EP4694747A1 - Squeegee assembly for a floor cleaning machine and related floor cleaning machine - Google Patents

Squeegee assembly for a floor cleaning machine and related floor cleaning machine

Info

Publication number
EP4694747A1
EP4694747A1 EP24742288.4A EP24742288A EP4694747A1 EP 4694747 A1 EP4694747 A1 EP 4694747A1 EP 24742288 A EP24742288 A EP 24742288A EP 4694747 A1 EP4694747 A1 EP 4694747A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
frame
nozzle
squeegee assembly
inlet aperture
suction port
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP24742288.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Mario WETZLEI
Thomas Keller
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.)
Diversey Inc
Original Assignee
Diversey Inc
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
Application filed by Diversey Inc filed Critical Diversey Inc
Publication of EP4694747A1 publication Critical patent/EP4694747A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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
    • A47L11/4044—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
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/29—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid
    • A47L11/30—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a squeegee assembly and a machine for cleaning floors or flat surfaces.
  • the floor cleaning machine may include one or more suction devices and a cleaning unit or washing unit for the surface to be treated.
  • Floor cleaning machines have cleaning units comprising cleaning brushes or cleaning pads placed at the front or bottom side of the cleaning machine and a squeegee assembly placed at the back of the machine to remove liquids from the floor.
  • Known squeegee assemblies include a support chassis, a central suction nozzle that can be connected to a vacuum pump, and flexible front and rear blades (e.g., made of rubber) suitable for contacting a surface to be cleaned.
  • flexible front and rear blades e.g., made of rubber
  • air and liquids from a right and a left side of the squeegee are moved along the rear blade, mixing with each other at the suction nozzle.
  • the encounter between said fluid streams originates turbulence in the suction nozzle, preventing effective suction of fluids that may stagnate in areas surrounding the suction nozzle.
  • a first objective of the present invention is to provide a squeegee assembly that increases the suction efficiency of fluids while minimizing the cost of implementation.
  • a further purpose of the present invention to provide a squeegee assembly capable of limiting debris clogging such that the operation of the squeegee assembly itself is impaired.
  • a squeegee assembly to collect liquids from a surface of a floor comprising:
  • a frame (2) presenting a bottom side (2a) configured to face the floor surface and a top side (2b) opposite the bottom side (2a),
  • nozzle (6) extending from the suction port (5) through the frame (2) and toward a delivery section
  • the inlet aperture (7) has an area cross section less than a nozzle cross section (6) at the delivery section (8).
  • the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the inlet aperture (7) to the cross-sectional area of the suction port (5) at the delivery section (8) is between 0.3 and 0.7.
  • the nozzle cross-sectional area (6) increases away from the suction port (5) in the direction of the delivery section (8).
  • leading edge (9) extends between opposite ends coincident with the respective opposite ends of the trailing edge (10).
  • leading and trailing edges (9, 10) define a closed profile, optionally a closed planar profile.
  • the trailing edge (10) extends along a curvilinear trajectory, and/or wherein the leading edge (9) extends along a respective curvilinear or straight trajectory.
  • the curvilinear trajectories of the trailing edge (10) and leading edge (9) are formed by respective arcs of circumference lying on the same ideal plane.
  • the trailing edge arc has a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the leading edge arc (9).
  • the ratio of the respective radii of curvature of leading and trailing edges (9, 10) is between 1.5 and 10, plus optionally between 2 and 5.
  • the leading edge curvilinear trajectory (9) has a concavity directed toward the front blade and/or the trailing edge curvilinear trajectory (9, 10) has a concavity directed toward the front blade.
  • the inlet aperture (7) has a symmetrical conformation with respect to an ideal plane (A) vertical and perpendicular to the front and rear blades (3a, 3b).
  • the height (H) of the inlet aperture (7) is maximum on the ideal vertical plane (A) and decreases progressively away from the ideal plane (A).
  • the width (L) of the inlet aperture (7) is maximum at the leading edge (9) and gradually decreases moving away from the leading edge (9) toward the trailing edge (10).
  • the ratio of the maximum height to the maximum width inlet aperture (7) is between 0.2 and 0.8.
  • the ideal vertical plane (A) is a plane of symmetry that crosses the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) perpendicularly, optionally so as to divide the frame (2) into symmetrical halves.
  • the ratio between the maximum height of the inlet aperture (7) and the distance between the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) parallel to a direction on the ideal vertical plane (A) is between 0.4 and 0.6.
  • the trailing edge (10) of the inlet aperture (7) is spaced from the rear blade (3b) by a minimum distance parallel to a direction on the ideal vertical plane (A), which is less than a minimum distance parallel to a direction on the ideal plane (A) between the leading edge (9) and the front blade (3a).
  • the ratio between the minimum distance between the trailing edge (10) and the rear blade (3b) and the minimum distance between the leading edge (9) and the front blade (3a) is between 0.1 and 0.5.
  • the nozzle (6) includes a beveled section that joins with the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2).
  • the rounded surface of the beveled section has a radius of curvature that changes along the trailing edge (10).
  • the radius of curvature of the rounded surface of the beveled section is maximum at the trailing edge ends (10) and decreases progressively and continuously proceeding along the trailing edge (10) away from the trailing edge ends (10) toward a center of the same trailing edge.
  • the radius of curvature of the rounded surface is essentially constant along the leading edge.
  • the ratio of the radius of curvature of the rounded surface at the ends of the trailing section to the radius of curvature of the rounded surface at the center of the same trailing edge is between 2 and 6.
  • the nozzle (6) has a tubular conformation defining a channel to convey air, debris and liquid particles from the inlet aperture (7) to the delivery section (8).
  • the delivery section (8) of the nozzle (6) extends above the top side (2b) of the frame (2) and is configured to receive or connect with a suction pipe.
  • the suction port (5) and/or nozzle (6) are coated with a layer of vibration-dampening material, such as rubber or silicone.
  • the squeegee assembly including a flap (11) coupled to the frame (2) and extending transversely to the nozzle (6).
  • the flap (11) at least partially occludes the inlet aperture (7) of the suction port (5).
  • the flap (11) has a symmetrical conformation with respect to the/to an ideal plane (A) of symmetry transverse to the first and second blades (3a, 3b).
  • the flap (11) has an outer wall in continuity with the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2).
  • the flap (11) defines the leading edge (9) of the inlet aperture (7).
  • the delivery section (8) defines a terminal end of the nozzle (6) and wherein the flap (11) has a thickness measured perpendicular to the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2), which is smaller, optionally at least 10 times smaller, than a distance between the suction port (5) and the delivery section (8) of the nozzle (6).
  • the flap thickness measures between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.
  • the frame (2) has an arcuate shape extending transversely to a direction of travel (D) of the squeegee assembly between first and second ends (12, 13).
  • the frame (2) includes a front side (14) spaced from a rear side (15) at the suction port (5), wherein the distance between the front and rear sides (14, 15) of the frame (2) tapers away from the suction port (5) toward the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2).
  • the front and rear sides (14, 15) of frame (2) join at the two ends (12, 13) of frame (2).
  • the front and rear sides (14, 15) of the frame (2) extend along their respective curvilinear trajectories.
  • the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) have a respective arcuate shape.
  • the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) extend the entire length of the frame (2) between the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2).
  • the distance between the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) is maximum at the suction port (5).
  • the distance between the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) gradually decreases as they move away from the suction port (5) toward the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2).
  • the maximum distance between the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) is between 5 and 30 mm.
  • the first and second blades (3a, 3b) are spaced apart from each other at the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2) defining the respective passages (16) to channel liquid into the elongate liquid collection volume (4).
  • the front blade (3a) includes at least one front recess (17) at the interface with the floor to allow liquid to be channeled behind the front blade (3a) into the elongate liquid collection volume (4).
  • the front recess (17) is aligned with the suction port (5) parallel to the plane of symmetry of the squeegee assembly.
  • the front blade (3a) includes two or more lateral recesses (17a, 17b) interposed between the front recess (17) and the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2), respectively; said lateral recesses (17a, 17b) defining respective passages to allow liquid to be conveyed into the elongate liquid collection volume (4).
  • the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) are made of rubber or silicone.
  • the squeegee assembly includes two or more wheels (18) coupled with the frame (2) to roll along the floor crossed by the squeegee assembly.
  • the horizontal wheels (19) extend beyond a transverse frame footprint (2).
  • a floor cleaning machine comprising:
  • the squeegee assembly (1) is hinged to the support chassis (102) of the machine.
  • the squeegee assembly can be configured between:
  • the floor cleaning machine includes a lever (106) active on the squeegee assembly to move the squeegee assembly from inactive to active condition and vice versa.
  • the lever (106) is operated manually by a user or automatically by pneumatic or hydraulic actuators.
  • the suction pipe (105) includes a connector (107) optionally removably coupled to the delivery section (8) of the nozzle (6) of the squeegee assembly (1).
  • the floor cleaning machine includes a suction generator, optionally equipped with a motor or vacuum pump, active on the suction pipe (105) to suck air, debris, and liquid particles from the floor surface through the inlet aperture (7) of the suction port (5) of the squeegee assembly and collect them in the collecting tank (104).
  • a suction generator optionally equipped with a motor or vacuum pump, active on the suction pipe (105) to suck air, debris, and liquid particles from the floor surface through the inlet aperture (7) of the suction port (5) of the squeegee assembly and collect them in the collecting tank (104).
  • the floor cleaning machine includes:
  • one or more clean liquid tanks (109a, 109b) to hold fluids, e.g., water, cleaning fluids or disinfectants,
  • FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a floor cleaning machine in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above of a squeegee assembly in accordance with the present invention
  • - Figure 4 is a perspective view from below of a squeegee assembly in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 6 and 7 are partially sectional perspective views of a squeegee assembly in accordance with the present invention.
  • Upstream and downstream refers to the position of the parts in relation to the airflow during operation of the exhaust unit and intake unit part of the equipment.
  • a floor cleaning machine 100 comprising a support chassis 102 that defines at least one housing where the various internal components of the machine are housed.
  • the support chassis 102 has a cleaning unit 101 associated with a lower portion of the support chassis 102 in order to act on the floor to be cleaned.
  • the cleaning unit 101 is shown non-limitingly at a front area of the machine 100 and may include one or more cleaning pads 103 and/or one or more cleaning rollers.
  • the machine may include one or more clean liquid tanks 109a, 109b housed in the support chassis 102 to accommodate water, cleaning or disinfectant liquids, concentrates, and more which may be distributed by one or more supply conduits to the cleaning unit 101 and/or directly to the floor.
  • the machine may include a collecting tank 104 housed in or by the support chassis and pre-purposed to receive spent liquids which may be channeled by a suction pipe 105 connected to the collecting tank 104 and removably engaged to a squeegee assembly 1 subsequently described.
  • the floor cleaning machine 100 may also include a suction generator, such as a motor or vacuum pump, active on the suction pipe 105 or downstream of the collecting tank 104 to draw air, debris, and liquid particles from the floor surface through the squeegee assembly and collect them in the collecting tank 104.
  • a suction generator such as a motor or vacuum pump
  • the machine 100 also includes main wheels 108 mounted on the lower portion of the support chassis 102 and movable by rotation along a horizontal axis, oriented to move the machine 100 along a direction of travel D.
  • the machine 100 is equipped with one or more squeegee assemblies 1 for removing liquids from the floor, coupled to a lower portion of the support chassis 102 of the machine behind the cleaning unit 101 with respect to the direction of travel D of the machine.
  • the squeegee assembly 1 may be hinged to the support chassis 102 of the machine and configured between an active condition wherein it contacts the floor to be cleaned and an inactive condition wherein it is spaced away from the floor surface, allowing for easy movement of the machine when not in operation for floor cleaning.
  • the machine may also include a lever 106 operated manually by a user or automatically by pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, which is active on the squeegee assembly to move it from the inactive to the active condition and vice versa.
  • the squeegee assembly 1 may have two or more wheels 18 movable by rotation around horizontal axes to move the squeegee assembly together with the support chassis 102 of the machine 100, along the direction of travel D.
  • the squeegee assembly may also have two horizontal wheels 19, movable by rotation around respective vertical axes, which define respective ends of the squeegee assembly determining a maximum cross-sectional footprint.
  • the squeegee assembly includes a frame 2 defined by an elongated body extending transversely the direction of travel D of the machine between first and second ends 12, 13.
  • the frame 2 may have a length at least equal to a transverse footprint of the machine 100 to which it is connected, or it may preferably have a length greater than the transverse footprint of the machine 1 to maximize the collection of liquids on the floor to be treated.
  • the frame overall has an arcuate conformation and, in more detail, and an inverted "C" or "U” shaped section.
  • the frame is bounded in height by a bottom side 2a facing the floor surface to be treated and a top side 2b, opposite the bottom side 2a and facing the lower portion of the support chassis 102 of the machine 100. Additionally, frame 2 is bounded in width by a front side 14 facing the cleaning unit 101 of the machine 100 and a rear side 15 at the back of the front side 14 with respect to the direction of travel D.
  • the frame exhibits constant height, that is, the distance between bottom side 2a and top side 2b is constant along the entire length of the frame, while it exhibits a variable width proceeding from the first to the second end 12, 13 of frame 2.
  • the front side 14 and rear side 15 of the frame are spaced a maximum distance apart at a central area of frame 2 to define a maximum width, which tapers off proceeding toward the first and second ends 12, 13, where front and rear sides 14, 15 come together.
  • the squeegee assembly includes two or more flexible blades carried by frame 2 and configured to contact the floor surface to be treated (flexible blades are defined as elongated bodies, particularly thin elongated bodies, capable of lapping the floor to be cleaned).
  • the squeegee assembly includes a front blade 3a facing the cleaning unit 101 and a rear blade 3b, located behind the front blade with respect to the direction of travel D.
  • the front and rear blades 3a, 3b are developed preponderantly below the bottom side 2a of the frame 2 defining, just in cooperation with the bottom side 2a, an elongate liquid collection volume 4 where liquids and debris are collected to be sucked up and conveyed to the collecting tank 104.
  • the front blade and rear blades 3a, 3b are engaged at the bottom side 2a of frame 2 at the front and rear sides 14, 15 of the frame, respectively, presenting respective arcuate conformations that follow the arcuate profiles of the front and rear sides 14, 15 for the entire length of frame 2.
  • the front and rear blades 3a, 3b are offset from each other by a maximum distance at the central area of frame 2, which decreases progressively proceeding toward the first and second ends 12, 13 of frame 2.
  • the elongate liquid collection volume 4 also tapers as it proceeds from the central area toward the first and second ends 12, 13 of frame.
  • front and rear blades 3a, 3b may in an embodiment not join together at the first and second ends 12, 13 of the frame, but may instead, for example, remain spaced to define respective passages 16 for channeling fluids and debris into the elongated liquid collection volume 4. Additional channels for the passage of fluids and debris to elongate liquid collection volume 4 are defined by recesses, cuts, recesses, or other openings made on the front blade at the interface with the floor.
  • front blade 3a may have a front recess 17 aligned with the central area of the frame and two or more lateral recesses 17a, 17b, respectively interposed between front recess 17 and the first and second ends 12, 13 of frame 2, defining respective passages for channeling fluids into elongate liquid collection volume 4.
  • front blade 3a and rear blade 3b may both be made of flexible material, such as rubber or silicone.
  • the squeegee assembly 1 may also include a suction port 5 on the bottom side 2b of frame 2 and defining an inlet aperture 7 facing the elongate liquid collection volume, to allow suction of fluids and debris on the surface to be cleaned.
  • Inlet aperture 7 is perimeter bounded by an edge that has two distinct sections interconnected to define a closed profile.
  • suction port 5 has a leading edge 9 facing front blade 3a and extending between respective opposite ends, coinciding with respective ends of a trailing edge 10 facing rear blade 3b, to define the closed planar profile.
  • Flap 11 being a plate that partially occludes the suction port, not only has the advantage of decreasing the intensity of turbulence at the suction port, but also defines a wall that intercepts and prevents fluid backflow from a fluid suction direction from inlet aperture 7 to delivery section 8. This prevents the occurrence of fluid backflow in an area surrounding the suction port 5, maximizing the collection of dirty fluids.

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  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a squeegee assembly for collecting liquids from a floor surface, comprising a frame (2) having a bottom side (2a) and a top side (2b), front and rear blades (3a, 3b) coupled to the frame and defining an elongate liquid collection volume (4), a suction port (5) on the bottom side of the frame defining an inlet aperture (7), a nozzle (6) extending from the suction port through the frame and toward a delivery section (8) spaced from the suction port. The inlet aperture (7) has a cross section of area less than a nozzle cross section at the delivery section. The present invention also relates to a floor cleaning machine comprising the squeegee assembly.

Description

DESCRIPTION
SQUEEGEE ASSEMBLY FOR A FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE AND RELATED FLOOR
CLEANING MACHINE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a squeegee assembly and a machine for cleaning floors or flat surfaces. The floor cleaning machine may include one or more suction devices and a cleaning unit or washing unit for the surface to be treated.
STATE OF THE ART
Floor cleaning machines have cleaning units comprising cleaning brushes or cleaning pads placed at the front or bottom side of the cleaning machine and a squeegee assembly placed at the back of the machine to remove liquids from the floor.
Known squeegee assemblies include a support chassis, a central suction nozzle that can be connected to a vacuum pump, and flexible front and rear blades (e.g., made of rubber) suitable for contacting a surface to be cleaned. During operation of the squeegee assembly, air and liquids from a right and a left side of the squeegee are moved along the rear blade, mixing with each other at the suction nozzle. The encounter between said fluid streams originates turbulence in the suction nozzle, preventing effective suction of fluids that may stagnate in areas surrounding the suction nozzle.
To overcome this drawback, squeegee assemblies presenting vacuum pumps capable of delivering high power to increase fluid suction are known. However, such solutions have been found to be highly expensive, bulky and noisy, solving only marginally the aforementioned problem.
AIM OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore the purpose of the present invention to solve at least one of the drawbacks and/or limitations of the previous solutions.
A first objective of the present invention is to provide a squeegee assembly that increases the suction efficiency of fluids while minimizing the cost of implementation.
It is also the purpose of the present invention to provide a squeegee assembly of simple design and capable of reliable liquid collection.
A further purpose of the present invention to provide a squeegee assembly capable of limiting debris clogging such that the operation of the squeegee assembly itself is impaired. These purposes and others, which will appear more from the following description, are basically achieved by a squeegee assembly and a floor cleaning machine in accordance with one or more of the following claims and/or aspects.
SUMMARY
Aspects of the invention are described below.
In a 1st aspect, a squeegee assembly is provided to collect liquids from a surface of a floor comprising:
- a frame (2) presenting a bottom side (2a) configured to face the floor surface and a top side (2b) opposite the bottom side (2a),
- a front blade (3a) and a rear blade (3b) coupled to the frame (2) to define, in cooperation with the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2), an elongate liquid collection volume (4),
- at least one suction port (5) on the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2) defining an inlet aperture (7) in the elongate liquid collection volume (4),
- a nozzle (6) extending from the suction port (5) through the frame (2) and toward a delivery section
(8) spaced from the suction port (5), wherein the inlet aperture (7) has an area cross section less than a nozzle cross section (6) at the delivery section (8).
In a 2nd aspect according to the previous aspect, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the inlet aperture (7) to the cross-sectional area of the suction port (5) at the delivery section (8) is between 0.3 and 0.7.
In a 3rd aspect according to any one of the previous two aspects, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the inlet aperture (7) to the cross-sectional area of the suction port (5) in the delivery section (8) is between 0.4 and 0.6.
In a 4th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects, the nozzle cross-sectional area (6) is minimum at or in immediate proximity to the suction port (5).
In a 5th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects, the nozzle cross-sectional area (6) increases away from the suction port (5) in the direction of the delivery section (8).
In a 6th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects the inlet aperture (7) has an elongated conformation.
In a 7th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects the inlet aperture (7) has a non-circular conformation.
In an 8th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects the inlet aperture (7) extends coplanar to the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2). In a 9th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects the inlet aperture (7) is perimetrically bounded by:
- a leading edge (9) facing the front blade, and
- a trailing edge (10) facing the rear blade.
In a 10th aspect according to the previous aspect, the leading edge (9) extends between opposite ends coincident with the respective opposite ends of the trailing edge (10).
In an 11th aspect according to any one of the previous two aspects the leading and trailing edges (9, 10) define a closed profile, optionally a closed planar profile.
In a 12th aspect according to any one of the three previous aspects the trailing edge (10) extends along a curvilinear trajectory, and/or wherein the leading edge (9) extends along a respective curvilinear or straight trajectory.
In a 13th aspect according to the previous aspect, the curvilinear trajectories of the trailing edge (10) and leading edge (9) are formed by respective arcs of circumference lying on the same ideal plane.
In a 14th aspect according to the previous aspect, the trailing edge arc has a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the leading edge arc (9).
In a 15th aspect according to any one of the preceding two aspects, the ratio of the respective radii of curvature of leading and trailing edges (9, 10) is between 1.5 and 10, plus optionally between 2 and 5.
In a 16th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the leading edge curvilinear trajectory (9) has a concavity directed toward the front blade and/or the trailing edge curvilinear trajectory (9, 10) has a concavity directed toward the front blade.
In a 17th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects the inlet aperture (7) has a symmetrical conformation with respect to an ideal plane (A) vertical and perpendicular to the front and rear blades (3a, 3b).
In an 18th aspect according to the previous aspect, the inlet aperture (7) has a height (H) measured on the lying plane of the inlet aperture and parallel to the ideal vertical plane (A).
In a 19th aspect according to the previous aspect, the inlet opening (7) has a width (L) measured parallel to a direction (B) orthogonal to the ideal vertical plane (A).
In a 20° aspect according to any one of the two previous aspects, the height (H) of the inlet aperture (7) is maximum on the ideal vertical plane (A) and decreases progressively away from the ideal plane (A).
In a 21st aspect according to any one of the two previous aspects, the width (L) of the inlet aperture (7) is maximum at the leading edge (9) and gradually decreases moving away from the leading edge (9) toward the trailing edge (10). In a 22nd aspect according to the two aspects above, the ratio of the maximum height to the maximum width inlet aperture (7) is between 0.2 and 0.8.
In a 23rd aspect according to any one of the previous aspects from 18th to 22nd the ideal vertical plane (A) is a plane of symmetry that crosses the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) perpendicularly, optionally so as to divide the frame (2) into symmetrical halves.
In a 24th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects from 20th to 23rd, the ratio between the maximum height of the inlet aperture (7) and the distance between the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) parallel to a direction on the ideal vertical plane (A) is between 0.4 and 0.6.
In a 25th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects from 18th to 24th the trailing edge (10) of the inlet aperture (7) is spaced from the rear blade (3b) by a minimum distance parallel to a direction on the ideal vertical plane (A), which is less than a minimum distance parallel to a direction on the ideal plane (A) between the leading edge (9) and the front blade (3a).
In a 26th aspect according to the previous aspect, the ratio between the minimum distance between the trailing edge (10) and the rear blade (3b) and the minimum distance between the leading edge (9) and the front blade (3a) is between 0.1 and 0.5.
In a 27th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects, the nozzle (6) includes a beveled section that joins with the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2).
In a 28th aspect according to the previous aspect, the beveled section forms a converging tract of the nozzle (6) preceding a neck of the nozzle where the cross-sectional area of the nozzle (6) is minimal. In a 29th aspect according to any one of the previous two aspects, the beveled section forms a rounded surface that evenly connects a surface of the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2) with an inner surface of the neck of the nozzle.
In a 30th aspect according to the previous aspect the rounded surface of the beveled section has a radius of curvature that changes along the trailing edge (10).
In a 31st aspect according to any one of the previous two aspects, the radius of curvature of the rounded surface of the beveled section is maximum at the trailing edge ends (10) and decreases progressively and continuously proceeding along the trailing edge (10) away from the trailing edge ends (10) toward a center of the same trailing edge.
In a 32nd aspect according to any one of the three aspects above, the radius of curvature of the rounded surface along at least a predominant part of the leading edge is less than the radius of curvature of the rounded surface at the trailing edge ends.
In a 33rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from 29th to 32nd, the radius of curvature of the rounded surface is essentially constant along the leading edge. In a 34th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects from 29th to 33rd, the ratio of the radius of curvature of the rounded surface at the ends of the trailing section to the radius of curvature of the rounded surface at the center of the same trailing edge is between 2 and 6.
In a 35th aspect according to any one of the above, the nozzle (6) has a tubular conformation defining a channel to convey air, debris and liquid particles from the inlet aperture (7) to the delivery section (8).
In a 36th aspect according to any one of the above, the delivery section (8) of the nozzle (6) extends above the top side (2b) of the frame (2) and is configured to receive or connect with a suction pipe.
In a 37th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the suction port (5) and/or nozzle (6) are coated with a layer of vibration-dampening material, such as rubber or silicone.
In a 38th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the squeegee assembly including a flap (11) coupled to the frame (2) and extending transversely to the nozzle (6).
In a 39th aspect according to the previous aspect, the flap (11) at least partially occludes the inlet aperture (7) of the suction port (5).
In a 40th aspect according to any one of the two previous aspects the flap (11) has a symmetrical conformation with respect to the/to an ideal plane (A) of symmetry transverse to the first and second blades (3a, 3b).
In a 41st aspect according to any one of the previous three aspects, the flap (11) has an outer wall in continuity with the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2).
In a 42nd aspect according to any one of the previous four aspects the flap (11) defines the leading edge (9) of the inlet aperture (7).
In a 43rd aspect according to any one of the previous aspects from 38th to 42nd the delivery section (8) defines a terminal end of the nozzle (6) and wherein the flap (11) has a thickness measured perpendicular to the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2), which is smaller, optionally at least 10 times smaller, than a distance between the suction port (5) and the delivery section (8) of the nozzle (6).
In a 44th aspect according to any one of the previous 38th to 43rd aspects, the flap thickness measures between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.
In a 45° aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the frame (2) has an arcuate shape extending transversely to a direction of travel (D) of the squeegee assembly between first and second ends (12, 13).
In a 46th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the frame (2) includes a front side (14) spaced from a rear side (15) at the suction port (5), wherein the distance between the front and rear sides (14, 15) of the frame (2) tapers away from the suction port (5) toward the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2). In a 47th aspect according to the previous aspect, the front and rear sides (14, 15) of frame (2) join at the two ends (12, 13) of frame (2).
In a 48th aspect according to any one of the previous two aspects the front and rear sides (14, 15) of the frame (2) extend along their respective curvilinear trajectories.
In a 49th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) have a respective arcuate shape.
In a 50th aspect according to any one of the previous 45th to 49th aspects, the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) extend the entire length of the frame (2) between the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2).
In a 51st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the distance between the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) is maximum at the suction port (5).
In a 52nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the distance between the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) gradually decreases as they move away from the suction port (5) toward the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2).
In a 53rd aspect according to any one of the previous aspects, the elongate liquid collection volume (4) tapers proceeding from the suction port to the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame.
In a 54th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the maximum distance between the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) is between 5 and 30 mm.
In a 55th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects from 45th to 54th the first and second blades (3a, 3b) are spaced apart from each other at the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2) defining the respective passages (16) to channel liquid into the elongate liquid collection volume (4).
In a 56th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects, the front blade (3a) includes at least one front recess (17) at the interface with the floor to allow liquid to be channeled behind the front blade (3a) into the elongate liquid collection volume (4).
In a 57th appearance according to the previous appearance, the front recess (17) is aligned with the suction port (5) parallel to the plane of symmetry of the squeegee assembly.
In a 58th aspect according to any one of the previous two aspects, the front blade (3a) includes two or more lateral recesses (17a, 17b) interposed between the front recess (17) and the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2), respectively; said lateral recesses (17a, 17b) defining respective passages to allow liquid to be conveyed into the elongate liquid collection volume (4).
In a 59th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) are made of rubber or silicone. In a 60th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects, the squeegee assembly includes two or more wheels (18) coupled with the frame (2) to roll along the floor crossed by the squeegee assembly.
In a 61st aspect according to any one of the above, the squeegee assembly includes horizontal wheels (19) coupled to the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2), respectively, and movable by rotation about a respective axis transverse to the frame (2).
In a 62nd aspect according to the previous aspect the horizontal wheels (19) extend beyond a transverse frame footprint (2).
In a 63rd aspect there is provided a floor cleaning machine comprising:
- a support chassis (102),
- at least one cleaning unit (101 ) coupled with the support chassis (102) and configured to clean a floor surface, said cleaning unit comprising: o one or more cleaning pads (103) or cleaning rollers, o at least one collecting tank (104) to receive spent liquids, o a suction pipe (105) in fluid communication with the collecting tank (104),
- a squeegee assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects, coupled to the support chassis (102) of the machine, wherein the nozzle (6) of the squeegee assembly (1) is in fluid communication with the collecting tank (104) through the suction pipe (105).
In a 64th aspect according to the previous aspect, the squeegee assembly (1) is coupled to a lower portion of the support chassis (102) of the machine behind the cleaning unit (101) with respect to the direction of travel (D) of the machine.
In a 65th aspect according to any one of the previous two aspects, the front blade (3a) faces the cleaning unit and is positioned in front of the rear blade (3b) relative to the direction of travel (D) of the machine.
In a 66th aspect according to any one of the previous three aspects, the squeegee assembly (1) is hinged to the support chassis (102) of the machine.
In a 67th aspect according to any one of the above four aspects, the squeegee assembly can be configured between:
- an active condition where the first and second blades (3a, 3b) are configured to contact the floor surface to be cleaned,
- an inactive condition where the first and second blades (3a, 3b) are configured to be spaced from the floor surface. In a 68th aspect according to the previous aspect, the floor cleaning machine includes a lever (106) active on the squeegee assembly to move the squeegee assembly from inactive to active condition and vice versa.
In a 69th aspect according to the previous aspect, the lever (106) is operated manually by a user or automatically by pneumatic or hydraulic actuators.
In a 70th aspect according to any one of the previous aspects from 63rd to 69th the suction pipe (105) includes a connector (107) optionally removably coupled to the delivery section (8) of the nozzle (6) of the squeegee assembly (1).
In a 71st aspect according to any one of the previous 63rd to 70th aspects, the floor cleaning machine includes a suction generator, optionally equipped with a motor or vacuum pump, active on the suction pipe (105) to suck air, debris, and liquid particles from the floor surface through the inlet aperture (7) of the suction port (5) of the squeegee assembly and collect them in the collecting tank (104).
In a 72nd aspect according to any one of the previous aspects from 63rd to 71st the floor cleaning machine includes:
- one or more clean liquid tanks (109a, 109b) to hold fluids, e.g., water, cleaning fluids or disinfectants,
- one or more supply lines fl uid-tig htly coupled to the clean liquid tanks (109a, 109b) and the cleaning unit (101) to supply one or more fluids to the cleaning unit (101).
In a 73rd aspect according to any one of the previous aspects from 63rd to 72nd the floor cleaning machine includes main wheels (108) mounted on a lower portion of the support chassis (102) of the machine and movable by rotation about a horizontal axis; said main wheels being suitable for moving the floor cleaning machine along the direction of travel (D) of the machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Some forms of implementation and some aspects of the invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings, provided for illustrative purposes only and therefore not limiting wherein:
- Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a floor cleaning machine in accordance with the present invention,
- Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a floor cleaning machine in accordance with the present invention,
- Figure 3 is a perspective view from above of a squeegee assembly in accordance with the present invention, - Figure 4 is a perspective view from below of a squeegee assembly in accordance with the present invention,
- Figure 5 is a bottom view of a squeegee assembly in accordance with the present invention,
- Figures 6 and 7 are partially sectional perspective views of a squeegee assembly in accordance with the present invention,
- Figure 8 is a detail view of a suction port of a squeegee assembly in accordance with the present invention.
DEFINITIONS AND CONVENTIONS
Note that in this detailed description corresponding parts illustrated in the various figures are shown with the same numerical references. The figures may illustrate the subject matter of the invention by means of representations that are not to scale; therefore, parts and components illustrated in the figures related to the subject matter of the invention may relate only to schematic representations.
Vertical, horizontal, upward, downward: these terms refer to a normal operating condition of the equipment during use.
Upstream and downstream: refers to the position of the parts in relation to the airflow during operation of the exhaust unit and intake unit part of the equipment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With reference to the attached Figures 1 and 2, a floor cleaning machine 100 is described comprising a support chassis 102 that defines at least one housing where the various internal components of the machine are housed. The support chassis 102 has a cleaning unit 101 associated with a lower portion of the support chassis 102 in order to act on the floor to be cleaned. In particular, the cleaning unit 101 is shown non-limitingly at a front area of the machine 100 and may include one or more cleaning pads 103 and/or one or more cleaning rollers.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the machine may include one or more clean liquid tanks 109a, 109b housed in the support chassis 102 to accommodate water, cleaning or disinfectant liquids, concentrates, and more which may be distributed by one or more supply conduits to the cleaning unit 101 and/or directly to the floor. The machine may include a collecting tank 104 housed in or by the support chassis and pre-purposed to receive spent liquids which may be channeled by a suction pipe 105 connected to the collecting tank 104 and removably engaged to a squeegee assembly 1 subsequently described. The floor cleaning machine 100 may also include a suction generator, such as a motor or vacuum pump, active on the suction pipe 105 or downstream of the collecting tank 104 to draw air, debris, and liquid particles from the floor surface through the squeegee assembly and collect them in the collecting tank 104. In a per se conventional and non-limiting manner, the machine 100 also includes main wheels 108 mounted on the lower portion of the support chassis 102 and movable by rotation along a horizontal axis, oriented to move the machine 100 along a direction of travel D. As previously mentioned, the machine 100 is equipped with one or more squeegee assemblies 1 for removing liquids from the floor, coupled to a lower portion of the support chassis 102 of the machine behind the cleaning unit 101 with respect to the direction of travel D of the machine. Specifically, the squeegee assembly 1 may be hinged to the support chassis 102 of the machine and configured between an active condition wherein it contacts the floor to be cleaned and an inactive condition wherein it is spaced away from the floor surface, allowing for easy movement of the machine when not in operation for floor cleaning. The machine may also include a lever 106 operated manually by a user or automatically by pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, which is active on the squeegee assembly to move it from the inactive to the active condition and vice versa.
The squeegee assembly 1 may have two or more wheels 18 movable by rotation around horizontal axes to move the squeegee assembly together with the support chassis 102 of the machine 100, along the direction of travel D. The squeegee assembly may also have two horizontal wheels 19, movable by rotation around respective vertical axes, which define respective ends of the squeegee assembly determining a maximum cross-sectional footprint.
The squeegee assembly includes a frame 2 defined by an elongated body extending transversely the direction of travel D of the machine between first and second ends 12, 13. The frame 2 may have a length at least equal to a transverse footprint of the machine 100 to which it is connected, or it may preferably have a length greater than the transverse footprint of the machine 1 to maximize the collection of liquids on the floor to be treated. As, for example, shown in Figures 3-5, the frame overall has an arcuate conformation and, in more detail, and an inverted "C" or "U" shaped section.
The frame is bounded in height by a bottom side 2a facing the floor surface to be treated and a top side 2b, opposite the bottom side 2a and facing the lower portion of the support chassis 102 of the machine 100. Additionally, frame 2 is bounded in width by a front side 14 facing the cleaning unit 101 of the machine 100 and a rear side 15 at the back of the front side 14 with respect to the direction of travel D.
Note how the frame exhibits constant height, that is, the distance between bottom side 2a and top side 2b is constant along the entire length of the frame, while it exhibits a variable width proceeding from the first to the second end 12, 13 of frame 2. The front side 14 and rear side 15 of the frame are spaced a maximum distance apart at a central area of frame 2 to define a maximum width, which tapers off proceeding toward the first and second ends 12, 13, where front and rear sides 14, 15 come together. The squeegee assembly includes two or more flexible blades carried by frame 2 and configured to contact the floor surface to be treated (flexible blades are defined as elongated bodies, particularly thin elongated bodies, capable of lapping the floor to be cleaned). Specifically, the squeegee assembly includes a front blade 3a facing the cleaning unit 101 and a rear blade 3b, located behind the front blade with respect to the direction of travel D. The front and rear blades 3a, 3b are developed preponderantly below the bottom side 2a of the frame 2 defining, just in cooperation with the bottom side 2a, an elongate liquid collection volume 4 where liquids and debris are collected to be sucked up and conveyed to the collecting tank 104. In a per se conventional and non-limiting manner, the front blade and rear blades 3a, 3b are engaged at the bottom side 2a of frame 2 at the front and rear sides 14, 15 of the frame, respectively, presenting respective arcuate conformations that follow the arcuate profiles of the front and rear sides 14, 15 for the entire length of frame 2. The front and rear blades 3a, 3b are offset from each other by a maximum distance at the central area of frame 2, which decreases progressively proceeding toward the first and second ends 12, 13 of frame 2. Similarly, the elongate liquid collection volume 4 also tapers as it proceeds from the central area toward the first and second ends 12, 13 of frame.
Note how the front and rear blades 3a, 3b may in an embodiment not join together at the first and second ends 12, 13 of the frame, but may instead, for example, remain spaced to define respective passages 16 for channeling fluids and debris into the elongated liquid collection volume 4. Additional channels for the passage of fluids and debris to elongate liquid collection volume 4 are defined by recesses, cuts, recesses, or other openings made on the front blade at the interface with the floor.
As, for example, shown in Figure 4, front blade 3a may have a front recess 17 aligned with the central area of the frame and two or more lateral recesses 17a, 17b, respectively interposed between front recess 17 and the first and second ends 12, 13 of frame 2, defining respective passages for channeling fluids into elongate liquid collection volume 4.
In terms of materials, front blade 3a and rear blade 3b may both be made of flexible material, such as rubber or silicone.
The squeegee assembly 1 may also include a suction port 5 on the bottom side 2b of frame 2 and defining an inlet aperture 7 facing the elongate liquid collection volume, to allow suction of fluids and debris on the surface to be cleaned.
Inlet aperture 7 may have a circular conformation or alternatively, in order to further reduce the formation of turbulence near suction port 5, inlet aperture 7 may have an elongated non-circular conformation, such as semicircular or substantially semicircular as shown in the joined Figures 5 and 8. As shown in Figure 5, inlet aperture 7 is, for example, coplanar to bottom side 2a of frame 2 and symmetrical to an ideal vertical plane A, transversal to the front and rear blades 3a, 3b. With reference to the joined figures, the ideal vertical plane A is a plane of symmetry of the elongated volume 4 and crosses perpendicularly the front and rear blades 3a, 3b: consequently, inlet aperture 7 is made at the central area of frame 2. However, we do not exclude the possibility of making one or more inlet aperture 7 offset from the ideal vertical plane A of symmetry, spaced from the central area of frame 2.
Inlet aperture 7 is perimeter bounded by an edge that has two distinct sections interconnected to define a closed profile. In more detail, suction port 5 has a leading edge 9 facing front blade 3a and extending between respective opposite ends, coinciding with respective ends of a trailing edge 10 facing rear blade 3b, to define the closed planar profile.
Leading edge 9 may extend along a straight trajectory (variant not shown in the joined figures) or, preferably, extend along a curvilinear trajectory presenting concavity facing front blade 3a (Figure 5). Trailing edge 10 also extends along a curvilinear trajectory facing front blade 3a, formed by an arc of circumference presenting radius of curvature less than a radius of curvature of an arc of circumference defining leading edge 9. From a dimensional point of view, the ratio of the respective radii of curvature of leading and trailing edges 9, 10 is between 1.5 and 10, plus optionally between 2 and 5.
Inlet aperture 7 also has a height H measured on the lying plane of the inlet aperture and parallel to ideal plane A and a width L measured parallel to a direction B orthogonal to ideal plane A. Note how the height H is maximum on or at the vertical plane A and decreases progressively moving away from the ideal plane A toward the leading and trailing edge ends, while the width is maximum on or at leading edge 9 and decreases progressively moving away from leading edge 9 toward trailing edge 10. As previously mentioned, leading edge 7 exhibits an elongated conformation by presenting an extension in length that is greater in size than the height H. In other words, the ratio of the maximum height to the maximum width of inlet aperture 7 is between 0.2 and 0.8.
Note also how the inlet aperture 7 is located at a close distance relative to the rear blade 3b, resulting in a greater distance from the front blade 3a. Trailing edge 10 of the inlet aperture is spaced from rear blade 3b by a minimum distance (measured parallel to the aforementioned ideal vertical plane A), which is less than a minimum distance (also measured parallel to the ideal vertical plane A) between leading edge 9 and front blade 3a. More specifically, the ratio between the minimum distance between trailing edge 10 and rear blade 3b, and the minimum distance between leading edge 9 and front blade 3a is between 0.1 and 0.5.
The squeegee assembly 1 also includes a nozzle 6 carried by the frame 2 and removably engageable to the suction pipe 105 to allow, via the inlet aperture 7 of the suction port 5, the suction of fluids and debris to be channeled to the collecting tank 104. For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, nozzle 6 has a body of tubular conformation extending through frame 2 from suction port 5 and above the top side 2b of the frame, defining a channel to convey fluids to suction pipe 105. Near the top side 2b of the frame and on the opposite side from suction port 5, nozzle 6 has a delivery section 8 at which it may be engaged to suction pipe 105 via a connector 107 (it is also possible to provide for the delivery section to continue with the suction pipe made in one piece with or joined permanently to nozzle 6).
In addition to the provision of an inlet aperture 7 of elongated non-circular conformation, it is further possible to reduce the occurrence of turbulence in the vicinity of suction port 5 by the use of a nozzle that presents, at or near delivery section 8, an area with a larger fluid passage section than an area with a fluid passage section of inlet aperture 7. In agreement with what is shown in Figures 6 and 7, nozzle 6 has, at the delivery section 8, a larger fluid passage section than a fluid passage section of inlet aperture 7. Reducing the fluid passage section of inlet aperture 7 makes it possible to increase the velocity of dirty fluids drawn in at inlet aperture 7 and at the same time, limit the origination of turbulence of such intensity as to impair efficient and effective suction of dirty fluids. The area of the nozzle passage section 6 is minimal at or in immediate proximity of suction port 5 and increases as it moves away from the suction port in the direction of delivery section 8. In an embodiment of the invention not shown in the joined figures, the nozzle 6 may have a conical or funnel-shaped conformation, presenting a maximum fluid passage section at delivery section 8 and progressively decreasing in the direction of inlet aperture 7. Dimensionally, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of inlet aperture 7 to the cross-sectional area of suction port 5 at delivery section 8 is between 0.3 and 0.7, optionally between 0.4 and 0.6.
Preferably, but not limiting the invention, turbulence originating at the suction port 5 can be further limited by arranging a nozzle 6 with a beveled section joining the bottom side 2a of the frame 2 forming a converging tract of the nozzle 6 preceding a neck of the nozzle where the cross-sectional area of the inlet aperture 7 is minimal. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the beveled section forms respective rounded surfaces at leading edge 9 and trailing edge 10, which uniformly connect a surface of bottom side 2a of frame 2 with an inner surface of the neck of the nozzle. Along trailing edge 10, the rounded surface of the beveled section has a variable radius of curvature, while along leading edge 9, the radius of curvature of the rounded surface is essentially constant. In particular, the radius of curvature of the rounded surface along trailing edge 10 is maximum at the trailing edge ends 10 and decreases progressively and continuously proceeding along trailing edge 10 away from the trailing edge ends 10 toward a center of the same trailing edge.
The radius of curvature of the rounded surface along at least a predominant part of leading edge 9 is less than the radius of curvature of the rounded surface at the ends of trailing edge 10. For example, the ratio of the radius of curvature of the rounded surface at the ends of trailing edge 10 to the radius of curvature of the rounded surface at the center of the same trailing edge 10 is between 2 and 6.
Further limitation of turbulence and/or noise in suction port 5 can be achieved by coating suction port 5 and/or nozzle 6 with a layer of suitable vibration-dampening material, such as made of rubber or silicone.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, instead of making a conical nozzle 6, it is possible to obtain an inlet aperture 7 having a fluid passage section smaller than the fluid passage section of the delivery section of the nozzle by arranging a nozzle 6 of constant cross-section and a flap 11 transverse to the nozzle 6 that partially occludes the inlet aperture 7 of the suction port 5 (Figures 6 and 7). Flap 11 includes an outer wall extending above and in partial occlusion of suction port 5 to define an end of nozzle 6 opposite delivery section 8. The outer wall of flap 11 may also have a symmetrical conformation with respect to the ideal plane of vertical symmetry, extending in continuity with the bottom side 2a of frame 2.
In the embodiment described here, flap 11 defines leading edge 9 of inlet aperture 7, while trailing edge 10 is defined on nozzle 6 in accordance with what was previously discussed. In accordance with the above description, the leading edge of flap 11 that defines leading edge 9 is beveled, defining a rounded surface that has a constant radius of curvature. Flap 11 is basically a plate of reduced thickness, for example, between 0.5mm and 5mm, measured perpendicular to the bottom side 2a of frame 2. In relative terms, the thickness of flap 11 is smaller, optionally at least 10 times smaller, than a distance between suction port 5 and delivery section 8 of nozzle 6. Flap 11 , being a plate that partially occludes the suction port, not only has the advantage of decreasing the intensity of turbulence at the suction port, but also defines a wall that intercepts and prevents fluid backflow from a fluid suction direction from inlet aperture 7 to delivery section 8. This prevents the occurrence of fluid backflow in an area surrounding the suction port 5, maximizing the collection of dirty fluids.

Claims

1 . A squeegee assembly for collecting liquids from a floor surface comprising:
- a frame (2) having a bottom side (2a) configured for facing the floor surface and a top side (2b) opposite to the bottom side (2a),
- a front blade (3a) and a rear blade (3b) coupled to the frame (2) for defining, in cooperation with the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2), an elongate liquid collection volume (4),
- at least one suction port (5) at the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2) defining an inlet aperture (7) opening in the elongated liquid collection volume (4),
- a nozzle (6) extending from the suction port (5) through the frame (2) and to a delivery section (8) spaced from the suction port (5), wherein the inlet aperture (7) has a cross-section of area smaller than that of a cross-section of the nozzle (6) at the delivery section (8).
2. Squeegee assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the ratio between the area of the cross-section of the inlet aperture (7) and the area of the cross-section of the suction port (5) at the delivery section (8) is between 0.3 and 0.7, optionally wherein the ratio between the area of the cross-section of the inlet aperture (7) and the area of the cross-section of the suction port (5) in the delivery section (8) is between 0.4 and 0.6.
3. Squeegee according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the area of the cross-section of the nozzle (6) is minimal at, or in close proximity of, the suction port (5) and increases away from the suction port (5) in the direction of the delivery section (8).
4. Squeegee assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet aperture (7) has a non-circular elongated conformation and, optionally extends coplanar to the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2).
5. Squeegee assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet aperture (7) is perimeterally delimited by:
- a leading edge (9) facing the front blade, and
- a trailing edge (10) facing the rear blade, wherein the leading edge (9) extends between opposite ends coincident with respective opposite ends of the trailing edge (10), said leading and trailing edges (9, 10) defining a closed contour, optionally a closed planar contour, wherein the trailing edge (10) extends along a curved trajectory, and wherein the leading edge (9) extends along a respective curved or straight trajectory.
6. Squeegee assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the curved trajectories of the trailing edge (10) and of the leading edge (9) are formed by respective arcs of circumference lying on a same ideal plane, wherein the arc of circumference of the trailing edge has a curvature radius smaller than a curvature radius of the arc of circumference of the leading edge (9), optionally wherein the ratio between the respective curvature radius of the leading and trailing edges (9, 10) is between 1.5 and 10, more optionally between 2 and 5, wherein the curved trajectories of the leading and trailing edges (9, 10) both have concavity directed towards the front blade.
7. Squeegee assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet aperture (7) has a symmetrical conformation with respect to an ideal plane (A), vertical and perpendicular to the front and rear blades (3a, 3b), wherein the inlet aperture (7) has:
- a height (H) measured on the lying plane of the inlet aperture and parallel to the ideal plane (A),
- a width (L) measured on the lying plane of the inlet aperture and parallel to a direction (B) orthogonal to the ideal plane (A), wherein the height is maximum at the ideal plane (A) and progressively decreases moving away from the ideal plane (A), and wherein the width is maximum at the leading edge and progressively decreases moving away from the leading edge towards the trailing edge; wherein the ratio between the maximum height and the maximum width of the inlet aperture (7) is between 0.2 and 0.8, wherein the ideal plane (A) is a plane of symmetry perpendicularly crossing the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) so as to divide the frame (2) into symmetrical halves, wherein the ratio between the maximum height of the inlet aperture (7) and a distance between the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) parallel to a direction at the ideal plane is comprised between 0.4 and 0.6, wherein the trailing edge (10) of the inlet aperture (7) is spaced from the rear blade (3b) of a minimum distance parallel to a direction at the ideal vertical plane, which is lower than a minimum distance parallel to a direction at the ideal vertical plane between the leading edge (9) and the front blade (3a), wherein the ratio between the minimum distance between the trailing edge (10) and the rear blade (3b) and the minimum distance between the leading edge (9) and the front blade (3a) is between 0.1 and 0.5.
8. Squeegee assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle (6) includes a beveled section joining with the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2), the beveled section forming a converging tract of the nozzle (6) preceding a neck of the nozzle where the area of the crosssection of the nozzle (6) is minimal, wherein the beveled section forms a rounded surface smoothly connecting a surface of the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2) with an inner surface of the nozzle neck, wherein the rounded surface of the beveled section has radius of curvature which changes along the trailing edge (10), wherein the curvature radius of the rounded surface of the beveled section is maximum at the ends of the trailing edge (10) and progressively and continuously reduces proceeding along the trailing edge away from the ends of the trailing edge (10) towards a center of the same trailing edge, wherein the radius of the rounded surface along at least a major portion of the leading edge is smaller than the radius of curvature of the rounded surface at the ends of the trailing edge, optionally wherein the radius of curvature of the rounded surface is substantially constant along the leading edge, wherein the ratio between the curvature radius of the rounded surface at the ends of the trailing edge and at the curvature radius of the rounded surface at the center of the same trailing edge is between 2 and 6.
9. Squeegee assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle (6) has a tubular conformation defining a channel for conveying air, debris and liquid particles from the inlet aperture (7) to the delivery section (8), wherein the delivery section (8) of the nozzle (6) extends above the top side (2b) of the frame (2) and is configured to receive or connect to a suction hose.
10. Squeegee assembly according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a flap (11) coupled to the frame (2) and extending transversally to the nozzle (6), said flap (11) at least partially occluding the inlet aperture (7) of the suction port (5), wherein the flap (11) has a symmetrical conformation with respect to the plane of symmetry, wherein the flap (11) has an external wall in continuity with the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2), wherein the flap (11) defines the leading edge (9) of the inlet aperture (7), wherein the delivery section (8) defines a terminal end of the nozzle (6), and wherein the flap (11) has a thickness measured perpendicular to the bottom side (2a) of the frame (2), which is smaller, optionally at least 10 times smaller, than a distance between suction port (5) and delivery section (8) of the nozzle (6), more optionally wherein flap thickness measures between 0.5mm and 5mm.
11 . Squeegee assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (2) has an arc shape extending transverse to a direction of travel (D) of the squeegee assembly between first and second ends (12, 13), wherein the frame (2) includes a front side (14) spaced apart from a rear side (15) at the suction port (5), wherein a distance between the front and rear side (14, 15) of the frame (2) tapers extending away from the suction port (5) towards the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2), wherein the front and rear side (14, 15) of the frame (2) join at both the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2), wherein the front and rear side (14, 15) of the frame (2) extend along respective curved trajectories.
12. Squeegee assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) have respective arc shapes, wherein the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) extend for the entire length of the frame (2) between the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2), wherein the distance between the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) is maximum at the suction port (5) and continuously reduces extending away from the suction port (5) towards the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2), whereby the elongate liquid collection volume (4) tapers moving from the suction port towards the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame, optionally wherein the maximum distance between the front and rear blades (3a, 3b) is comprised between 5mm and 30mm, wherein the first and second blades (3a, 3b) are space apart to each other at the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2) defining respective passages (16) for allowing liquid to be channeled in the elongated liquid collection volume (4).
13. Squeegee assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front blade (3a) includes at least one front recess (17) at the interface with the floor for allowing liquid to be channeled behind the front blade (3a) in the elongated liquid collection volume (4), wherein the front recess (17) is aligned with the suction port (5) parallel to a/the plane of symmetry of the squeegee assembly, wherein the front blade (3a) includes two or more lateral recesses (17a, 17b) respectively interposed between the front recess (17) and the first and second ends (12, 13) of the frame (2); said lateral recesses (17a, 17b) defining respective passages for allowing liquid to be channeled in the elongated liquid collection volume (4).
14. A floor cleaning machine comprising:
- a support chassis (102),
- at least one cleaning unit (101) coupled to the support chassis (102) and configured for cleaning a floor surface, the cleaning unit comprising: o one or more cleaning pads (103) or cleaning rollers, o at least one collecting tank (104) for receiving spent liquids, o a suction pipe (105) in fluid communication with the collecting tank (104),
- a squeegee assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, coupled to the support chassis (102) of the machine, wherein the nozzle (6) of the squeegee assembly (1) is fluid communication with the collecting tank (104) through the suction pipe (105).
15. Floor cleaning machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the squeegee assembly (1 ) is coupled to a lower portion of the support chassis (102) of the machine behind the cleaning unit (101) with respect to a direction of travel (D) of the machine, wherein the front blade (3a) faces the cleaning unit and it is positioned ahead the rear blade (3b) with respect the direction of travel (D) of the machine.
16. Floor cleaning machine according any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the suction pipe (105) includes a connector (107) coupled, optionally releasably coupled, in a fluid-tight manner to the delivery section (8) of the nozzle (6) of the squeegee assembly (1).
EP24742288.4A 2023-04-14 2024-04-12 Squeegee assembly for a floor cleaning machine and related floor cleaning machine Pending EP4694747A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102023000007170A IT202300007170A1 (en) 2023-04-14 2023-04-14 SQUEEGEE GROUP FOR A FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE AND RELATED FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE
PCT/IB2024/000113 WO2024213931A1 (en) 2023-04-14 2024-04-12 Squeegee assembly for a floor cleaning machine and related floor cleaning machine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4694747A1 true EP4694747A1 (en) 2026-02-18

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP24742288.4A Pending EP4694747A1 (en) 2023-04-14 2024-04-12 Squeegee assembly for a floor cleaning machine and related floor cleaning machine

Country Status (4)

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EP (1) EP4694747A1 (en)
CN (1) CN121194731A (en)
IT (1) IT202300007170A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2024213931A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4282626A (en) * 1977-10-17 1981-08-11 California Institute Of Technology Cleaning devices
US5579555A (en) * 1995-10-10 1996-12-03 The National Super Service Company Squeegee assembly for floor cleaning machine
JP3343027B2 (en) * 1996-05-17 2002-11-11 アマノ株式会社 Squeegee for floor washer
ITPN20080006A1 (en) * 2008-01-30 2009-07-31 Nilfisk Advance S P A "REFINED FLOOR-DRYING MACHINE".
JP2012520727A (en) * 2009-03-18 2012-09-10 ニルフィスク−アドバンス， インコーポレイテッド Improved squeegee assembly
US8966693B2 (en) * 2009-08-05 2015-03-03 Karcher N. America, Inc. Method and apparatus for extended use of cleaning fluid in a floor cleaning machine
DE102014107469B3 (en) * 2014-05-27 2015-04-16 Hako Gmbh Suction cup for a floor cleaning machine
CN107072459B (en) * 2014-11-03 2020-09-18 坦南特公司 Surface maintenance vehicle with integrated water trap for residual waste capture
US12605027B2 (en) * 2019-12-30 2026-04-21 Nilfisk A/S Squeegee assembly with improved waste pick-up

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT202300007170A1 (en) 2024-10-14
WO2024213931A1 (en) 2024-10-17
CN121194731A (en) 2025-12-23

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