denotes the area between the brush 12, the squeegee 32 and the nozzle housing 28, but also denotes the space between the brush elements 16 for the time during the rotation of the brush 12 in which the brush elements 16 are inside the nozzle housing, as well as it denotes an area that is defined between the squeegee 32 and the brush 12.
  • the latter area will be in the following also denoted as suction inlet 36 which opens into the suction area 34.
  • an under-pressure is generated in the suction area for ingesting dirt particles 22 and liquid 24 that have been encountered and collected by the brush 12 and the squeegee 32.
  • said under-pressure preferably ranges between 3 and 70 mbar, more preferably between 4 and 50 mbar, most preferably between 5 and 30 mbar.
  • This under-pressure is, compared to regular vacuum cleaners which apply an under-pressure of around 70 mbar, quite low.
  • very good cleaning results may already be realized in the above-mentioned pressure ranges.
  • smaller vacuum aggregates 38 may be used. This increases the freedom in the selection of the vacuum pump.
  • the main gist of the present invention is that by applying the above-mentioned parameters concerning the linear mass density of the brush elements 16 and by realizing a centrifugal acceleration at the tip portions 18 of the brush elements 16 in the above- mentioned range, very good cleaning results and stain removal properties can be achieved by equipping the nozzle 10 with only a single brush 12 and a single squeegee element 32.
  • the presented solution results in a very space-saving nozzle size.
  • the very good cleaning properties that can be achieved with the presented solution mainly rely on the brush 12, which is due to the above-mentioned operating parameters, in contrast to hard brushes used in prior art solutions, not only able to pick-up dirt particles 22 from the surface to be cleaned 20, but also to pick-up liquid 24 from the surface to be cleaned 20.
  • a backward stroke in this meaning denotes a movement of the nozzle arrangement 10 in an intended movement direction 40, in which the squeegee element 32 encounters dirt and liquid particles 22, 24 present on the surface 20 before they are encountered by the brush 12. This situation is exemplarily shown in Fig. 1.
  • the squeegee element 32 preferably comprises switching means 42 for switching squeegee 32 from an open to a closed position and vice versa, depending on the direction of movement 40 of the nozzle 10 with respect to the surface 20. If the nozzle is moved in a forward stroke (shown in Fig. 2) where the squeegee element 32 is, seen in the direction of movement 40 of the cleaning device 100, located behind the brush, the squeegee is arranged in a closed position.
  • the squeegee 32 In this closed position the squeegee 32 is adapted to push or wipe dirt particles 22 and liquid 24 across or off the surface 20 by more or less gliding over the surface 20. In such a forward stroke the squeegee 32 then acts as a kind of wiper that collects the remaining water from the surface 20, which has not been lifted or has been sprayed back from the brush 12 to the surface 20. The remaining water which is collected by the squeegee 32 can then be ingested by means of the applied under-pressure within the suction area 34.
  • the squeegee 32 is arranged in its open position when the nozzle 10 is moved in a backward stroke (shown in Fig. 1), in which the squeegee 32 is, seen in the direction of movement 40, located in front of the brush 12, so that it would encounter the dirt particles 22 and the liquid 24 on the surface 20 before they would be encountered by the brush 12.
  • the switching elements 42 switch the squeegee 32 to its open position, wherein dirt particles and liquid from the surface 20 can enter the suction area 34 through an opening in between the squeegee 32 and the surface to be cleaned 20.
  • dirt particles 22 and liquid 24 are also able to enter the suction area 34 at the position of the suction inlet 36 and encounter the brush 12 with which they are picked-up from the surface 20.
  • the squeegee 32 preferably comprises a flexible rubber lip 46 that, depending on the movement direction 40 of the cleaning device 100, is adapted to flex about a longitudinal direction of said rubber lip 46.
  • An enlarged schematic view of the squeegee 32 is shown in Figs. 5 and 6.
  • Fig. 5 shows the squeegee 32 in its closed position
  • Fig. 6 shows a situation of the squeegee 32 in its open position.
  • Studs 50 that are arranged near the lower end of the rubber lip 46 where the squeegee 32 is intended to touch the surface 20, are adapted to at least partly lift the rubber lip 46 from the surface 20, when the cleaning device is moved on the surface 20 in a backward direction 40 (as shown in Fig. 1), in which the rubber lip is, seen in the direction of movement 40 located in front of the brush 12.
  • the rubber lip 46 is lifted, which is mainly due to the natural friction which occurs between the surface 20 and the studs 50, which act as a kind of stopper that decelerates the rubber lip 46 and forces it to flip over the studs 50.
  • the squeegee 32 is thereby forced to glide on the studs 50, wherein the rubber lip is lifted by the studs and openings 44 occur in the space between the rubber lip 46 and the surface 20 (see Figs. 6a and b).
  • Fig. 3 and 4 which show a second embodiment of the nozzle arrangement 10, illustrate that the positions of the squeegee 32 and the brush 12 can be, compared to the first embodiment (shown in Figs. 1 and 2), interchanged without leaving the scope of the present invention.
  • the squeegee 32 is in this case, with respect to the brush axis 14, arranged at the other side of the nozzle housing 28.
  • the squeegee element 32 of course has to be in an open position when the nozzle 10 is moved in a forward stroke as shown in Fig. 3, where the nozzle is moved in a direction 40 in which the squeegee 32 is, seen in the direction of movement 40, located in front of the brush 12. Otherwise, the liquid 24 and dirt particles 22 would again not be able to enter the suction area 34, respectively the suction inlet 36.
  • the squeegee 32 needs to be in its closed position when the nozzle is according to this embodiment moved in a backward stroke as shown in Fig. 4, where the brush 12 is, seen in movement direction 40, located in front of the squeegee 32 and encounters the dirt and liquid particles 22, 24 first.
  • the squeegee 32 in this case again acts as a wiper that glides over the surface 20 and collects the remaining dirt and liquid particles 22, 24 on the surface 20.
  • the brush 12 preferably has a diameter which is in a range of 20 to 80 mm, and the driving means may be capable of rotating the brush 12 at an angular velocity which is at least 6,000 revolutions per minute.
  • a width of the brush 12, i.e. a dimension of the brush 12 in a direction in which the rotation axis 14 of the brush 12 is extending, may be in an order of 25 cm, for example.
  • tufts 54 are provided on an exterior surface of a core element 52 of the brush 12.
  • Each tuft 54 comprises hundreds of fiber elements, which are referred to as brush elements 16.
  • the brush elements 16 are made of polyester with a diameter in an order of about 10 micrometers, and with a Dtex value which is lower than 150 g per 10 km.
  • a packing density of the brush elements 16 may be at least 30 tufts 54 per cm 2 on the exterior surface of the core element 52 of the brush 12.
  • the brush elements 16 may be rather chaotically arranged, i.e. not at fixed mutual distances. Furthermore, it is mentioned that an exterior surface 56 of the brush elements 16 may be uneven, which enhances the capability of the brush elements 16 to catch liquid droplets 24 and dirt particles 22.
  • the brush elements 16 may be so-called microfibers, which do not have a smooth and more or less circular circumference, but which have a rugged and more or less star-shaped circumference with notches and grooves instead.
  • the brush elements 16 do not need to be identical, as long as it is true that the linear mass density of a majority of a total number of the brush elements 16 of the brush 12 meets the requirement of being lower than 150 g per 10 km, at least at tip portions 18.
  • the brush elements 16 may act more or less like a whip for catching and dragging particles 22, 24, which is force-closed and capable of holding on to a particle 22, 24 on the basis of a functioning which is comparable to the functioning of a band brake. Furthermore, the liquid 24 which is picked up may pull a bit of liquid with it, wherein a line of liquid is left in the air, which is moving away from the surface 20. The occurring accelerations at the tip portions 18 of the brush elements 16 cause the dirt particles 22 and liquid droplets 24 to be automatically released from the brush 12, when the brush elements loose contact from the floor 20 during their rotation.
  • the brush elements 16 Due to the chosen technical parameters the brush elements 16 have a gentle scrubbing effect on the surface 20, which contributes to counteracting adhesion of liquid 24 and dirt particles 22 to the surface 20.
  • the liquid 24 may be expelled in small droplets.
  • suction forces such as the forces exerted by the centrifugal fan do not play a role in the above-described process of picking up liquid and dirt by means of brush elements 16.
  • these suction forces are necessary for picking up the dirt and liquid that has been collected by the squeegee.
  • another effect which contributes to the process of picking up dirt particles 22 and liquid 24 may occur, namely a capillary effect between the brush elements 16.
  • the brush 12 with the brush elements 16 is comparable to a brush 12 which is dipped in a quantity of paint, wherein paint is absorbed by the brush 12 on the basis of capillary forces.
  • the brush 12 according to the present invention has the following properties:
  • the brush elements 16 On the basis of the relatively low value of the linear mass density, it may be so that the brush elements 16 have very low bending stiffness, and, when packed in tufts 54, are not capable of remaining in their original shape. In conventional brushes, the brush elements spring back once released. However, the brush elements 16 having the very low bending stiffness as mentioned will not do that, since the elastic forces are so small that they cannot exceed internal friction forces which are present between the individual brush elements 16. Hence, the tufts 54 will remain crushed after deformation, and will only stretch out when the brush 12 is rotating.
  • the brush 12 which is used according to the present invention is capable of realizing cleaning results which are significantly better, due to the working principle according to which brush elements 16 are used for picking up liquid 24 and dirt 22 and taking the liquid 24 and the dirt 22 away from the surface 20 to be cleaned, wherein the liquid 24 and the dirt 22 are flung away by the brush elements 16 before they contact the surface 20 again in a next round.
  • the brush 12 acts as a kind of gear pump which pumps air from the inside of the nozzle housing 28 to the outside. This is an effect which is disadvantageous, as dirt particles 22 are blown away and droplets of liquid 24 are formed at positions where they are out of reach from the brush 12 and can fall down at unexpected moments during a cleaning process.
  • a first implementation possibility is shown in the first embodiment which is shown in figures 1 and 2, where a small opening 58 is arranged between nozzle housing 28 and the brush 12 at a position where the brush elements 16 leave the nozzle housing 28 during the rotation of the brush 12.
  • This opening 58 realizes a further suction inlet 60 to the suction area 34 which applies an underpressure (due to the described under-pressure in the suction area 34) in the area where the brush elements 16 first contact the surface 20.
  • This under-pressure generates an airflow that counteracts the unwanted turbulent airstream that is generated in front of the brush 12 due to its rotation during use.
  • a second possibility to counteract the unwanted turbulent airstream in front of the brush 12 is to equip the brush 12 with tufts 54 of brush elements 16 which are arranged in rows on the brush 12, so that the necessary suction power will be significantly reduced.
  • a deflector 62 for indenting the brush 12 at a position, seen in rotation direction 26, before the brush 12 contacts the surface 20, as this is exemplary shown in second embodiment which is shown in figures 3 and 4.
  • the deflector 62 has the function to press the brush elements 16 together by deflecting them. In this way air, which is present in the space between the brush elements 16, is pushed out of said space.
  • the brush elements 16 are, after leaving the deflector 62, moved apart from each other again, the space in between the brush elements 16 increases so that air will be sucked into the brush 12, wherein an under-pressure is created that sucks in dirt 22 and liquid particles 24. This again compensates for the air blow that is generated by the rotating brush 12.
  • Examples of deflectors as mentioned are found in PCT/IB2009/054333 and PCT/IB2009/054334, both in the name of Applicant.
  • Figure 7 provides a view of the cleaning device 100 according to the present invention in its entirety.
  • the cleaning device 100 comprises a nozzle housing 28 in which the brush 12 is rotatably mounted on the brush axis 14.
  • a drive means which can be realized be a regular motor, such as e.g. an electro motor (not shown), is preferably connected to or even located on the brush axis 14 for the purpose of driving the brush 12 in rotation. It is noted that the motor may also be located at any other suitable position within the cleaning device 100.
  • the nozzle housing 28 means such as wheels (not shown) are arranged for keeping the rotation axis 14 of the brush 12 at a predetermined distance from the surface 20 to be cleaned, wherein the distance is chosen such that the brush 12 is indented.
  • the range of the indentation is from 2% to 12% of a diameter of the brush 12 relating to a fully outstretched condition of the brush elements 16.
  • the range of the indentation can be from 1 to 6 mm.
  • the squeegee element 32 is spaced apart from the brush 12 and attached to the bottom side 30 of the nozzle housing 28.
  • suction area 34 Within the nozzle housing 28 in between the squeegee element 32 and the brush 12, which suction area 34 has a suction inlet 36 which is located at the bottom side 30 of the nozzle housing 28 facing the surface 20 to be cleaned.
  • the cleaning device 100 is preferably provided with the following components:
  • a handle 64 which allows for easy manipulation of the cleaning device 100 by a user
  • a debris collecting container 70 for receiving liquid 24 and dirt particles 22 picked up from the surface 20 to be cleaned;
  • the flow channel including the hollow tube 72 may also be denoted as suction area 34 in which the above mentioned under-pressure is applied by the vacuum aggregate 38;
  • the vacuum fan aggregate 38 comprising a centrifugal fan 38', arranged at a side of the debris collecting chamber 70 which is opposite to the side where the tube 72 is arranged.
  • an element may be provided for deflecting the debris 22, 24 that is flung upwards, so that the debris 22, 24 first undergoes a deflection before it eventually reaches the debris collecting chamber 70.
  • the vacuum fan aggregate 38 may be arranged at another side of the debris collecting chamber 70 than the side which is opposite to the side where the tube 72 is arranged.
  • the brush 12 comprises a core element 52.
  • This core element 52 is in the form of a hollow tube provided with a number of channels 74 extending through a wall 76 of the core element 52.
  • a flexible tube 78 may be provided that leads into the inside of the core element 52.
  • cleansing fluid 68 may be supplied to the hollow core element 52, wherein, during the rotation of the brush 12, the liquid 68 leaves the hollow core element 52 via the channels 74, and wets the brush elements 16. In this way the liquid 68 also drizzles or falls on the surface 20 to be cleaned.
  • the surface 20 to be cleaned becomes wet with the cleansing liquid 68. This especially enhances the adherence of the dirt particles 22 to the brush elements 16 and, therefore improves the ability to remove stains from the surface 20 to be cleaned.
  • the rate at which the liquid 68 is supplied to the hollow core element 52 can be quite low, wherein a maximum rate can be 6 ml per minute per cm of the width of the brush 12, for example.
  • a cleansing liquid could be supplied by spraying the brush 12 from outside or by simply immersing the brush 12 in cleansing water before the use.
  • a liquid that has been already spilled i.e. a liquid that needs to be removed from the surface 20 to be cleaned.
  • the pick-up of the cleansing water 68 from the floor is, as already mentioned above, either done by the squeegee element 32 which collects the water by acting as a kind of wiper transporting liquid to the suction area 34 where it is ingested due to the under-pressure generated by the vacuum aggregate 38, or the water is directly picked-up from the floor by the brush 12.
  • the brush 12 used according to the present invention is capable of picking-up water. The realized cleaning results are thus significantly better.
  • the tested brushes were equipped with different types of fiber materials used for the brush elements 16, including relatively thick fibers and relatively thin fibers.
  • packing density as well as the Dtex values have been varied.
  • the particulars of the various brushes are given in the following table. packing fibers Dtex value fiber fiber fiber fiber density per tuft material length appearance
  • the experiment includes rotating the brush under similar conditions and assessing cleaning results, wear, and power to the surface 20 subjected to treatment with the brush 12. This provides an indication of heat generation on the surface 20.
  • the outcome of the experiment is reflected in the following table, wherein a mark 5 is used for indicating the best results, and lower marks are used for indicating poorer results.
  • the experiment proves that it is possible to have brush elements 16 with a linear mass density in a range of 100 to 150 g per 10 km, and to obtain useful cleaning results, although it appears that the water pick-up, the wear behavior and the power consumption are not so good. It is concluded that an appropriate limit value for the linear mass density is 150 g per 10 km. However, it is clear that with a much lower linear mass density, the cleaning results and all other results are very good. Therefore, it is preferred to apply lower limit values, such as 125 g per 10 km, 50 g per 10 km, 20 g per 10 km, or even 5 g per 10 km. With values in the latter order, it is ensured that cleaning results are excellent, water pick-up is optimal, wear is minimal, and power consumption and heat generation on the surface 20 are sufficiently low.
  • the power supply of the motor is connected to a timer for stopping the motor after a period of operation of 1 second or a period of operation of 4 seconds.
  • the brush 12 is immersed in water, so that the brush 12 is completely saturated with the water. It is noted that the brush 12 which is used appears to be capable of absorbing a total weight of water of approximately 70 g.
  • the brush 12 is rotated at an angular velocity of 1,950 revolutions per minute, and is stopped after 1 second or 4 seconds.
  • Steps 4) to 6) are repeated for other values of the angular velocity, in particular the values as indicated in the following table, which further contains values of the weight of the water still present in the brush 12 at the stops after 1 second and 4 seconds, and values of the associated centrifugal acceleration, which can be calculated according to the following equation:
  • R radius of the brush 12 (m) angular velocity weight of water weight of water centrifugal present after 1 s present after 4 s acceleration
  • a transition in the release of water by the brush 12 can be found at an angular velocity of 3,500 rpm, which corresponds to a centrifugal acceleration of 3,090 m/s 2 .
  • the graphs of figures 9 and 10 contain a vertical line indicating the values of 3,500 rpm and 3,090 m/s 2 , respectively.
  • the centrifugal acceleration may be lower than 3,000 m/s 2 .
  • the reason is that the acceleration which occurs at tips 18 of the brush elements 16 when the brush elements 16 are straightened out can be expected to be higher than the normal centrifugal acceleration.
  • the experiment shows that a minimum value of 3,000 m/s 2 is valid in respect of an acceleration, which is the normal, centrifugal acceleration in the case of the experiment, and which can be the higher acceleration which is caused by the specific behavior of the brush elements 16 when the dirt pick-up period has passed and there is room for straightening out in an actual cleaning device 100 according to the present invention, which leaves a possibility for the normal, centrifugal acceleration during the other periods of the rotation (e.g. the dirt pick-up period) to be lower.
  • an acceleration which is the normal, centrifugal acceleration in the case of the experiment, and which can be the higher acceleration which is caused by the specific behavior of the brush elements 16 when the dirt pick-up period has passed and there is room for straightening out in an actual cleaning device 100 according to the present invention, which leaves a possibility for the normal, centrifugal acceleration during the other periods of the rotation (e.g. the dirt pick-up period) to be lower.
  • a fully outstretched condition of the brush elements 16 is a condition in which the brush elements 16 are fully extending in a radial direction with respect to a rotation axis 14 of the brush 12, wherein there is no bent tip portion in the brush elements 16.
  • This condition can be realized when the brush 12 is rotating at a normal operative speed, which is a speed at which the acceleration of 3,000 m/sec 2 at the tips 18 of the brush elements 16 can be realized. It is possible for only a portion of the brush elements 16 of a brush 12 to be in the fully outstretched condition, while another portion is not, due to obstructions which are encountered by the brush elements 16. Normally, the diameter D of the brush 12 is determined with all of the brush elements 16 in the fully outstretched condition.
  • the tip portions 18 of the brush elements 16 are outer portions of the brush elements 16 as seen in the radial direction, i.e. portions which are the most remote from the rotation axis 14.
  • the tip portions 18 are the portions which are used for picking up dirt particles 22 and liquid, and which are made to slide along the surface 20 to be cleaned.
  • a length of the tip portion is approximately the same as the indentation.
  • the present invention can be summarized as follows.
  • the presented solution results in a very space-saving nozzle size.
  • the very good cleaning properties that can be achieved with the presented solution mainly rely on the brush, which is due to the above-mentioned operating parameters, in contrast to hard brushes used in prior art solutions, not only able to pick-up dirt particles from the surface, but also to pickup liquid from the surface to be cleaned.
  • a double squeegee solution is no longer necessary. Because of having only a single squeegee element and only one brush, the nozzle becomes less bulky. Due to the reduced number of squeegees (only one) scratching is significantly reduced.
  • the proposed nozzle arrangement is, at least at the brush side, open for coarse dirt. The brush and the squeegee together form a channel. Due to the spraying of the brush, the suction area, and therefore also the squeegee, are constantly cleaned. All over all, very good cleaning results can be achieved with a very small, but highly effective nozzle having only one squeegee and preferably only one brush.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un dispositif de nettoyage destiné à nettoyer une surface (20), ledit dispositif comprenant : un ensemble de buses (10) qui comprend : i) une brosse (12) qui peut tourner autour d'un axe de brosse (14), ladite brosse (12) étant pourvue d'éléments de brosse flexibles (16) qui présentent des parties d'extrémité (18) destinées à venir en contact avec la surface qui doit être nettoyée (20) et à ramasser, sur la surface (20), des particules de poussière (22) et du liquide (24) pendant une période de ramassage lorsque les éléments de brosse (16) viennent en contact avec la surface (20) durant la rotation de la brosse (12), une densité de masse linéaire d'une pluralité des éléments de brosse (16) étant, au moins au niveau des parties d'extrémité (18), inférieure à 150 g par 10 km, et ii) un élément raclette (32) unique destiné à pousser ou à essuyer les particules de poussière (22) et le liquide (24) d'un côté à l'autre de la surface qui doit être nettoyée (20), ou en dehors de cette dernière, pendant le déplacement du dispositif de nettoyage (100), ledit élément raclette (32) étant espacé de la brosse (12) et s'étendant sensiblement le long d'une direction longitudinale (48) qui est sensiblement parallèle à l'axe de la brosse (14), une aire d'aspiration (34) étant définie dans l'ensemble de buses (10) entre l'élément raclette (32) et la brosse (12) ; des moyens d'entraînement destinés à entraîner la brosse (12) en rotation, les moyens d'entraînement étant adaptés pour réaliser une accélération centrifuge au niveau des parties d'extrémité (18) égale, en particulier pendant une période de libération de la poussière lorsque les éléments de brosse (16) sont libres de tout contact avec la surface (20) pendant la rotation de la brosse (12), à au moins 3 000 m/s ; et un ensemble sous vide (38) destiné à générer une sous-pression dans la zone d'aspiration (34) pour ingérer les particules de poussière (22) et le liquide (24).
EP12778420.5A 2011-08-23 2012-08-17 Dispositif de nettoyage destiné à nettoyer une surface Active EP2747626B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161526316P 2011-08-23 2011-08-23
PCT/IB2012/054200 WO2013027164A1 (fr) 2011-08-23 2012-08-17 Dispositif de nettoyage destiné à nettoyer une surface

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2747626A1 true EP2747626A1 (fr) 2014-07-02
EP2747626B1 EP2747626B1 (fr) 2017-05-03

Family

ID=47076294

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12778420.5A Active EP2747626B1 (fr) 2011-08-23 2012-08-17 Dispositif de nettoyage destiné à nettoyer une surface

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20140182079A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2747626B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP5960823B2 (fr)
CN (3) CN103764004A (fr)
RU (1) RU2603600C2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2013027164A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018024669A1 (fr) * 2016-08-01 2018-02-08 Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh Appareil de nettoyage humide doté d'un rouleau de nettoyage
EP3270756A4 (fr) * 2015-09-23 2018-12-19 LG Electronics Inc. Aspirateur robot

Families Citing this family (33)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5686270B2 (ja) * 2012-12-25 2015-03-18 株式会社未来機械 自走式掃除ロボット
CN104768440B (zh) 2013-02-05 2017-04-05 皇家飞利浦有限公司 具有刷子和橡胶扫帚的喷嘴配置
ITMI20130970A1 (it) * 2013-06-13 2014-12-14 Ghibli S P A Testata a doppio tergitore per macchina per la pulitura di superfici
CN103505152B (zh) * 2013-10-15 2016-02-17 苏州诚河清洁设备有限公司 用于表面清洁装置的清洁头
EP4186406B1 (fr) 2013-12-12 2024-04-17 Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG Machine de nettoyage de sol avec dispositif à barre
GB2522434B (en) * 2014-01-23 2017-08-23 Techtronic Floor Care Tech Ltd A head for a surface cleaning device
DE102014114776A1 (de) * 2014-10-13 2016-04-14 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine
RU2671397C1 (ru) 2014-10-13 2018-10-30 Альфред Кэрхер Гмбх Унд Ко. Кг Машина для чистки поверхностей
DE102014114809A1 (de) 2014-10-13 2016-04-14 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine mit Befeuchtungseinrichtung
DE102014114813A1 (de) 2014-10-13 2016-04-14 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine und Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine
FI127690B (en) * 2015-01-08 2018-12-14 Snowek Oy A vehicle assisted working machine
JP2016202427A (ja) * 2015-04-20 2016-12-08 日立アプライアンス株式会社 電気掃除機の吸口体及びこれを備えた電気掃除機
JP2018529501A (ja) 2015-10-12 2018-10-11 アルフレッド ケルヒャー ゲーエムベーハー ウント コンパニー カーゲー 表面洗浄機
AU2016101847B4 (en) 2015-10-28 2022-02-17 Bissell Inc. Surface cleaning apparatus
CN109068924B (zh) 2016-03-09 2022-01-28 阿尔弗雷德·卡赫欧洲两合公司 表面清洁机
CN106175591A (zh) * 2016-09-19 2016-12-07 上海未来伙伴机器人有限公司 一种吸尘口结构
JP6963794B2 (ja) * 2017-08-25 2021-11-10 槌屋ティスコ株式会社 ブラシ及び回転ブラシ
KR102067982B1 (ko) * 2017-11-23 2020-01-20 주식회사 탑 엔지니어링 기판 절단 장치
CN108158493B (zh) * 2017-12-27 2020-09-25 孙一潇 一种洗尘吸尘地刷
CN209236020U (zh) * 2018-03-08 2019-08-13 添可电器有限公司 地刷组件和吸尘器
DE102018105461A1 (de) 2018-03-09 2019-09-12 Carl Freudenberg Kg Reinigungsgerät
US11291345B2 (en) 2018-08-27 2022-04-05 Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited Floor cleaner
CN113573621B (zh) 2018-12-21 2023-09-01 坦南特公司 能够处理大碎屑的清扫器/擦洗器系统
US11304581B2 (en) 2019-01-08 2022-04-19 Bissell Inc. Surface cleaning apparatus
CN109589053A (zh) * 2019-01-24 2019-04-09 深圳市银星智能科技股份有限公司 清洁机器人
CN111883454A (zh) * 2019-05-03 2020-11-03 塔工程有限公司 虚设部去除单元及利用虚设部去除单元的虚设部去除方法
DE102019211014A1 (de) * 2019-07-25 2021-01-28 Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh Haushaltsreinigungsgerät mit Akkuantrieb
US11039723B2 (en) 2019-11-06 2021-06-22 Bissell Inc. Surface cleaning apparatus
CN212853342U (zh) * 2020-05-29 2021-04-02 苏州海歌电器科技有限公司 一种吸尘器刮水条及吸尘器
US11122946B2 (en) 2021-03-04 2021-09-21 Bissell Inc. Brushroll for surface cleaning apparatus
US11160431B2 (en) 2021-03-04 2021-11-02 Bissell Inc. Surface cleaning apparatus
CN113116241B (zh) * 2021-03-11 2022-11-22 江苏美的清洁电器股份有限公司 清洁组件、清洁装置及控制方法
KR20240024836A (ko) * 2021-06-26 2024-02-26 우시 뉴스타트 컨트롤스 테크놀로지 컴퍼니 리미티드 청소기의 흡입구 구조 및 청소기

Family Cites Families (52)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1694937A (en) 1925-02-14 1928-12-11 Frederick S Floeter Floor-scrubbing machine
US2292435A (en) * 1937-11-26 1942-08-11 Leo C Crites Window washing apparatus
US3699607A (en) * 1970-07-07 1972-10-24 Town & Country Cleaners Franch Carpet cleaning apparatus
US3786532A (en) * 1972-06-19 1974-01-22 Vacu Maid Inc Carpet sweeper
JPS5511341B2 (fr) * 1973-12-21 1980-03-24
GB1601755A (en) * 1978-05-12 1981-11-04 Hoover Ltd Suction cleaner agitator
DE8437619U1 (de) * 1984-12-21 1986-04-17 Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München Mit Laufrädern versehenes Bürstsaugmundstück
US4769924A (en) * 1985-05-17 1988-09-13 Toray Industries, Inc. Liquid absorbing apparatus
WO1987001266A1 (fr) * 1985-08-30 1987-03-12 High Speed Combing Limited Nettoyage de tapis et analogues
EP0231419A1 (fr) * 1986-02-05 1987-08-12 Interlava AG Unité d'indication et de contrôle de fonction par voie optique pour aspirateur de poussières
US5050262A (en) * 1987-03-05 1991-09-24 Malish Terrance J Floor maintenance brush or the like
US4817233A (en) * 1988-04-22 1989-04-04 Tennant Company Scrubber squeegees for scrubbing forward and backward
US4864682A (en) 1988-05-02 1989-09-12 Whirlpool Corporation Self-adjusting wiper strip assembly for a vacuum cleaner
US5609431A (en) * 1989-12-11 1997-03-11 Innovative Cleaning Concepts, Inc. Cleaning material with material supply
US5086539A (en) * 1990-10-31 1992-02-11 Racine Industries, Inc. Carpet cleaning machine with pattern-oriented vacuum nozzle
US5560065A (en) * 1991-07-03 1996-10-01 Tymco, Inc. Broom assisted pick-up head
US5212848A (en) * 1992-03-13 1993-05-25 Tennant Company Squeegee blade
US5280666A (en) 1992-05-19 1994-01-25 Rexair, Inc. Squeegee apparatus for a vacuum cleaner system
JPH0630864A (ja) * 1992-07-15 1994-02-08 Hitachi Ltd 電気掃除機の吸口
JPH06105771A (ja) * 1992-09-25 1994-04-19 Hitachi Ltd 電気掃除機の吸口
US5319828A (en) * 1992-11-04 1994-06-14 Tennant Company Low profile scrubber
GB2273865A (en) * 1992-12-19 1994-07-06 Fedag A vacuum cleaner with an electrically driven brush roller
US5398373A (en) * 1993-01-04 1995-03-21 Bissell Inc. Combination vacuum cleaner and water extractor power foot
JP3270248B2 (ja) * 1993-10-22 2002-04-02 シャープ株式会社 電気掃除機
US5669098A (en) * 1994-07-15 1997-09-23 Tono; Gianni Floor cleaning machine with an additional fluid nozzle with connector and suction by-pass
JPH08103403A (ja) * 1994-10-06 1996-04-23 Hirokimi Doi 電気掃除機
DE69529176T2 (de) * 1995-03-15 2003-08-21 Hitachi Ltd Saugmundstück für einen staubsauger
US7752705B2 (en) * 1997-08-13 2010-07-13 Bissell Homecare, Inc. Extraction cleaning with heating
TW410593U (en) * 1997-08-29 2000-11-01 Sanyo Electric Co Suction head for electric vacuum cleaner
US6832409B2 (en) * 2001-09-18 2004-12-21 The Hoover Company Wet/dry floor cleaning unit and method of cleaning
US7150068B1 (en) * 2002-08-12 2006-12-19 Gary Dean Ragner Light-weight self-propelled vacuum cleaner
KR20040018603A (ko) * 2002-08-23 2004-03-04 삼성전자주식회사 청소장치
US7665172B1 (en) 2004-03-19 2010-02-23 Bissell Homecare, Inc. Sweeper
CN1698511A (zh) * 2004-05-19 2005-11-23 乐金电子(天津)电器有限公司 干湿两用真空吸尘器的吸入管口组件
US7302733B2 (en) * 2004-09-09 2007-12-04 Minuteman International, Inc. Floor cleaning machine using microfiber pad
DE102005017568B4 (de) * 2005-04-11 2024-04-25 Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG Saugreinigungsgerät
CN2845698Y (zh) * 2005-04-24 2006-12-13 秦永刚 滚动清扫器
KR100662642B1 (ko) * 2005-06-22 2007-01-02 삼성광주전자 주식회사 물청소 기능을 갖는 진공청소기
US20080276414A1 (en) * 2005-10-18 2008-11-13 Nilfisk-Advance, Inc. Floor Maintenance Machine Using a Spiral, Tufted, Cylindrical Brush
CN200960091Y (zh) * 2006-07-14 2007-10-17 余姚市宏宇电器厂 一种兼具扫、擦功能的电动清洁机
EP2574264B1 (fr) * 2007-05-09 2016-03-02 iRobot Corporation Robot autonome de couverture compact
KR101349202B1 (ko) * 2007-05-23 2014-01-10 삼성전자주식회사 진공청소기용 노즐조립체
CN100536743C (zh) * 2007-08-24 2009-09-09 泰怡凯电器(苏州)有限公司 多功能硬地面清洗机清洁头及清洁方法
DE502007001207D1 (de) * 2007-11-14 2009-09-10 Wessel Werk Gmbh Elektrosaugkopf
CN201227243Y (zh) * 2008-06-18 2009-04-29 松下电化住宅设备机器(杭州)有限公司 具有擦拭布功能的吸尘器吸头
EP2191763A1 (fr) * 2008-10-07 2010-06-02 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Dispositif de nettoyage avec brosses rotatives
CN101816535A (zh) * 2009-02-26 2010-09-01 徐凯 具有自清洁功能的吸尘器地刷
GB2470917A (en) * 2009-06-09 2010-12-15 Dyson Technology Ltd Agitating means for cleaning head
US8769766B2 (en) * 2009-08-11 2014-07-08 Ronald N. Hilton Apparatus, system, and method for self-cleaning handheld dust removal
EP2343003A1 (fr) * 2010-01-07 2011-07-13 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Dispositif de nettoyage avec dispositif d'arrosage et brosse rotative
US8528166B2 (en) * 2010-04-30 2013-09-10 Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited Upright vacuum with floating head
GB2481608B (en) * 2010-06-30 2015-03-04 Dyson Technology Ltd A surface treating appliance

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2013027164A1 *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3270756A4 (fr) * 2015-09-23 2018-12-19 LG Electronics Inc. Aspirateur robot
US10813514B2 (en) 2015-09-23 2020-10-27 Lg Electronics Inc. Robot cleaner
WO2018024669A1 (fr) * 2016-08-01 2018-02-08 Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh Appareil de nettoyage humide doté d'un rouleau de nettoyage

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20140182079A1 (en) 2014-07-03
JP2014526934A (ja) 2014-10-09
WO2013027164A1 (fr) 2013-02-28
RU2014111047A (ru) 2015-09-27
RU2603600C2 (ru) 2016-11-27
CN203016862U (zh) 2013-06-26
CN102949151A (zh) 2013-03-06
CN102949151B (zh) 2017-09-08
EP2747626B1 (fr) 2017-05-03
JP5960823B2 (ja) 2016-08-02
CN103764004A (zh) 2014-04-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2747626B1 (fr) Dispositif de nettoyage destiné à nettoyer une surface
US9173536B2 (en) Cleaning device for cleaning a surface comprising a brush and a squeegee element
EP2934270B1 (fr) Dispositif de nettoyage permettant de nettoyer une surface
EP2890286B1 (fr) Agencement de buse d'un dispositif de nettoyage destiné au nettoyage d'une surface
US9265394B2 (en) Nozzle arrangement with brush and squeegee
JP5906236B2 (ja) 少なくとも１つの回転可能なブラシを有する、表面を清掃する装置
US11253121B2 (en) Floor nozzle for vacuum cleaner
US10413143B2 (en) Cleaning device having a nozzle for cleaning a surface

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20140324

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20161125

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 889012

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20170515

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602012032018

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 6

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20170503

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 889012

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20170503

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170803

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170804

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170903

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170803

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602012032018

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20180206

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170831

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170831

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20170831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170817

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170817

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170817

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20120817

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170503

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170503

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 602012032018

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: PHILIPS DOMESTIC APPLIANCES HOLDING B.V., NL

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V., EINDHOVEN, NL

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 602012032018

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: VERSUNI HOLDING B.V., NL

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V., EINDHOVEN, NL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R039

Ref document number: 602012032018

Country of ref document: DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R008

Ref document number: 602012032018

Country of ref document: DE

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R040

Ref document number: 602012032018

Country of ref document: DE

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Payment date: 20230803

Year of fee payment: 12

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230822

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230824

Year of fee payment: 12

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230828

Year of fee payment: 12

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 602012032018

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: VERSUNI HOLDING B.V., NL

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: PHILIPS DOMESTIC APPLIANCES HOLDING B.V., EINDHOVEN, NL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20231214 AND 20231220