EP2848178B1 - Mop with an automatic tiltable head for surface cleaning - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a cleaning head and an easy-to-use, spin-drying surface cleaning brush and a bucket adapted for spinning.

Such a broom, equipped for example with a washing head or dedusting, makes it possible to clean the floors in a convenient manner while ensuring an easy and effective spinning of its cleaning head.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

In order to more conveniently clean the floors, it has been known for some years articulated brushes equipped with a cleaning head comprising for example a sponge or mopping pad. Such brushes are often more efficient and more manoeuvrable than mops also known. In particular, the generally rectangular shape of these cleaning heads ensures easy cleaning of the corners of parts while their articulation makes it easy to clean under furniture. In addition, in such brushes, the cleaning pad has a rigid support, which allows to exert a greater force on the work surface and thus to remove more easily dirt.

However, these brushes must traditionally be immersed in a bucket containing a cleaning liquid to soak the cleaning pad and then be drained to remove excess cleaning fluid. However, these operations are traditionally made difficult for this type of broom because of the size and rigidity of their cleaning head: large buckets and complex wiping devices must be used.

In particular, certain known wiper devices comprise squeegees or rollers arranged at the top of the bucket; however, these devices are difficult to use because of the instability of the bucket, the latter may indeed move or overturn during the spin.

Other known devices are directly fixed and operable along the handle of the brush. In such a case, the cleaning head must generally be straightened along the handle to allow the use of the spin device, which requires an operation unhygienic manual. In addition, these devices are often bulky and can reduce the ability of the broom to go under furniture for example.

The document is also known US 2011/0167583 which describes a brush cleaning head according to the preamble of claim 1 provided with two wings that can be raised.

There is therefore a real need for a cleaning head and an easy-to-use and wringing surface cleaning brush and a bucket adapted for the cleaning of the cleaning head, which are at least partially free of disadvantages inherent in known brushes above.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a brush cleaning head, comprising a fastening portion adapted to attach the cleaning head to a brush handle, a base mounted at the lower end of the fastening portion via a hinge. , and at least two wings extending from opposite lateral edges of the base, each wing being pivotable relative to the base between a rest position, in which it extends substantially in the extension of the base, and a raised position, so that the cleaning head can be operated between a working position, substantially rectilinear, in which the wings are in their rest positions, and a folding position, substantially U-shaped, in which the wings are in their raised positions.

Thanks to this articulated cleaning head, a broom equipped with this head has all the advantages already mentioned of this type of broom: it benefits in particular from a very good maneuverability, including in the corners of rooms and under furniture, and of great efficiency.

In addition, thanks to this collapsible U-shaped head, this broom, once folded, has a small footprint. It is thus easier to plunge it into a bucket to impregnate its cleaning head with a washing solution; the size of the bucket can also be reduced, which is significant for its storage. Moreover, thanks to its folding wings, the broom is also easier to store. It takes first place on the ground reduced and enjoys a stable standing, which is not the case for brooms whose head is up against the handle.

In addition, this U-folded position makes it easy to wring the cleaning head into a bucket with a spin basket in the same manner as a conventional mop. To facilitate this operation, a rectangular rather than circular basket can be used. Such spin in a spin basket, enabled by the U-shape of this broom, is very easy and very effective: just exert a vertical pressure on the handle to compress the cleaning head against the basket. As a result, the bucket's position is stable during spinning, which improves its efficiency and reduces the risk of bucket spilling.

In some embodiments, the head includes at least one biasing device configured to bias a wing toward its home position. In this way, the cleaning head is automatically returned to the working position after the spin without the user has to handle the head, which is hygienic and more comfortable.

In some embodiments, this return device comprises a hinge spring.

In certain embodiments, at least one of one of the wings and the base comprises at least two parts able to move relative to each other against elastic return means for reduce the length of said element, measured perpendicularly to the pivot axes of the wings relative to the base. For example, at least one of the wings comprises an inner lateral portion through which said wing is connected to the base, and an outer lateral portion which is able to move towards the inner lateral portion against elastic return means . Of course, it is expected that the two wings are configured in this way. Thus, when the wings move from their rest position to their raised position, the length of at least one of the sections of the head (base or wing) can temporarily decrease to avoid an overall increase in the length of the head and thus allow the passage of this head to its U-fold position without excessive stretching of the seal which can then be fixed on this head. When the head is then returned to its working position, the elastic return means return the section concerned to its normal length.

In some embodiments, the head includes at least one locking device configured to maintain a wing in its raised position when brought into that position. This blocking device locks the U-shaped configuration of the head at the time of spinning or storage, increasing user comfort. In particular, this prevents the head from opening in the bucket, during spinning, or in a closet, which could make it difficult to extract and handle.

In some embodiments, one of the base and said wing comprises at least one locking aperture, and the other of said elements among the base and said wing comprises a lug biased outwardly by means of reminder and configured to engage in said locking aperture when the wing is in its raised position. Preferably these return means comprise a spring.

In some embodiments, said locking aperture is provided on the dorsal face of the base, and said wing comprises said lug, the latter being biased toward the base by means of said biasing means. This configuration allows easy and centralized unlocking at the base.

In this disclosure, the terms "ventral" and "dorsal" and their derivatives are defined relative to the base of the cleaning head, its ventral side being intended to be in contact with the work surface.

In some embodiments, the side edges of the base have a guide surface accompanying said lug to the locking aperture when the wing is moved to its raised position.

In some embodiments, the head further comprises at least one unlocking device configured, when triggered, for disabling said blocking device.

In some embodiments, the unblocking device is configured to be triggered in response to a predetermined movement of the attachment portion relative to the base. Thus, the user can unlock the wing and return the cleaning head to its working position by manipulating only the handle and not the cleaning head itself, which is hygienic and more comfortable.

In some embodiments, the unblocking device is configured to be triggered when the attachment portion is inclined at a predetermined angle to the base.

In other embodiments, the unblocking device is configured to be triggered when the securing portion is pushed a predetermined distance from the base.

In some embodiments, the base includes a release lever having a repetitive portion configured to penetrate into said locking aperture and urging the stub to break engagement with the locking aperture

In some embodiments, the release lever further has a bearing surface configured to cooperate with an integral member of the attachment portion, the lever pushing portion being moved toward the locking aperture when said member secured to the attachment portion moves the bearing surface towards the ventral side of the cleaning head.

In some embodiments, said integral member of the attachment portion is a cam portion of the hinge.

The head includes an immobilizer configured to lock at least one degree of freedom of the base relative to the attachment portion when the base is not supported against a work surface. This is advantageous for immobilizing the cleaning head in a given position relative to the handle during the spinning for example. In this way, it is easier to maneuver the broom in a bucket or spin device. In addition, the risk that the unlocking device is triggered unintentionally is reduced. It should be pointed out, however, that if such an immobilizing device is particularly advantageous in combination with the blocking device mentioned above, it goes without saying that it could quite well equip a cleaning head devoid of such a device. blocking or even devoid of movable wings: indeed, this immobilization function is intrinsically advantageous regardless of the type of cleaning head used to facilitate for example the spin as mentioned above.

In some embodiments, the hinge is configured to give the base two degrees of freedom of rotation relative to the attachment portion: a first degree of freedom in front-to-back rotation and a second degree of freedom in rotation right left.

In some embodiments, the hinge comprises a first fork secured to the fixing portion, a second fork secured to the base and an intermediate piece comprising a first hinge axis with the first fork and a second hinge pin with the second fork.

In some embodiments, the immobilizer is configured to immobilize the base in a plane substantially perpendicular to the attachment portion.

In some embodiments, the base comprises at least one immobilization tab, mounted movably in a recess of the ventral face of the base between a projecting position in which the tab projects under the ventral face of the base and a flush position. wherein the tab is flush with the ventral face of the base, biasing means biasing the immobilizing tab towards its projecting position. In addition, said tab cooperates with a first end of a rod configured to slide within a passage of the hinge, said rod interfering with at least a portion of the hinge when the lug is in its projecting position. Thus, when the blade is pressed against a work surface, the rod does not interfere with the joint and the cleaning head can be articulated freely for cleaning; on the other hand, when the cleaning head is raised from the ground, for example at the time of its passage in a bucket or of its spinning, at least one degree of freedom of the cleaning head is blocked.

In some embodiments, a second end of the rod cooperates with a protruding portion of a bushing housed in the attachment portion, said projecting portion impeding at least a portion of the hinge when the tab is in its projecting position. This makes it possible to block another degree of freedom of the cleaning head.

In some embodiments, a spring is mounted between the socket and a seat of the attachment portion.

In some embodiments, at least one wing comprises at least one cleat forming under the ventral face of the base when said wing is raised. This makes it possible to keep the immobilizer active, or partially active, even when the blade is placed on a surface, for example a drying basket or a storage surface. surface that can not fully press the locking tab due to the cleat.

In some embodiments, the head further comprises an impregnable liner capable of retaining a liquid, which liner is removably attached to the ventral side of the cleaning head.

In other embodiments, it is rather a dust pad. Such a liner may in particular comprise antistatic properties and be impregnated with a cleaning additive such as a wax.

In some embodiments, the liner is attached using at least one elastic band.

In some embodiments, the liner is secured with Velcro strips.

In some embodiments, the base is of substantially rectangular shape, preferably square. This facilitates the cooperation of the broom with a spin basket.

The present disclosure further relates to a surface cleaning brush comprising a handle and a cleaning head, according to any one of the preceding embodiments, mounted at the lower end of the handle via its fixing portion.

In some embodiments, the wiper includes a longitudinal rotation drive device of the cleaning head about the longitudinal axis of the handle. This device makes it possible to spin the cleaning head by centrifugation, for example in a bucket provided with a rotary drilled basket. Such a centrifugation method is more efficient and requires less effort than the compression wringing method.

In some embodiments, the rotational driving device is a buzzing router type mechanism. Such a mechanism is particularly easy to use.

In some embodiments, the rotational drive is provided in the brush handle.

In some embodiments, the rotational drive comprises a rotatable ring configured to cooperate with at least one helical track of a sleeve sliding around the handle.

In some embodiments, the rotational drive further comprises a clutch device configured to secure the rotating ring to a lower handle portion when the sleeve is moved in a first direction along the handle, and to disengage. the rotating ring of the lower part of the handle when the sleeve is moved in the opposite direction. This allows driving the cleaning head always in the same direction of rotation by making movements back and forth with the sleeve.

The present disclosure also relates to a bucket, adapted to cooperate with a surface cleaning broom, comprising a reservoir capable of containing a liquid of the cleaning solution type, and a wiper device provided above the tank and comprising a pierced basket. adapted to cooperate with a cleaning head of a broom, the basket having a substantially prism or truncated pyramid geometry configured to receive a cleaning head having a substantially rectangular base and wings extending transversely from edges of the based. Such a bucket is therefore particularly suitable for a cleaning head and a broom according to the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the wiper device is rotatably mounted to allow spinning of a cleaning head by centrifugation.

In some embodiments, the bucket comprises at least two inclined planes provided vis-à-vis at least at the inlet of the reservoir, configured to cooperate with the wings of a cleaning head. These inclined planes automatically fold the wings of the cleaning head in their raised positions when inserted into the bucket.

In some embodiments, at least one of said inclined planes has a rough surface, provided for example with ribs. The latter makes it possible to remove some of the dirt present on the surface of the cleaning head.

In some embodiments, the bottom of the basket has support ribs. These allow better cooperation between the basket and a cleaning head.

In some embodiments, these ribs extend from the center of the basket bottom and stop before the side walls of the basket.

The present disclosure finally relates to an assembly comprising a broom and a bucket according to the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the pierced basket is configured to cooperate with the cleaning head at the base and end of the wings only.

In some embodiments, the side walls of the pierced basket extend higher than the wings when the cleaning head is inserted into the pierced basket.

The above-mentioned features and advantages, as well as others, will become apparent on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the proposed broom and bucket. This detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• La FIG 1 est une vue en perspective d'un exemple de réalisation d'un balai selon le présent exposé.
• La FIG 2 est une vue éclatée de la tête de ce balai.
• La FIG 3 est une vue en coupe de la tête de balai selon le plan III-III de la FIG 1.
• La FIG 4A est en vue en coupe selon le même plan III-III lorsque la tête de balai est dans sa position de repli.
• La FIG 4B est une vue analogue à la FIG 4A lorsque le manche du balai est incliné.
• La FIG 4C est une vue en coupe selon le plan IV-IV de la FIG 4B.
• La FIG 5 est une vue en coupe de la tête de balai selon le plan V-V de la FIG 3.
• Le FIG 6 est une vue analogue à la FIG 5 lorsque la tête de balai est levée au-dessus du sol.
• La FIG 7 est une vue éclatée de la partie supérieure du manche du balai.
• La FIG 8 est une vue en coupe de la partie supérieure du manche du balai.
• La FIG 9 est une vue en perspective d'un seau selon le présent exposé.
• La FIG 10 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de ce seau.
• La FIG 11 est une vue en coupe selon le plan XI-XI de la FIG 10.

The accompanying drawings are schematic and are intended primarily to illustrate the principles of the invention.

• The FIG 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a broom according to the present disclosure.
• The FIG 2 is an exploded view of the head of this broom.
• The FIG 3 is a sectional view of the broom head according to the plane III-III of the FIG 1 .
• The FIG 4A is in sectional view on the same plane III-III when the mop head is in its folded position.
• The FIG 4B is a view similar to the FIG 4A when the broom handle is tilted.
• The FIG 4C is a sectional view along plane IV-IV of the FIG 4B .
• The FIG 5 is a sectional view of the mop head according to the VV plane of the FIG 3 .
• The FIG 6 is a view similar to the FIG 5 when the broom head is raised above the ground.
• The FIG 7 is an exploded view of the upper part of the broom handle.
• The FIG 8 is a sectional view of the upper part of the broom handle.
• The FIG 9 is a perspective view of a bucket according to the present disclosure.
• The FIG 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of this bucket.
• The FIG 11 is a sectional view according to plan XI-XI of the FIG 10 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In order to make the invention more concrete, examples of brush and bucket are described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is recalled that the invention is not limited to these examples.

The FIG 1 represents in perspective an embodiment of a broom 1 according to the present disclosure. This blade 1 comprises a handle 10 and a cleaning head 50 mounted at the lower end of the handle 10 via a fixing portion 51. This cleaning head 50 has a substantially rectangular shape.

The FIG 2 to 6 illustrate more specifically the cleaning head 50. It mainly comprises the fixing portion 51, a base 60, two wings 70a and 70b, and a hinge 80. A cleaning cloth 90, of the mop type, is removably attached to the ventral side 60b of the head 50: it comprises for this elastic bands 91 which are threaded around the ends 79a of the wings 70a, 70b.

The fixing portion 51 comprises a tapping 52 enabling the threaded lower end 11a of the handle 10 to be mounted.

The base 60, of substantially square shape, is articulated with the fixing portion 51, and therefore with the handle 10, using the hinge 80. This hinge 80, provided at the geometric center of the base 60, that is to say, at the intersection of the median lines of its dorsal surface 60a, comprises two perpendicular axes of rotation A and B. The first axis of rotation A, called the inclination axis, is collinear with the direction of more large extension of the head 50: it is made by journals 81 of the hinge 80 engaging in the bearings 61a of a fork 61 of the base 60. The second axis of rotation B, perpendicular to the axis A, is defined by flares 82 engaging in bearings 83 of the hinge 80 and 53a of a fork 53 of the fastening portion 51.

The two wings 70a, 70b are pivotable relative to the base by being articulated along the lateral ends of the base 60 by means of pivot axes represented by shafts 71: the wings 70a, 70b can thus extend the along the base 60 in a rest position, as shown in FIG. FIG 3 in particular, or be raised transversely to the base 60, on its dorsal side 60a, in a raised position as shown in FIG. FIG 4A especially. Hinge springs 72 are arranged around these shafts 71 so as to return the wings 70a, 70b towards their rest positions.

The wings 70a, 70b each further comprise a cavity 73 opening on the edge of the wing 70a, 70b opposite the base 60. In this cavity 73 is mounted a sleeve 74 provided with a lug 74a . A spring 75 is mounted between this socket and the opposite wall of the cavity 73 to push the lug 74a out of the cavity 73 towards the base 60.

Moreover, at least one of the wings 70a, 70b (in this case, it is the two wings) comprises an outer lateral portion forming its end 79a opposite to the pivot shaft 71 and an internal lateral portion 79b , which cooperates with the shaft 71 to connect the wing to the base 60. Springs 75 'are disposed between the outer and inner side portions, or between the outer side portion and the base. Thus, the outer lateral portion 79a is normally maintained at a slight distance from the inner lateral portion 79b, but it can be brought closer when the head is folded to allow this fold without the risk of tearing the trim which is then attached to the head. From the point of view of keeping the external lateral portions at a distance from the internal lateral portions, the return effects of the springs 75 and 75 'can be combined.

In this case, the sliding of the outer lateral portion 79a relative to the inner lateral portion 79b is guided by a rail / slider system: the outer lateral portion 79a includes extensions 79'a which are inserted into grooves guide 79'b that has the internal lateral portion 79b. The springs 75 'are held in grooves 79''which the extensions 79'a have, the structure could be reversed, with the guide grooves in the outer side portions and the extensions on the inner side portions.

The base 60 includes locking apertures 62 passing through the dorsal wall 60a of the base 60 in a position such that the lugs 74a of the wings 70a, 70b are capable of penetrating into these locking openings 62 when the wings 70a , 70b are in their raised positions. The lateral edges of the base 60 are rounded so that the lugs 74a can slide easily along these edges to the locking apertures 62.

The base 60 further comprises unlocking levers 63; each lever 63 is articulated around a median axis 63a and comprises at its ends, in opposite manner, an unlocking portion 63b and a bearing surface 63c. The bearing surface 63c extends in contact with a cam portion 84 of the hinge 80 comprising a flat portion 84a and front and rear corners 84b. With this cam portion 84, when the handle 10 of the blade 1 extends substantially perpendicular to the base 60 in a fore-and-aft plane, the flat 84a is in contact with the bearing surface 63c, which defines the position rest of the release lever 63; on the other hand, when the handle 10 is inclined forwards or behind the base 60, the front or rear corner 84b of the cam portion 84 presses on the bearing surface 63c of the lever 63, which moves its pushing portion 63b up. The latter then enters the locking opening 62 and pushes the lug 74a of the wing 70a or 70b: therefore, the hinge spring 72 recalls the wing 70a, 70b to its rest position.

The base 60 further comprises locking tabs 64. Each tab 64 is articulated within a recess 65 of the base 60 about an axis 64a between a flush position, as shown in FIG. FIG 5 , in which the tab 64 is flush with the ventral surface 60b of the base 60, and a projecting position, as shown in FIG. FIG 6 in which it protrudes below the ventral surface 60b. Each tab 64 has at its distal end a bearing portion 64b.

The fixing portion 51 comprises a cavity 54 opening at the lower edge of the fixing portion 51 vis-à-vis the hinge 80. In this cavity 54 is mounted a sleeve 55 provided with a finger 55a. A spring 56 is mounted between this bushing 55 and the opposite wall of the cavity 54 so as to push the finger 55a out of the cavity 54 in the direction of the hinge 80.

The hinge 80 comprises a longitudinal through passage 85 in which slides a rod 86. This rod 86 has a foot 87 whose rounded bottom surface 87a cooperates with the bearing portions 64b of the tabs 64; it has at its upper end an apex 88 cooperating with the finger 55a of the sleeve 55 of the fixing portion 51. The base 60 further comprises inclined abutment surfaces 66 extending on either side of the foot 87 of the rod 86.

Thus, when the blade is pressed against a working surface S, as is the case on the FIG 5 , the tabs 64 are forced into their flush positions, their bearing portions 64b rest on the foot 87 of the rod 86, the rod 86 moves upwards in its passage 85, and its top 88 presses on the finger 55a of the sleeve 55 which is thus pushed into its cavity 54.

In this situation, the interface between the apex 88 of the rod 86 and the finger 55a of the bushing 55 is located at the top of the passage 85 of the hinge 80: consequently, the rotation of the handle 10 around the axis B of the joint 80 is free (this is also visible on the FIG 3 ).

Furthermore, in this situation, the handle 10 can also be inclined around the inclination axis A because, as is better visible on the magnifying glass of the FIG 5 the side surfaces 87b of the foot 87 of the rod 86 are not impeded by the abutment surfaces 66 of the base 60.

On the other hand, when the head 50 is raised above a working surface S, the immobilization lugs 64 are no longer constrained and can rejoin their projecting positions: the spring 56 thus pushes the bushing 55, which pushes the rod 86, which pushes the legs 64.

In this new situation, represented in particular in FIG 3 and 5 , the finger 55a of the sleeve 55 enters the passage 85 of the hinge 80, so that the rotation about the axis B is blocked.

Moreover, in this new situation, the foot 87 of the rod 86 is lower and therefore closer to the base 60 so that its flank surfaces 87b abut against the abutment surfaces 65 of the base 60 when the it attempts to maneuver the handle 10 of the blade 1 around the axis of inclination A. Thanks to the slope of the abutment surfaces 65, the rotation around the inclination axis A is not completely prevented: it requires however, a greater inclination force to overcome the friction forces at the abutment surfaces 65 as well as the biasing force of the spring 56. However, this is sufficient to prevent the head 50 from tilting under its own weight when raised above the ground S.

To also prevent this immobilization mechanism from being inadvertently deactivated in a bucket or during the wiping of the blade 1 for example, the inner edges of the wings 70a, 70b form, when they are in the raised position, tabs 76 protruding under the ventral surface 60b of the base 60. Thus, when the head 50 is pressed against a surface, such as the bottom of a bucket for example, the immobilization tabs 64 are only partially supported by said surface up to the level of the cleats 76. Since then, the foot 87 of the rod 86 is slightly raised, its flank surfaces 87b meeting the abutment surfaces 65 a little higher, near their upper end: this thus facilitates a little the inclination of the handle 10 around the axis of inclination A without, however, allow it completely without effort.

The handle 10 of the blade 1 and its drive system in longitudinal rotation of the head 50 will now be described in more detail with reference to the FIG 7 and 8 .

The handle 10 comprises a lower tube 11 and an upper tube 12. A lower interface piece 21 is mounted at the upper end of the lower tube 11: it comprises a fixing portion 21a, mounted in force in the lower tube 11, a portion toothed 21b and a tubular portion 21c; a longitudinal cylindrical passage 21d crosses almost to its lower end.

An upper interface piece 22 is mounted at the lower end of the upper tube 12: it comprises a fixing portion 22a, mounted in force in the upper tube 12, a recess 22b and a longitudinal cylindrical passage 22c which passes through it in full. The tubular portion 21c of the lower interface piece 21 is in abutment against the bottom of the recess 22b of the upper interface piece 22. Two washers 35 and 36, serving respectively as a sliding washer (with a low coefficient of friction) and an anti-friction washer. noise, can be arranged around the tubular portion 21c, inside the recess 22b.

A rod 23 is inserted into the passages 21d and 22c of the interface parts 21 and 22 and fixed by means of pins 24 passing through the interface parts 21, 22. With this rod 23, the lower tubes 11 and upper 12 of the handle 10 are solidarisés.

A clutch ring 30 is integral with the toothed portion 21b of the lower interface piece 21: it comprises a plurality of clutch teeth 21 each having a plane inclined on one side and a steep wall on the other side.

A rotating ring 32 is disposed around the tubular portion 21c between the clutch ring 30 and the washers 35 and 36: it can slide along and rotate around the tubular portion 21c. It comprises drive teeth 33 and clutch teeth 34 having a profile complementary to the clutch teeth 31 of the clutch ring 30. A spring 39, disposed between an inner shoulder 37 of the rotary ring 32 and a shoulder 38 of the lower interface piece 21, pushes the rotary ring 32 away from the clutch ring 30.

A sleeve 40 is disposed around the handle 10 at the rotating ring 32. This sleeve 40 is free to slide along the handle 10. It is provided with an end piece 41 mounted at its lower end. An upper stop 42 is mounted at the upper end of the upper tube 12 and equipped with a knob 49. The inner surface of the sleeve 40 has helical tracks 43 cooperating with the drive teeth 33 of the rotary ring 32.

Thus, when the sleeve is moved downward from the upper stop 42, it drives the rotary ring 22 downward until the clutch teeth 31, 34 of the clutch ring 30 and the rotary ring 32 meet, engaging the rotary ring 32 with the clutch ring 30. From this moment, when the sleeve continues to descend, the rotating ring 32 can not slide lower, the latter is rotated in the clockwise about the longitudinal axis C of the handle 10 by the helical tracks 43 of the sleeve 40. Therefore, thanks to the clutch teeth 31, 34 whose steep walls face each other, the clockwise rotation of the rotary ring 32 drives solidarily the clockwise rotation of the clutch ring 30 and therefore of the lower interface piece 21 and of the whole handle 10; the head of cleaning 50 being integral with the handle 10, it is also driven in longitudinal rotation about the axis C of the handle 10.

On the other hand, when the sleeve 40 is moved upwards, the spring 39 pushes the rotary ring 32 away from the clutch ring 30, which breaks their cooperation. Therefore, when the rotating ring 32 is in abutment against the washer 35, the upward movement of the sleeve 40 drives the rotary ring 32 in counterclockwise rotation. However, as the rotating ring 32 and the clutch ring 30 are no longer in engagement, this counterclockwise rotation is not communicated to the handle 10; the latter can instead continue to turn freely in the clockwise direction under the effect of its inertia.

Thus, reciprocating movements of the sleeve 40 along the handle 10 continuously drive the latter and the cleaning head 50 in clockwise rotation about the longitudinal axis C of the handle 10.

The sleeve is further provided at its upper end with a locking rib 44 which can be retained in a locking groove 45 of the upper stop 42: this mechanism makes it possible to block the sleeve 40 during the cleaning of the surface so that the cleaning head 50 can not be driven in longitudinal rotation inadvertently.

An example of a bucket adapted for use with a broom according to the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG 9-11 . Such bucket 100 has side walls 101 and a bottom 102 defining an interior space at least a lower portion defines a reservoir zone 110 adapted to receive a cleaning solution, for example a mixture of water and detergent.

This reservoir comprises internal walls 111 substantially vertical at their bases and flaring at their vertices along an inclined plane 112 joining the side walls 101 of the bucket 100. These internal walls 111 are arranged face to face in the tank 110 and are separated at their base a distance slightly greater than the width of the base 50 of the blade 1. These walls further comprise horizontal ribs 113 for scraping the wipe 90 of the blade 1 when the cleaning head 50 is introduced into the tank 110 between the inner walls 111.

The bucket 100 further comprises a wiper device 120 provided with a pierced basket 121 mounted within the bucket 100, above the reservoir zone 110, on a support 122: more specifically, the basket 121 is integral with a shaft 123 rotatably mounted on the support 122 via bearings 124. The basket 121 can thus rotate freely over the tank 110.

This basket 121 has a truncated pyramid geometry substantially corresponding to the volume occupied by the head 50 of the blade 1 when it is in its folded position. Thus, the basket 121 comprises a substantially square bottom wall 122 and four side walls 123, pierced with orifices 124, inclined slightly towards the outside. These bottom walls 122 and lateral 123 further include ribs 125 for better cooperation with the head 50 of the blade 1.

The bucket finally comprises a lid 130 provided with a first opening 131 located above the inner walls 111 of the tank 110, for plunging the blade 1 into the tank 110, and a second opening 132 located above the basket pierced 121, allowing the insertion of the brush head 50 into the basket 121. The lid further comprises a handle 133 for conveying the bucket 100.

A typical example of using such a broom 1 and such bucket 100 will now be described. In use, the wipe 90 of the blade 1 must be impregnated with a cleaning solution: it is necessary to plunge the head 50 of the blade 1 in the bucket 100.

At the beginning of this operation, the base 60 is raised above the ground so that the immobilization mechanism is activated: as soon as the base 60 is brought into a position perpendicular to the handle 10, this position is locked by the rod 86 as described above.

Then, when the head 50 is inserted between the inner walls 111 of the tank 110 of the bucket 100, the inclined planes 112 of these walls 111 exert a force on the wings 70a, 70b which fold in their raised positions; once the latter are reached, the lugs 74a penetrate into the locking openings 62 and block the retracted position of the head 50. During this folding, the wipe 90 which is fixed to the head tends to recall the external lateral portions 79a. wings to the inner side portions 79b. The cleats 76 do not completely press the immobilization tabs 64 against the bottom 101 of the bucket 100 so as not to completely disable the immobilization mechanism. Thanks to the latter, the involuntary inclination of the handle 10 around the inclination axis A is limited, which avoids unintentional release of the folded position of the head 50.

Reciprocating movements then make it possible to scrape the wipe 90 by means of the ribs 113 of the internal walls 111. Once the wipe 90 impregnated with cleaning solution, the head 50 is extracted from the reservoir 110 and inserted into the pierced basket 121 of the wiper device 120. If, inadvertently, the folded position of the head has been unlocked, the inclined side walls 122 of the basket 121 also make it possible to easily fold the wings 70a, 70b during the insertion of the head 50 in the basket 121.

Once the head 50 has been inserted into the pierced basket 121, the rotary drive device can be activated by sliding the sleeve 40 along the handle 10 several times: the head 50 and the basket 121 are thus rotatably driven together. around the longitudinal axis C of the handle 1, thus creating a centrifugal force for wringing the wipe 90, the expelled water being received in the reservoir 110 through the orifices 124.

Once the spin is complete, the head 50 is extracted from the pierced basket 121 and pressed against the ground S. This allows to partially press the immobilizing tabs 64 to the level of the cleats 76 and thus to slightly facilitate the inclination of the handle 10 around the axis of inclination A. Such inclination towards the front or back of the blade 1, exerted with sufficient force so that the foot 87 of the rod 86 mounts along the abutment surface 65, allows to unlock the wings 70a, 70b which are returned to their rest positions by the hinge springs 72.

The cleaning head 50 is therefore in its working position and can be operated on the work surface S to clean the latter. When the user deems it necessary, a new cycle can begin.

The modes or examples of embodiment described in the present description are given for illustrative and not limiting, a person skilled in the art can easily, in view of this presentation, modify these modes or embodiments, or to consider others, while remaining within the scope of the invention.

In addition, the various features of these modes or embodiments can be used alone or be combined with each other. When combined, these features may be as described above or differently, the invention not being limited to the specific combinations described herein. In particular, unless otherwise specified, a characteristic described in connection with a mode or example of embodiment may be applied in a similar manner to another embodiment or embodiment.

Claims (12)

1. A cleaning head for a mop comprising:

   a fixing portion (51) adapted to fix the cleaning head (50) on a mop (1) handle (10),

   a base (60) mounted at the lower end of the fixing portion (51) via a hinge (80),

   at least two wings (70a, 70b) extending from opposite side edges of the base (60), each wing (70a, 70b) being pivotable with respect to the base (60) between a rest position, in which it extends substantially in the extension of the base (60), and a raised position, so that the cleaning head (50) can to be maneuvered between

   - a substantially rectilinear working position in which the wings (70a, 70b) are in their rest positions, and

   - a substantially U-shaped folding position in which the wings (70a, 70b) are in their raised positions, characterized in that said cleaning head comprises

   an immobilizer (86) configured to block at least a degree of freedom of the base (60) with respect to the fixing portion (51) when the base (60) is not bearing against a working surface (S).
2. The head according to claim 1, wherein the base (60) includes at least one tab (64), movably mounted in a recess (65) of the ventral side (60b) of the base (60) between a protruding position in which the tab (64) protrudes on the ventral face (60b) of the base (60) and a flush position in which the tab (64) is flush with the ventral face (60b) of the base (60), return means (56) urging the tab (64) towards its protruding position, and
   wherein said tab (64) cooperates with a first end (87) of a rod (86) configured to slide within a passage (85) of the hinge (80), said rod (86) interfering with at least part of the hinge (80) when the tab (64) is in its protruding position.
3. The head according to claim 2, wherein a second end (88) of the rod (86) cooperates with a protruding portion (55a) of a socket (55) housed in the fixing portion (51), said protruding portion (55a) interfering with at least part of the hinge (80) when the tab (64) is in its protruding position.
4. The head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one return device (72) configured to return a wing (70a, 70b) towards its rest position.
5. The head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the elements among one of the wings (70a, 70b) and the base (60) comprises at least two parts (79a, 79b) able to move relative to each other against elastic return means (75') in order to reduce the length of said element, measured perpendicular to the pivot axes of the wings with respect to the base.
6. The head according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one of the wings (70a, 70b) comprises an inner side portion (79b) through which said wing is linked to the base (60), and an outer side portion (79a) able to move towards the inner side portion against elastic return means (75').
7. The head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least one blocking device (74a, 62) configured to maintain a wing (70a, 70b) in its raised position when it is brought into this position.
8. The head according to claim 7, wherein one (60) of the elements among the base and said wing comprises at least one blocking aperture (62), and
   wherein the other (70a, 70b) of said elements among the base and said wing comprises a lug (74a) urged outwardly by means of return means (75) and configured to engage said blocking aperture (62) when the wing (70a, 70b) is in its raised position.
9. The head according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising at least one unblocking device (63) configured, when it is triggered, to deactivate said blocking device (74a, 62), the unblocking device (63) being configured to be triggered in response to a predetermined movement of the fixing portion (51) with respect to the base (60).
10. The head according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the base (60) comprises an unblocking lever (63) having a push-back portion (63b) configured to enter said blocking aperture (62) and push back the lug (74a) in order to break its cooperation with the blocking aperture (62), and
    wherein the unblocking lever (63) further has a bearing surface (63c) configured to cooperate with a member (84) secured to the fixing portion (51), the push-back portion (63b) of the lever (63) being moved towards the blocking aperture (62) when said element (84) secured to the fixing portion (51) moves the bearing surface (63c) towards the ventral face (60b) of the cleaning head (50).
11. A mop for a surface cleaning, comprising a handle (10) and a cleaning head (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 mounted at the lower end of the handle (10) via its fixing portion (51).
12. The mop according to claim 11, comprising a device for driving in longitudinal rotation (40, 32) the cleaning head (50) about the longitudinal axis (C) of the handle (10).

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