JPH0661316B2 - Cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleaning system utilizing a hollow bodied, disposable dispensing package comprising a storage chamber and integral dispensing chamber. The package is connected to the system handle via a conical protrusion on the package closure. An orifice separating the two chambers is provided with a movable, inlet clapper valve, the dispensing chamber outlet orifice being normally closed by a spring urged valve. Deformation of the elastic walls of the bellows shaped dispensing chamber penses a discrete amount of liquid to the system handle with out relying on gravity. Compression of the dispensing chamber reduces the volume thereof, closes the inlet clapper valve, and opens the outlet valve to dispense the product. The conically shaped storage chamber provides for ready pumping and evacuation of cleaning fluid therefrom, the flexible walls collapsing inward as a result of the vacuum created by the decompression of the dispensing chamber. A stiffened side wall in the form of a label or longitudinal ribs further controls the collapse of the storage chamber.

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning device.

Typically, bathroom equipment, such as the conventional commodes or flush toilets found in the home.
wall-mou found in places such as closets) or commercial building bathrooms.
nted urinals are short scouring brushes or sponges and conventional scouring powders contained in cans.
r) or washed with a liquid detergent that is poured or sprayed from a bottle. Suffice it to say that cleaning such plumbing equipment with the brushes described above is a laborious and onerous task.

To eliminate the hygiene and safety issues associated with concentrated cleaning solutions and powders, a number of bathroom equipment cleaning devices have been developed, which are simple and economical to manufacture, safe to operate and use. Thus, there is no cleaning device or system that is particularly adapted to prevent muscle strain on the operator of the system, especially for cleaning bathroom plumbing.

The present invention includes an elongated handle having a first end and a second end and a cleaning fluid cartridge adapted to contain a cleaning fluid, the handle including a surface cleaning member disposed at the first end. The cleaning fluid cartridge is located at the second end, and the invention further includes a mechanism for pumping the cleaning fluid from the fluid cartridge to the surface cleaning member, the pumping mechanism comprising the cleaning fluid cartridge. The present invention also includes a pump actuation member associated with the pump mechanism and the handle. The cleaning fluid cartridge of the present invention can be removably attached to the handle. The surface cleaning member may be a mop head located at the first end of the handle, the mop head passing through the mop head, outward from the mop head, and cleaning the surface to be cleaned. Encloses a fluid passageway that allows fluid to be pumped. The handle includes a portion that supports the fluid cartridge, including a housing associated with the handle, and the housing has a moveable door that allows access to the interior of the housing. A safety switch is associated with the handle, the safety switch having a first load position, and in the first load position,
The pump actuating member is inoperative and the housing door is movable to allow insertion of the wash fluid cartridge into the housing, the safety switch having a second locked position and the second lock. In the closed position, the pump actuating member is inoperative and the housing door is immovable, and the safety switch has a third operating position.
In the third operative position, the pump actuating member is operative and the housing door is immovable.

The pump member includes a pump chamber defined by an upper wall and a flexible sidewall interconnecting the upper wall with a wash fluid cartridge, the fluid passage having a first end and a second end having a wash fluid cartridge and a housing. Through the pump chamber for fluid communication therethrough such that movement of the pump actuation member causes wash fluid to be pumped from the wash fluid cartridge to the handle. The pump comprises a pump chamber defined by an upper end wall, a lower end wall, a flexible sidewall interconnecting the upper end wall and the lower end wall, and a fluid having a first end and a second end. A passageway extends through the pump chamber for fluid communication between the wash fluid cartridge and the handle such that movement of the pump actuation member causes wash fluid to be pumped from the wash fluid cartridge to the handle. The upper end wall and the lower end wall of the pump chamber each include an annular disc having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, each annular disc having a truncated cone shape, one disc facing upward, and one disc facing downward. The taper is formed at a steep angle from the outer diameter to the inner diameter.

The cleaning system is designed to activate the pump actuating member.
n) including means for retaining pumping of wash fluid from the post wash fluid cartridge. The means for retaining the pumping is a flexible and inflatable pump chamber that is inflated by the action of a pump actuation member, and the pump chamber is biased against the force exerted by the pump actuation member on the pump chamber. A biased support structure includes a cooperating biased support structure, the biased support structure exerting a force on the pump chamber after the pump actuating member expands and exerts a force on the pump chamber. , Is adapted to maintain pumping of wash fluid from the wash fluid cartridge.

Therefore, the present invention uses a hollow body comprising a storage chamber and a dispense chamber in an integral hollow blow-molded container made of an elastic, resilient synthetic plastic material. A cleaning system is provided that uses a disposable dispensing capsule or package. The package is a package lid (package
It is connected to the system handle via a conical projection on the closure. The orifice that separates the two chambers is a movable inlet clapper valv.
e), the dispensing chamber outlet orifice is normally closed by a spring-forced valve. The deformation of the elastic wall of the bellows shaped dispensing chamber dispenses a discrete amount of liquid to the system handle without relying on gravity. Compression of the dispensing chamber reduces its volume, closing the inlet clapper valve and opening the outlet valve to dispense product. The conical storage chamber provides easy pumping and draining of wash fluid therefrom, and the flexible wall decompression of the dispensing chamber.
Collapsing as a result of the vacuum created by. Stiffened sidewalls in the form of labels or longitudinal ribs further control collapse of the storage chamber.

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1A and 1B, the cleaning system 60 has an elongated handle 6 having first and second ends 62 and 63.
It is shown to generally include a wash fluid cartridge 64 located at the first and second ends 63 and adapted to contain a wash liquid. Handle 61 is handle 6
1 includes a surface cleaning member 65 disposed at the first end 62. The handle 61 further includes a mechanism 6 for pumping cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid cartridge 64 to the surface cleaning member 65.
6 and pump 66 includes wash fluid cartridge 6
Related to 4. In addition, the handle 61 includes a pump 66 and a pump actuation member 67 associated with the handle 61.

With further reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the wash fluid cartridge 64 is removably attached to the handle 61. The handle 61 includes a structure 68 that supports a fluid cartridge 64, including a housing 69 associated with the handle 61. The housing 69 has a movable door 70 that allows access to the inside of the housing 69.

Door 70 is shown in the closed position in FIG. 1A in solid lines and in the open position as shown in phantom. The door 70 may be hinged in any suitable manner, for example at a pivot point or hinge point 71. The handle 61 may terminate at the point indicated by the dashed line 72 in FIG. 1A, in which case the fluid cartridge 64 including the pump 66 may be removably attached to and supported by the handle 61. Yes, and the wash fluid cartridge 64 will be exposed. Preferably, in that case the support structure 68 comprises a portion of the handle 61 located between the dotted lines 72 and 73 which includes the support wall 74. To provide greater support for the wash fluid cartridge 64 and to prevent it from being damaged, the support structure 68 comprises a housing 69 extending from the bottom of the housing 69 to the handle 61 shown by the dotted line 73. The upper wall 76 of the housing 69 is formed integrally with the handle 61. Handle 6
1, the housing 69, the pump actuation member 67 and / or the door 70 are all strong enough to withstand the forces acting on the cleaning system 60 in use and the cleaning fluid used in the cleaning fluid cartridge 64 (shown) Not) and made of a suitable plastic material that has the corrosion resistance necessary to withstand contact with. Any suitable cleaning fluid can be used in this regard, however, when cleaning bathroom equipment, it is preferred to use an acid solution as the cleaning fluid.

With further reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the surface cleaning member 65 comprises a mop head 77 located at the first end 62 of the handle 61. The mop head 77 can be of any shape and has the properties necessary to wear or scrub the surface to be cleaned and deteriorated by contact with the cleaning fluid used in the cleaning system 60. It can be made from any material that has the required corrosion resistance to. Alternatively, the mop head 77 can be replaced by a suitable brush. Mop head 7
The term 7 or surface cleaning member 65 is for scrubbing or rubbing the surface to be cleaned.
Includes any suitable structure for. Mop head 7
7 may include a backing structure 78, which may be, for example, 7 via an annular ring 80 that presses the backing structure 78 around the first end 62 of the handle 61.
It may be permanently or removably attached to the first end 62 of the handle 61 by a press-fit or snap connection as shown at 9.

With further reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the handle 61
Are the first and second end portions 81, 83 that establish fluid communication between the cleaning fluid cartridge 64 and the first end portion 62 of the handle 61.
A first fluid passage 81 having The fluid passage 81 may comprise a length of tubing of suitable material compatible with the cleaning fluid. By operating the pump operating device 67, the cleaning fluid is pumped from the cleaning fluid cartridge 64 to the first fluid passage 81 via the pump 66. The mop head 77 including the backing structure 78 may include a second fluid passageway 84 or 84 'as shown in phantom. The fluid passages 84 and 84 'are in fluid communication with the first fluid passage 81 so that the cleaning fluid is pumped through the mop head 77 via the second fluid passage 84 and out of the mop head 77. be able to. Alternatively, the cleaning fluid can be pumped from the first fluid passage 81 to the second fluid passage 84 'and then pumped outwardly to the surface (not shown) desired to be washed. it can.

Referring to FIG. 1B, it can be seen that a safety device 85 for preventing the wash fluid from draining from the first fluid passage 81 is associated with the first end 62 of the handle 61. The safety device 85 comprises a safety check valve 86 located near the first end 62 of the handle 61. Safety check valve 8
6 is a first fluid passage 81 adjacent to a safety check valve 86 biased to a first position as shown in FIG. 1B.
Seals the first end 82 of the and the safety check valve 86 in the first position prevents flushing fluid from being pumped out of the handle 61. The safety check valve 86 further prevents discharge of wash fluid outward from the second end 83 of the first fluid passage 81 located near the second end 63 of the handle 61. Thus, if the wash fluid cartridge 64 is to be removed from the handle 61, the sealing of the first end 82 of the fluid passage 81 will reduce the surface tension and / or surface tension associated with the wash fluid disposed in the first fluid passage 81.
Or, with the capillary action, it prevents the cleaning fluid from being discharged from the second end 83 of the first fluid passage. Note that the safety check valve 86 is preferably spring loaded. The plastic spiral spring 87 can bias the sealing disc 88 against the first end 62 of the handle 61 via a shaft member 89 attached to the sealing disc 88. Safety check valve 86
Is movable to a second open position and provides a safety check valve 86 when cleaning fluid is pumped through the first fluid passage 81.
Allows wash fluid to be pumped out of. Thus, when the fluid pressure of the cleaning fluid disposed in the first fluid passage 81 exceeds the biasing force of the spring 87 of the safety check valve 86, the sealing disk 88 moves toward the mop head 77 and any of the cleaning fluid is removed. Allowing access to the second fluid passage 84 or 84 '. FIG. 1B shows the disc 88 in its advanced position.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the handle 61 may include a safety switch 90 having a first locked position in which the pump actuator 67 is inoperative and a second operational position in which the pump actuator 67 may be inoperative. I see what I can do. In this regard, pump actuator 67 includes slotted opening 9 in handle 61 that is operatively engageable with pump 66 to exert a force on pump 66.
It is possible to have a movable member or a trigger member 91 arranged in the second. Preferably, the trigger member 91 is operatively engageable with the pump 66 via the moveable linkage 93 to exert such a force on the pump 66. The trigger member 91 can be pivoted about a pivot point 94 located in the handle 61 and can be engaged by at least one finger against the surface 95 by a human operator holding the handle 61. It can have a surface 95, by which the trigger member 91 can be pushed down and fitted around the pivot point 94 in the direction indicated by the arrow 96.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, it can be seen that the safety switch 90 can include a button member 97 attached to an elongated engagement member 98. The button member 97 is the handle 6
1 is disposed in a slot 99 formed therein and is adapted to engage an engagement member 98 between the pin 100 and the inside of the housing 61 in a suitable manner, for example, by engaging the underside of the elongated engagement member 98. It is retained in the slot 99 by the mounting pin 100. The safety switch 90 may also have a first load position in which the pump actuator 67 is inoperative and the housing door is flush with the wash fluid cartridge 64 and the door 70 is in the housing. It is movable to allow it to be inserted into. A second locked position is provided by the safety switch 90, in which position the pump actuator 67 cannot operate and the housing door 70 cannot move. Furthermore, the safety switch 90 can have a third working position,
In this position, the pump actuator 67 can act and the housing door 70 cannot move,
As such, the trigger member 91 can be depressed, but the door 70 cannot be opened while the cleaning system 60 is in use with the trigger member 91 depressed. As shown by the solid line in FIG. 1A, the elongated engagement member 98 of the safety switch 90 causes the pump actuator 6 to
7 and the trigger member 91 are shown inoperative and the housing door is shown in a second locked position immovable. This second locked position corresponds to the central placement of switch 97 in slot 99 as shown in FIG. 1A. End 1 of elongated engagement member 98
01 is placed over the notch 102 formed in the trigger member 91, and when a force is applied to the trigger member 91 in the direction indicated by the arrow 96, the notch 102 is applied to the end 101 of the elongated engaging member 98. It should be noted that it will abut. Movement of the elongated engagement member 98 to the first loaded position causes the end 103 of the elongated engagement member 98 to move away from the stop 104, thereby causing the door 7 to move.
0 can be rocked open to allow the wash fluid cartridge 64 to be removed from the housing 69 or to allow a new wash fluid cartridge 64 to be inserted into the housing 69.

When the button 97 of the safety switch 90 is moved toward its housing 69 in its furthest position in the slot 99, the end 101 of the elongated engagement member 98 does not abut the notch 102 of the trigger 91, which causes The trigger 91 can be depressed. In this operative position, the end 103 of the elongated engagement member 98 will be in full abutment with the stop 104, as indicated by the dashed line 107. Thus, the operator cannot access the inside of the housing 69 while the cleaning system 61 is used and the trigger 91 is depressed.

The advantages of the safety switch 90, such as the button 97 and the three-position slide switch of the elongated engagement member 98, provide an important safety factor, especially when the wash fluid used in the wash fluid cartridge 64 is an acid type solution. To do. When the operator is loading or unloading the wash fluid cartridge 64, the movement of the trigger 91 is blocked so that the pump 66 cannot operate, thus preventing the inadvertent drainage of wash fluid. Cleaning system 6
When the 1 is arranged with the safety switch 90 in the second locked position, the operator can safely carry the cleaning system 61 and the unintentional movement of the trigger 91 is eliminated. Unintentional release of the door 70 is likewise prevented, so that the cleaning fluid cartridge 64 does not fall out of the housing 69 and possibly splash on the floor or operator. Cleaning fluid can be pumped from the cleaning system 60 only when the safety switch 90 is in the third operative position and inadvertent release of the door 70 and movement of the cleaning fluid cartridge 64 from the housing 69 is eliminated. .

The trigger 91 has a first working position in which sufficient force is generated to actuate the pump 66 and is transmitted to the pump 66;
Insufficient preload (pre-lo) to operate pump 66
ad) is generated and transmitted to the pump means 66, and the preload force, shown as dotted line 91b, is relieved to allow the wash fluid cartridge to move to the second position of the handle 61.
A third non-acting position that allows it to be located at the end. The first actuated position of the trigger 91 corresponds to when the trigger 91 is depressed in the direction indicated by the arrow 96 and the movable linkage 93 exerts a force on the pump 66. The movable linkage 93 may include a pivotable swing arm 110 and an end cap 111 (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). Swing arm 110 and end cap 111 have a common pivot point or shaft 112 and swing arm 110 is pivoted about shaft 113 associated with housing 61. Swing arm 110 has a cam surface 114 in sliding engagement with surface 115 of trigger 91. The movement of trigger 91 in the direction indicated by arrow 96 causes cam surface 114 to slide over surface 115 and swing arm 1
Numeral 10 pivots about a shaft 113. This causes movement of the end cap member 111 in the direction indicated by arrow 116 as the end cap 111 pivots about the shaft 113. As the trigger 91 is pushed down, the swing arm 11
The tip 117 of the zero cam surface 114 will engage the notch 102 of the trigger member 91 and thus reach the end of its travel. The swing arm 110 comprises two spaced plate members having the structure shown in FIG. 1A, the first fluid passage 81 can pass through the gap between the two plate members, and the swing Arm 11
It does not hinder the exercise of 0.

As shown in FIG. 3-4, the inside of the handle 61 may include two spaced apart sets of tracks 118, 119, which tracks 118 and 119 are shown in phantom in FIG. There is. Therefore, movement of the end cap member 111 in the direction indicated by arrow 116 causes a plurality of guide members 12 mounted on the end cap member 111.
It is obtained by a zero sliding engagement, which is limited by the end caps that rest along or on track 118 and track 119. The end cap 111 is used for cleaning fluid cartridge 6 as described further below.
A nozzle receiving cavity and a pressure transmission device 121 for engaging four pumps 66 may be provided. The end cap 111 further includes a receiving portion 122 for receiving the second terminal 83 of the first fluid passage 81. Receiving section 12
2 has an annular cavity in which the second end 83 of the tube 81 is fixedly mounted, and the annular cavity 123 is in fluid communication with the nozzle receiving cavity 121, for example by way of a passage 124.

Trigger member 91 (FIG. 1A) is shown in a second inoperative position in which pump 66 is shown.
A preload force that is not sufficient to actuate is generated and transmitted to the pump 66 via the movable linkage 93. The trigger member 91 is provided to releasably hold the trigger member 91 in the second inoperative position. The means for releasably retaining the trigger member 91 in this position extends outwardly and overlies the rail 128.
lies) comprising two spaced apart flexible arms 126, each having an outwardly extending lip 127. The lips 127 can each have a bevelled suface 127A underneath. Rail members 1 arranged at two intervals
28 are provided and they can be integral extensions of the track 119. When lip 127 abuts rail 128, downward movement of trigger 91 is selectively eliminated. However, when lip 127 engages and abuts rail 128, trigger 91 still has cam surface 114 relative to surface 115 of trigger 91.
The end cap member 111 is caused to move in a limited manner through the abutment of. This or preload force resulting from the movement of the end cap 111 with respect to the pump 66 is not sufficient to operate the pump 66, but the trigger 91 causes the pump 6 to
After actuation of 6, it facilitates regaining its second inoperative position. When the trigger 91 reaches its limit of upward movement in the direction indicated by arrow 96, the trigger 91 is in its first working position.

Gripping the trigger 91 and pulling it downward with sufficient force causes the flexible member 126 to be forced inward by the sliding engagement of the beveled surface 127A of the lip 127 with the top of the rail 128. A releasable holding member 129 for holding the trigger member 91 in the third inoperative position.
Are outwardly engageable to abut the rail 128 and prevent the trigger 91 from being pulled completely downward to disengage from the handle 61.
It comprises a pair of spaced arm members 130 having a lip member 131. When the trigger 91 is pulled downward until the lip member 131 engages the rail 128, the cam surface 114 of the swing arm 110 also moves downward and the longitudinal movement of the end cap 111 away from the pump 66. And thus allow the wash fluid cartridge 64, including the pump 66, to be inserted into or removed from the housing 69. New cleaning fluid cartridge 64
After the insert has been inserted into the housing 69, the trigger 91 is pushed upwards in the direction indicated by arrow 96 until the arm member 126 springs outwardly, and the lip member 127 is again moved to the rail 128. Engage. Further upward movement of the trigger 91 is impeded by the abutment of the notch 102 of the trigger 91 against the elongated engagement member. The pump actuator 67, including the linkage 93 and the safety switch 90, can be manufactured as a single unit and then interference fit into the housing 61.

Returning to FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B, the pump 66 includes a top chamber 136 and a pump chamber 135 defined by a flexible sidewall 137 interconnecting the top chamber 136 to the wash fluid cartridge 64. You can A fluid passageway 138 having a first end 139 and a second end 140.
Is the cleaning fluid cartridge 64 and the handle 61 or the nozzle receiving cavity 121 of the end cap 111.
Fluid communication is provided between (as shown in FIG. 1A) through the pump chamber 135. As the pump actuator or trigger 91 moves, the wash fluid is pumped from the wash fluid cartridge 64 to the handle 61. The pump chamber 135 further includes a lower end wall 141 and an upper wall 13
A flexible side wall 137 is arranged between 6 and the lower wall 141. If the lower end wall 141 is not used, the flexible side wall 137 can be extended to connect to the fluid cartridge 64, as shown by the dotted line in FIG.
The pump 66 further comprises a rigid flange 66a and a rigid support flange or pump support 66b for connecting the nozzle 160 thereto.

Upper end wall 136 and lower end wall 1 of pump chamber 135
41 comprises an annular disk 143 each having an outer diameter 144 and an inner diameter 145. Each annular disk 143 has a shape generally called a truncated cone, and each disk 143 is tapered upward or downward at an acute angle from an outer diameter 144 to an inner diameter 145. The angle θ is 10 ° to 35 °
And the angle is particularly preferably 15 ° to 28 °.
Is. The outer diameter of each annular disk 143 is the flexible sidewall 13
7, and as shown in FIG. 2, one inner diameter 145 of the annular disk 143 is connected to the wash fluid cartridge 64. If the pump chamber consists of top wall 136 and flexible sidewalls 137 only, top wall 136
The outer diameter 144 of the flexible side wall 137 is connected to the flexible side wall 137, and the lower end of the flexible side wall 137 is connected to the cleaning fluid cartridge 64. Thus, the pump 66 has two Belville washers (143) and an integral connecting band (13).
It is a unique type of bellows equipped with 7).

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B, valves 146, 147 are disposed within passageways 139 and 140, respectively, at the inner diameter of each annular disc 143, and, preferably, Each valve 146, 147 constitutes a check valve. The valve means 146 may be, for example, the nozzle 160.
Spring-biased check valve 148 having a sealing member or sealing disk 149 biased downwardly toward the pump chamber 135 by a spring member 150 having an integral flange member 150a that is snap-fitted and connected to the shoulder of FIG. . The spring member 150 exerts a biasing force on the shaft 151 integral with the sealing disk 149 by engagement of the spring 150 in the groove 151a of the shaft 151, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and 151 is the second
It can also be attached to the end of spring 150, for example at 152, as shown. This valve 146 is 1B
It is similar to the structure of the safety check valve 86 described in connection with the figures. The check valve 147 may be a clapper check valve 153 that is freely movable within the inner diameter 145 of the annular disk 143 of the lower end wall 141. The clapper check valve 153 can have a plurality of wedge members 154 disposed about its outer surface that prevent the clapper check valve 153 from moving upward into the pump chamber 135. Clappa check valve 15
3, the clapper check valve 153 has a pump chamber 13
A tapered sealing surface 155 disposed around its outer upper periphery may also be provided, in that it has a generally circular cross-sectional shape when viewed from the top of 5.
The sealing surface 155 also acts to prevent the clapper check valve 153 from falling into the wash fluid cartridge means 64. Movement of valve 153 within diameter 145 is thus limited to distance "D", as shown in Figure 2A.

If the lower end wall 141 is not used as described above,
Note that a uniform chamber, such as that shown in FIG. 2, formed by the inner diameter 145 of the lower end wall 141 would be provided on the wash fluid cartridge 64 for proper operation of the clapper valve 153. It should also be noted that a variety of different types of check valves may be used for valve 146 as long as the desired sealing effect on pump chamber 135 is provided. The pump 66 and its pump chamber 135 are integrally formed with the wash fluid cartridge 64; however, the pump 6 or the pump chamber 135 can be removably attached to the wash fluid cartridge 64.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a connection or threaded connection can be provided between the six or pump chambers 135.

The pump 66 further includes a nozzle 160. Nozzle 1
60 meshes with the nozzle receiving cavity 121 of the end cap 111. If the pump 66 is formed as an integral component with the wash fluid cartridge 64, the nozzle 160 comprises a closure chip 161 that is removably attached to the nozzle 160 by a frangible connection at 162, for example. The closure tip 161 is on the pump 66 and wash fluid cartridge 64 while the pump 66 and wash fluid cartridge 64 is stored. If it is desired to insert the wash fluid cartridge 64 and pump 66 into the wash system 60, the closure tip 161.
Are removed from the nozzle 160. All of the components of the wash fluid cartridge 64 and pump 66 are manufactured from a suitable plastic material, however, the valve 146,
147 can also be manufactured from a suitable corrosion resistant material. However, in the preferred embodiment, the spring 150 is plastic to eliminate the degradation of the metal spring caused by the acidic cleaning solution. Thus, the plastic coil spring check valve 146 can function in 18% hydrochloric acid (HCL) solution without deterioration or problematic creep.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B, when the check valve 146 is in its open position, as shown in FIG. 2A, the wash fluid from within the pump chamber 135 flows from the wash fluid cartridge 64. Nozzle 1 through passage 138
One can proceed to 60, and then to the first fluid passage 81 located in the handle 61.

The inner diameter 145 of one annular disk 143 is larger than the inner diameter 145 of the other annular disk 143. Inner diameter 1 of the annular disk 143 connected to the cleaning fluid cartridge 64
45 is smaller than the inner diameter of the annular disk 143 forming the upper end wall. If the cleaning system 60 includes a safety check valve 86 at the first end 62 of the handle 61, as will be apparent from the description of operation of the pump 66,
By providing its sealing action by the safety check valve 86, the check valve 146 located at the upper end of the pump chamber 135 can be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, wash fluid cartridge 64 is preferably a flexible plastic bottle 165 having a plurality of wall surfaces 166-169 of varying wall thickness. For example, wall 166 is thicker than the upper portion of wall 167,
Its thickness becomes thinner as the wall 167 approaches the intersection of the walls 167 and 168. The wall 168 is thinner at the intersection with the lower end of the wall 167 and thicker as it approaches the intersection with the lower wall 169. Furthermore, the wall 169
Is thicker than the lower portions of walls 168 and 167. If the wash fluid cartridge 64 is a flexible bottle, by varying the wall thickness associated with the wash fluid cartridge 64, the various wall surfaces of the bottle 165 will be removed from the bottle 165 by the suction force generated by the pump 66. It has been found that a satisfactory operation of the cleaning fluid contained in the bottle 165 is obtained by the subsequent operation of the pump 66, due to the mutual collapsing of the cleaning fluid of the pump of FIG. The bottle 165 generally has a substantially frustoconical shape. Alternatively, the wash fluid cartridge 64 is formed integrally with the pump 66 or is attached to the pump 66 in a suitable manner, such as by an ultrasonic seal, on a flexible plastic bag or film pouch. ) Can be. In addition, the collapse of the wall of the wash fluid cartridge 64 causes the pump 66 to pump fluid regardless of the orientation of the handle, as the operation of the pump 66 does not rely on gravity for a series of operations. Please note that it will be sent in.

2, 2A, 2B and 5A, 5B,
Referring to FIGS. 5C and 1A, the means for maintaining pumping of wash fluid from the wash fluid cartridge 64 is obtained after actuation of the pump actuator 67 ceases motion to force the pump 66. The operation of the cleaning system 61 including the features of the present invention will now be described. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 5A, the pump support wall 74 may include, for example, one pump support wall 74 flexibly mounted inside the housing 69, and a lower support wall 7.
Note that by mounting 4 inside door 70, it is flexibly associated with handle 61. The pump support walls 74 are made of, for example, a flexible plastic material and join the support walls 74 in a continuous integral connection along the housing 69 and the door 70 to those with the capsule 64. The required flexibility can be provided by having a reduced wall thickness at the intersection of, or by any other suitable method such that the support wall 74 can bend and not be completely rigid.
Generally, for example, the trigger member 91 is depressed to cause longitudinal movement of the end cap member 111 relative to the nozzle 160, transmitting force to the pump chamber 135 in the direction indicated by arrow 170 in FIGS. 2 and 2A. Force is transmitted to the upper end wall 136 of the pump chamber 135. The fluid contained in the pump chamber 135, whether air or cleaning fluid, is then compressed. In this compression, the check valve 147 is
As shown, this will cause it to assume a sealed position within the inner diameter 145 of the annular disk 143 forming the lower end wall 141. Then pump chamber 135
The pressure created inside is the spring-biased check valve 146.
The fluid contained in the pump chamber 135 through the nozzle 160 and the first fluid passage 8 of the handle 61.
1 then pumped out from the first end 62 of the handle 61. When the trigger 91 is released, the pump chamber 135 will try to assume its original configuration as shown in FIG. The check valve 146 is closed and a partial vacuum is created in the pump chamber 135, so that the fluid contained in the fluid cartridge 64 passes through the check valve 147 and into the pump chamber 1 as shown in FIG. 2B.
35 will be aspirated. A series of actuations of the trigger 91 causes the pump chamber 135 and / or any air in the wash fluid cartridge 64 to be expelled, if any, thereby causing wash fluid to reach the safety check valve 86 in the handle 61 and the pump chamber 135 and the first. 1 The fluid passage 81 is filled. Thereafter, each time the trigger 91 is depressed, the wash fluid is pumped out of the wash fluid cartridge 64 or aspirated out of the wash fluid cartridge 64.

A biased support structure 74 that uses a flexible and inflatable pump chamber 135 that expands under the action of the pump actuator 67 and cooperates with the pump chamber 135.
After the trigger 91 has been depressed until it reaches its maximum upward movement and / or has taken its second inoperative position as described above in connection with FIG. 1A, the cleaning system 60 causes the cleaning fluid to pump the cleaning fluid into the pump chamber. It will continue to pump outwards from 135 and from the safety check valve 86. Note that the support structure 74 biases the pump chamber 135 against the force exerted by the pump actuator 67 on the pump chamber 135. This means for maintaining pumping of the wash fluid from the wash fluid cartridge 64 after the action of the pump actuator 67 is an important feature of the present invention in that the drainage of the wash fluid can be delayed. In the situation where the operator of the cleaning system 60 is using the cleaning system 60 to clean bathroom equipment or other surfaces that it is desired to clean, the operator simultaneously operates the handles across the surface to be cleaned. The pump actuator 67 can be moved or depressed while spraying the cleaning fluid onto the desired surface. In other words, the operator does not have to operate the cleaning system 60 continuously.

For example, the operator can depress the trigger 91, and during the depression of the trigger 91, the cleaning fluid will be drained from the handle 61 during the process. Then about 1
For seconds, the cleaning fluid continues to be pumped from the cleaning system 60, with the operator simply having to move the handle 61 to direct the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned.
Reducing the number of times the operator has to depress the trigger 91 is very advantageous in situations where the operator is cleaning a number of bathroom installations, for example as part of a hospital cleaning staff.

5A-5C, the pump chamber 135 described above in connection with FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B includes a flexible side wall 137, an upper end wall 136 and a lower end wall 141.
It is shown. Also shown is a flexible pump support wall 74. Arrow A in FIG. 5A indicates the length of the flexible and inflatable pump chamber 135 in its rest position when placed in the cleaning system 61, where the pump chamber actuator 67 or trigger 91 is It is located in the position shown in FIG. 1A. Arrow F represents the preload force on pump 66 or pump chamber 135, as described above. Referring to FIG. 5B, the flexibility after the pump chamber 135 is compressed by the force transmission from the depression of the trigger 91 transmitted to the pump chamber 135 via the swing arm 110, the end cap 111 and the nozzle 160. And inflatable pump chamber 135
3 shows the shape arrangement of. Arrow E indicates the pump chamber stroke length and resulting movement of end cap 111 due to the force applied by pump actuator 67. Letter B
Indicates the pump length immediately after actuation of the pump actuator or depression of the trigger 91. Letter G is for pump chamber 135
Of the flexible side wall 137 of the pump chamber 13
5 expansion and bending of the upper end wall 136 and the lower end wall 141 of the pump chamber 135. The expansion is pumped into pump chamber 135 and initially from pump chamber 1 from the fluid defined by check valves 146 and 147.
It is caused by the pressure created in 35. Valve 14
After 6 and 147 are open, the pressure in pump chamber 135 is maintained by the pressure drop across the outlet hole. Immediately after actuation of the trigger 91, the force exerted on the pump chamber 135 caused bending or movement of the flexible pump chamber support wall 74 and the pump support flex distance is indicated by D. Please note that

Referring to FIG. 5C, arrow C shows the pump length when the wash fluid feed is stopped and the trigger is still depressed. Arrow E indicates the pump stroke length provided by the movement of the end cap 111 from the depression of the trigger 91 and arrow D indicates the flexible pump chamber support wall 7.
4 shows the movement of the flexible pump chamber support wall 74 when re-establishing its normal position as shown in FIG. 5A. Even if the trigger 91 stops being pushed, the pump chamber 1
The cleaning fluid is drained from the pump chamber 135 due to the force exerted by the contraction of 35, in particular the contraction of the flexible side wall 135 and the biasing force exerted by the flexible pump chamber support wall 74 on the pump chamber 135.
Thus, the delayed or continuous drainage feature of the present invention (continuous fluid drainage for about 1 second after trigger 91 stops pushing) causes expansion and flexibility of flexible sidewall 137. Elastic deflection of the pump chamber support wall 74 (spring d
It is believed to be provided by the energy stored in the pump chamber 135 by eflection. In addition, another factor in achieving a delayed drainage of wash fluid from the wash system 60 is believed to be the fluid pressure drop across the safety check valve 86 associated with the outlet hole or first fluid passage 81, which pressure drop. Is considered as a function of the viscosity of the cleaning fluid and the diameter of the outlet hole of the cleaning system 60.

Referring to FIGS. 6-10, another means for controlling the collapse of the cartridge 64 is shown. It should be understood that the cartridge 64 gradually collapses or deforms as fluid is pumped from the cartridge 64, and that such collapse is accomplished in part by the varying wall thickness of the cartridge 64. is there. However, what is important is that the cartridge 64 deforms in a controlled manner, otherwise some of the fluid in the cartridge 64 may be trapped therein. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively, the container or cartridge 64
There are stiffened sidewalls or side members 180 that can be in the form of rigid labels 182 or longitudinal integral ribs 184 located along the walls of the. In a preferred embodiment, the label 182 or rib 184 is about 150 ° around the cartridge 64.
Up to.

Referring to FIG. 8, the cartridge 64 may also include hooks 186 that may be blow molded on the bottom side of the cartridge 64. The hook 186 can be coupled to a clip (not shown) in the housing 69, thereby forming a hinge for the cartridge bottom 169 to pivot. Such controlled pivoting thereby achieves collapsing of the cartridge 64 with respect to its side where the hook 186 is located.

A rigid side member, shown as label 182 (FIGS. 9 and 10), causes bottom 169 to collapse or fold upwards, and the side of cartridge 64 opposite label 182 has a label 182. 64
Crashes or folds inward against the sides of the. Thus, the cartridge 64 can be substantially evacuated of cleaning fluid by the controlled crushing or deformation described above.

[Brief description of drawings]

1A and 1B represent partial cross-sectional views of a cleaning system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the cleaning fluid cartridge of the present invention. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of a wash fluid capsule showing fluid flow through the cartridge, valve and pump. FIG. 3 is a partial front view of a portion of the cleaning system of the present invention taken along line 3-3 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view of the end cap member used in the present invention. Sectional Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are partial cross-sectional views showing the sequential operation of the pump of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the fluid capsule showing its sidewall with stiffening members. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fluid capsule showing its sidewall with another stiffening member. FIG. 8 is a partial cutaway perspective view showing another means for controlling the collapsing of the capsule. 9 and 10 are sequence diagrams showing controlled crushing of the fluid capsule. In the figure, 60 ... Washing system, 61 ... Handle, 6
4 ... Cleaning fluid cartridge, 65 ... Surface cleaning member, 66
... pump, 67 ... pump operating member, 68 ... support structure,
69 ... Housing, 70 ... Door, 74 ... Supporting wall, 77 ...
Mop head, 80 ... Annular ring, 81 ... First fluid passage, 84 ... Second fluid passage, 85 ... Safety device, 86 ... Safety check valve, 87 ... Spiral spring, 88 ... Sealing disc, 89 ... Shaft member, 90 ... Safety switch, 91 ...
Trigger member, 93 ... Movable linkage, 97 ... Button member, 98 ... Elongate engaging member, 99 ... Slot, 101 ...
The end of the elongated engaging member 98, 102 ... Notch of trigger member, 104 ... Stop, 110 ... Swing arm, 111 ...
End cap, 114 ... Cam surface, 118, 119 ... Track, 120 ... Guide member, 121 ... Nozzle receiving cavity, 123 ... Annular cavity, 124 ... Passage, 1
26 ... Flexible arm, 127 ... Lip, 128 ... Rail, 130 ... Arm member, 135 ... Pump chamber, 1
36 ... Upper wall, 137 ... Flexible side wall, 138 ... Fluid passage, 139 ... First end, 140 ... Second end, 141 ... Lower end wall, 143 ... Annular disk, 146, 147 ... Valve,
148 ... Spring bias type check valve, 149 ... Sealing member, 150 ... Spring member, 151 ... Shaft, 153
... Clapper check valve, 154 ... Wedge member, 155 ... Tapered sealing surface, 160 ... Nozzle, 180 ... Stiffened sidewall or side member, 182 ... Rigid label, 18
4 ... vertical ribs, 186 ... hooks.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An elongated housing having a cavity having a first end and a second end, the second end having a cavity adapted to receive a wash fluid capsule; and the first end of the housing. A surface cleaning head connected to the housing at a portion thereof, a trigger pivotally connected to the housing at a slot of the housing, and operatively engaged with the trigger to the cleaning fluid capsule. A movable linkage mechanism that is adapted to abut and is within the cavity of the housing, and a tube disposed within the cavity of the housing, the tube being near the first end of the housing. A tube having a first end and a second end connected to the linkage mechanism such that the tube is between the capsule and a discharge orifice in the housing proximate the first end of the tube. Upon allowing communication and depressing the trigger, the linkage mechanism impinges on the capsule and wash fluid travels from the capsule, through the tube, and out of the housing through the exhaust orifice. A cleaning device characterized by being performed. 2. The linkage mechanism comprises a pivotally mounted swing arm of a spring and an end cap member, the swing arm operatively engaging the trigger and the end cap member. The cleaning device according to claim 1, which is compatible with the cleaning device. 3. The end cap member includes a nozzle receiving cavity adapted to receive a nozzle of the capsule, the end cap member receiving the second end of the tube. 3. The cleaning device of claim 2 further comprising a tube receiving cavity, the end cap member having a liquid passage between the nozzle receiving cavity and the tube receiving cavity. 4. An elongated housing having a cavity having a first end and a second end, the second end having a cavity adapted to receive a wash fluid capsule, and the first end of the housing. A surface cleaning head connected to the housing at a portion thereof, a trigger pivotally connected to the housing at a slot of the housing, and operatively engaged with the trigger to the cleaning fluid capsule. A movable linkage mechanism within the cavity of the housing, the tube disposed within the cavity of the housing, and a safety locking mechanism, the tube including a first portion of the housing. A tube having a first end near the end and a second end connected to the linkage mechanism, wherein the tube is disposed in the housing near the capsule and the first end of the tube. Allowing fluid communication with the refus and depressing the trigger, the linkage mechanism impinges on the capsule and wash fluid travels from the capsule through the tube and through the drainage orifice. A slide switch mounted on the housing that is ejected out of the housing and the safety lock mechanism engages and disengages from the trigger and the door of the housing, the slide switch being in a first position When the door of the housing is movable to allow access to and from the cavity, and when the slide switch is in the second position, the slide switch engages the trigger and the door; The cleaning device is characterized in that, when is in the third position, the slide switch engages with the door and disengages with the trigger. 5. An elongated housing having a cavity having a first end and a second end adapted to receive a wash fluid capsule at the second end; and the first end of the housing. A surface cleaning head connected to the housing at a portion thereof, a trigger pivotally connected to the housing at a slot of the housing, and operatively engaged with the trigger to the cleaning fluid capsule. A movable linkage mechanism adapted to abut and lie within the cavity of the housing, a tube disposed within the cavity of the housing and a safety lock mechanism, the tube including a first end of the housing. And a second end connected to the linkage mechanism, the tube having a discharge end within the housing proximate the capsule and the first end of the tube. Allowing fluid communication with the fissure and depressing the trigger causes the linkage mechanism to impinge on the capsule and flush fluid from the capsule through the tube and through the drain orifice. Ejected out of the housing, the safety locking mechanism comprises a button to which an elongated engagement member is connected to operatively engage the button, the button comprising: A first end near the cleaning head and a second end near the opposite end of the cleaning head are connected to the engagement member at approximately the center of the engagement member. And the button is housed in a button slot in the housing, the button having a first position proximate to the cleaning head, a second position substantially central to the button slot, and the cleaning position. The howe on the side opposite the head A third position proximate the end of the housing, slidable within the button slot, the guide locking mechanism comprising the trigger pivotally mounted within a trigger slot of the housing, the trigger comprising: A door having alternating engagement and spacing notches in the first end of the engagement member, the safety lock mechanism pivotably mounted at the end of the housing opposite the cleaning head. The door has a stop member engaging and spaced from a second end of the engagement member, the first of the engagement members when the button is in the first position. An end engages the notch and the second portion of the engagement member
When the end is disengaged from the stop member to prevent pivoting of the trigger and to allow opening of the door and the button is in the second position, the first of the engaging members. An end engages the notch and the second portion of the engagement member
The first end of the engagement member when the end engages the stop member to prevent pivoting of the trigger and prevents opening of the door and the button is in the third position. Disengage from the notch and the second end of the engaging member engages the stop member to allow the trigger to pivot and prevent the door from opening. Cleaning device characterized by.