EP2929825A1 - Système d'activation pour une machine de nettoyage du sol - Google Patents

Système d'activation pour une machine de nettoyage du sol Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2929825A1
EP2929825A1 EP15075015.6A EP15075015A EP2929825A1 EP 2929825 A1 EP2929825 A1 EP 2929825A1 EP 15075015 A EP15075015 A EP 15075015A EP 2929825 A1 EP2929825 A1 EP 2929825A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
machine
handle
sensor
actuation system
touch
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP15075015.6A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Roberto Beretta
Luca Lenzi
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.)
Ghibli SpA
Original Assignee
Ghibli SpA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ghibli SpA filed Critical Ghibli SpA
Publication of EP2929825A1 publication Critical patent/EP2929825A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4002—Installations of electric equipment
    • A47L11/4008—Arrangements of switches, indicators or the like
    • 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
    • A47L11/28—Floor-scrubbing machines, motor-driven

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an activation system for scrubbing machines or for manned mobile machines of any kind.
  • a scrubbing machine comprises at least one or more actuation buttons, e.g. of the rocker type. More particularly, various types of potentiometers are frequently used for moving and accelerating the machines. Use of various machanical levers, both for moving the machine and enabling the actuation of brushes of these machines is also common.
  • buttons are generally provided, which may me designed to carry out the switching on/off and regulating operations of most functions, such as the mentioned sucking, delivering, washing, brushing operations of water or chemical substances and so forth.
  • said scrubbing machines generally comprise at least one pedal to speed up or brake said machines, that is usually provided for manned machines.
  • buttons, levers, pedals, switches requires suitable electronic and mechanical devices for its operation, and each device obviously has a specific function and therefore dedicated mechanical and/or electronic components for said device.
  • Said systems generally are also provided with a display, which may also comprise the actuation of programs.
  • a display which may also comprise the actuation of programs.
  • in order to move the machine it is first of all necessary to select the chosen function and then to move it, since at least one hand should be handling the display and/or said actuation systems.
  • in order to disable any function it is generally necessary to move again at least one hand, to enable/disable the required function, with a consequent latency time between the desired event and its achievement.
  • an event would be particularly the braking function, this might be very dangerous e.g. in case of steps, walls and so on.
  • these systems generally are very expensive in comparison with the more traditional ones.
  • document WO 2003/041554 A1 discloses a technological advanced automated complex system, that may be used to supply information adapted to improve management of industrial and commercial processes, with particular reference to the field of scrubbing machines, said method and system of data collection being adapted to optimize the cleaning process, for instance by an efficient allocation of cleaning materials, energy saving and labor force.
  • said functional complexity is obviously reflected also on machine assembling that in this case would be very delicate from the functional point of view, and subject to defects and malfunctions, with a complex range of components, with consequent cost for possible spare parts and maintenance.
  • said technologically advanced machines do not concern the development of the present invention, that has instead the object of making simpler and cheaper but at the same time more updated the professional scrubbing machines.
  • An object of the present invention is to reduce the manufacturing costs of scrubbing machines.
  • Another object of the present invention is to achieve a greater reliability of the scrubbing machines and more particularly to its driving system, in respect of its correct calibration and components.
  • An additional object of the present invention is also to improve the technical reliability of the machine, thus reducing need of maintenance and the related costs, thus enhancing the user's satisfaction.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide for a system actuating the control, which is simple and intuitive.
  • Still an object of the present invention is to provide for a system enabling/disabling the desired functions having an immediate operation as well as response.
  • touch activation system is one of the most widespread actuation systems more particularly for electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablets and the like, which are recognized as being new, performing, interesting, updated and consequently particularly appealing to the user and purchaser.
  • the actuation system for scrubbing machines comprises use of a capacitive sensor, e.g. installed on the handle of the scrubbing machine, generally used for the physical motion of said machine.
  • said touch sensors are incorporated in the actuation structure, and not in a display or similar device.
  • said touch sensors are positioned in such a way, as to correspond with the position taken by the hands of an operator, when the machine is moving and/or working. This makes optimal the user's ergonomics and allows to carry out immediately any desired operation; indeed in an absolutely advantageous way, contrary to the mentioned electronic systems, user may carry out the desired operations, in practice without moving the hands from the comfortable driving position, since to actuate the machine it is sufficient to put a finger on the sensor and remove it to stop the machine, as it is well known for the touch sensors.
  • this innovative touch recognition system allows to interact immediately with the machine; as above indicated, in case an immediate stop is required, it is not necessary even to move the hand, it is sufficient just to move the finger, and the same applies for other functions that can be enabled/disabled.
  • the activation system therefore will be advantageously incorporated into the already existing structure of the machine, thus totally eliminating the additional mechanical elements which were previously used to put in motion said machines, and also the relevant actuation displays and so on.
  • Said integration may be carried out in many known ways, without departing from the object and scope of the invention.
  • One known way may be the simple application of a glue or adhesive.
  • the responsive attitude of the machine is clearly bigger than the response of any other prior art machine, since it is sufficient to move the hand or even one finger relative to the sensor to disable the machine, thus increasing considerably safety of use of said machine.
  • the total manufacturing cost of a scrubbing machine provided with the actuation system according to the present invention is strongly reduced, since the components for the touch actuation system inclusive of the sensor, have sensibly lower costs in comparison with the traditional systems e.g. comprising mechanical components to carry out the same function, and also lower costs when compared with the complex and expensive systems provided with sophisticated electronic controls.
  • such a system generally comprises at least an arc shaped member 1', e.g. of stainless steel or other suitable material, a plate or bracket 2' for supporting and fixing said arc shaped member 1', an adjusting screw 4' for fastening said arc shaped member 1', a mechanical switch 3' or contact button, a ring nut 7' for fixing said switch 3', a plate 5' covering the room in which the arc shaped member 1' is arranged, as well as a plurality of screws (not shown) and/or fastening bolts 6'.
  • These components are generally made of stainless steel or other suitable material, that should be adapted to last with time, be cleaned frequently and to be worn the least possible for accidental contact with water or cleaning substances. It is to be noted that these components are made of valuable materials, thus having a significant cost, both for their raw materials and for the processes required for their manufacture. For instance an arc shaped member of stainless steel requires bending, cutting, boring steps having a non-negligible cost and involve also energy consumption, and this is true also for plates, brackets, buttons, levers, screws and any other element required for their production.
  • FIGs 2 and 3 are exploded views of any handle adopted to be mounted on scrubbing machines, showing a touch sensor 1 mounted on said handle 2.
  • Said actuation system with touch sensor 1 is for instance incorporated into a preferably revolution shaped handle 2, provided with a rear shell 3 having the function of grip (with one or two hands according to the user's preference), and a front shell 4, closing and isolating from the outer agents the assembling zone for said touch sensor.
  • the touch sensor system comprises at least a capacitive sensor 1, which is installed in a determined gripping position in a preferably recessed zone 5, which is therefore more protected in a chosen point of handle 2, depending on the production process. Positioning of the sensor(s) 1 in any case preferably occurs in a zone suitable for a comfortable rest of one or both user's hands on said handle.
  • a sensitive area 6 that will be indicated in such a way to be easily recognized on touch, but also on sight
  • sais sensitive area may be recognized by a recessed zone 5 or tactile reliefs which may be made in the sensor zone in the form of protrusions, printed on plastics, depressions, in any case any kind of element adapted to allow at least the tactile recognition of said at least one touch sensor 1.
  • said sensor 1 When touching sensor 1 positioned on the grip, said sensor 1 sends a signal to the dedicated electronic board, which enables the functions previously programmed by the operator, according to his requirements.
  • Sensor 1 advantageously is of a very reduced size, and is positioned on the grip in such a way that touch of sensor 1 occurs in a fully natural way relative to the traditional position of the operator's hand.
  • Touch sensors adapted for the object of the present invention are for instance touch or proximity sensors of various kinds, e.g. capacitive, resistive, infrared ones.
  • only one sensor 1 is placed at the centre of the lower shell 3, therefore the machine is actuated by resting at choice one of the thumbs on the sensitive central area 6.
  • the safety point of view since it is possible in any case to firmly grasp the handle with both hands, e.g. in order to avoid bumping into an obstacle, without the risk that an unskilled operator carries out this operation keeping the hands on the sensitive zone, that could happen in a variation with sensors applied on the front shell.
  • the outer portions of the scrubbing machines are considerably reduced, thus simplifying a careful cleaning of the machine and of the outer surfaces subject to possible wear, more particularly the very linear conformation of the handle including said touch actuation system, is very easy to be cleaned, since it does not include bends, protruding screws, buttons with slits, protrusions due to the display, or delicate parts with liquid crystals or similar elements.
  • said factor of greater cleaning ease is important in the field of scrubbing machines, as the rooms to be cleaned are often hospitals rooms where hygiene is fundamental, or very dirty places, and bacterial stagnation on mechanical or complementary outer surfaces difficult to be cleaned is an important aspect for choosing the machine in the relevant sector.
  • Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the system with the touch sensor 1 assembled in the revolution shaped handle 2, and more particularly one can see that the front shell 4 and rear shell 3 are mounted on the handle, thus protecting the touch sensor 1, which in this particularly preferred embodiment is integral with the handle 2.
  • said front shell 4 and rear shell 3 are so assembled on said handle 2 as to form a grip 7 adapted to be held by the user or whereon one or more fingers or hands may be laid, in order to drive the scrubbing machine.
  • Said grip 7 comprises one or more sensitive areas 6, indicating the position of the touch sensors 1 and allowing their actuation, this either starting or stopping the scrubbing machine.
  • said sensitive areas may be recognized by said exemplary recessed zones 5, but they may be alternatively or additionally other recognition tactile means for this purpose though not described here.
  • a possible type of touch sensor is advantageously implemented with an adhesive side (e.g. the sensitive side), so that the system may be easily installed anywhere without needing any tool.
  • adhesive side e.g. the sensitive side
  • other sensors of the same kind and also suitable for the objects of the present invention may require installation through screws and/or may be provided without applied adhesive. In this case it is however generally possible to glue the sensor either with double-sided tape or suitable glues.
  • Sensor 1 is connected to the machine electronic board, which is the same used with the conventional activation systems, through a simple wiring with connectors, like those in any case required to connect a mechanical switch.
  • this sensor may be acceded very easily, by removing the protection shells, that are united for instance by common screws for plastics. In this case sensor 1 may be easily removed lifting it from its seat and replaced by a new one by suitable glueing or fastening means. Therefore it is clear that maintenance and repair are very easy and economically advantageous in comparison with those previously described with reference to prior art actuation mechanisms, and the complex mechanical parts therein contained.
  • Said touch sensors may also be adapted to carry out additional chosen functions and to replace one or more elements which were hitherto actuated mechanically in the prior art scrubbing machines.
  • touch sensors may also be implemented with a touch operation to start the machine and another touch operation to stop the machine, without departing from the scope of the invention and the advantages related to the present invention.
EP15075015.6A 2014-03-27 2015-03-27 Système d'activation pour une machine de nettoyage du sol Withdrawn EP2929825A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITMI20140529 2014-03-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2929825A1 true EP2929825A1 (fr) 2015-10-14

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15075015.6A Withdrawn EP2929825A1 (fr) 2014-03-27 2015-03-27 Système d'activation pour une machine de nettoyage du sol

Country Status (1)

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EP (1) EP2929825A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003041554A1 (fr) 2001-11-09 2003-05-22 Tennant Company Systeme et procede de gestion d'informations pour vehicules d'entretien de surface
US20050029971A1 (en) * 2001-05-21 2005-02-10 Coates Donald A. Control arrangement for a cleaning appliance
US20120152280A1 (en) * 2010-12-18 2012-06-21 Zenith Technologies, Llc Touch Sensitive Display For Surface Cleaner
US8595892B1 (en) * 2010-08-02 2013-12-03 Wilson E. Everette, Jr. Ultrasonic floor cleaner and scrubber

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050029971A1 (en) * 2001-05-21 2005-02-10 Coates Donald A. Control arrangement for a cleaning appliance
WO2003041554A1 (fr) 2001-11-09 2003-05-22 Tennant Company Systeme et procede de gestion d'informations pour vehicules d'entretien de surface
US8595892B1 (en) * 2010-08-02 2013-12-03 Wilson E. Everette, Jr. Ultrasonic floor cleaner and scrubber
US20120152280A1 (en) * 2010-12-18 2012-06-21 Zenith Technologies, Llc Touch Sensitive Display For Surface Cleaner

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