WO2012035517A1

WO2012035517A1 - Broom cleaning device

Info

Publication number: WO2012035517A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/054059
Authority: WO
Inventors: Piero Bonanni; Sergio Martini; Aldo Bonanni
Original assignee: Piero Bonanni; Sergio Martini; Aldo Bonanni
Priority date: 2010-09-16
Filing date: 2011-09-16
Publication date: 2012-03-22
Also published as: IT1402329B1; ITFR20100020A1

Abstract

A broom cleaning device (1; 10; 100), comprising: - a container (2) substantially box-shaped, presenting an interior space shaped to receive a brush of a broom and to allow a moving of the broom brush into the container (2); - friction means (4; 14), placed at least partially into said space and apt to permit broom bristles cleaning by friction between bristles and friction means (4; 14); and - supporting means (3; 13; 23), apt to support the broom or a broom portion, characterized in that an independent or combining moving of supporting means (3; 13; 23) and/or friction means (4; 14), respectively, involves a friction between the bristles of the broom and the friction means (4, 14) and a collection of falling waste on a bottom of the container (2).

Description

BROOM CLEANING DEVICE DESCRIPTION Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a broom cleaning device suitable for use in cleaning field, particular in domestic and/or professional field.

Background of the invention

During the cleaning operations for dust removal - or solid, generally small, material removal- from a floor surface by using a broom, a certain amount of removed material tends to adhere to the bristles of the broom itself. It is therefore necessary to frequently clean the bristles of the broom, which is usually by mechanical friction of the bristles themselves.

Often this friction operation is done by the same dustpan used to collect the dust removed and dragged. However, in this case the operator must bend down and however he can act only on the outer rows of bristles, thus failing to detach the dust from the bristles of the broom of the inner area unless he do it manually, getting dirty. To obtain a friction over the entire surface of the bristles, especially in the domestic environment, frequently is provided to brush the broom in casual places, for example on the railing of a balcony. This method, however, involves the release of a significant amount of dust in the environment and not allows an optimal broom cleaning operation. Summary of the invention

The technical problem posed and solved by the present invention is therefore to provide a broom cleaning device to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above.

This problem is solved by a broom cleaning device according to claim 1 and also, according to the same inventive concept, by a broom cleaning device according to claim 19.

Preferred features of the present invention are present in the dependent claims thereof.

In its broadest sense, the invention relates to a broom cleaning device comprising a container, apt to receive a broom portion - typically called "brush" - a broom support element and a broom cleaning grid.

The invention obtains an optimal broom cleaning producing a relative movement between the broom and the grid or other broom cleaning means that optimizes the amount of residual material that is removed from the bristles.

The invention thus allows to easily and effectively clean the broom in a special container, maintaining hygiene and order in the environment.

The invention eliminates the problem of the brushing in casual places such as on the balcony railing, resulting in the release of dust into the environment and facilitates the coexistence of neighbour between different floors.

Preferably, the device according to the invention also allows to store the broom in an upright position within it, so that the broom bristles resulting protected, so they do not bend, and increased durability.

A further advantage of the present invention is that by pouring water and detergent into the container, the broom cleaning device provides washing sterilizing the bristles of a broom.

Other advantages, features and conditions of employment of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of some embodiments, presented by way of example and not limiting.

Brief description of the drawings

It will be referred to the figures of the annexed drawings, wherein:

- Figure 1 shows a side view partially in section of a first preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention;

- Figure 2 shows a side view partially in section of a second preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention;

- Figure 3 shows a side view partially in section of the device in Figure 2 in an operating configuration with a brush broom inserted into the device;

- Figures 4a and 4b respectively show a front view and a section view of a detail of Figure 2, the section being made along the line B-B of Figure 2;

- Figures 5a, 5b and 5c each show a front view of the broom cleaning device of Figure 1 , during an operating condition with particular reference to the position successively taken by a moving part of a support element of the device - in these figures the device is shown partially transparent for clarity;

- Figures 6a 6b and 6c each show a front view of the broom cleaning device of Figure 2, during an operating condition with particular reference to the position successively taken by a moving part of a support element of the device - in these figures the device is shown partially transparent for clarity;

- Figure 7 shows a side view partially in section of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention in an operative condition;

- Figure 8 shows a front view of the device in Figure 7, partially transparent;

- Figure 9 shows an overhead view of the device of Figure 7 in a non- operative condition.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

As will be explained in more detail below, we will refer to three different preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention. All embodiments get the same advantages listed above with reference to the device according to the invention, using the same technical solution of a relative movement between the friction means and / or supporting means of the broom and the device itself.

We will hereafter refer to the above mentioned preferred embodiments, indicating by the same reference number components that are substantially common to the three different embodiments.

A first preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a broom cleaning device, as shown in Figure 1 , globally denoted by 1 .

The broom cleaning device 1 includes a container 2, friction means 4 and supporting means 3.

In particular, the container 2 comprises a wall open or openable at the top, as shown in Figure 1 , to allow the insertion of the broom into the interior space.

In the event that the container includes only an opening at a top wall, this is apt to allow the insertion of a portion of the broom.

The interior space is dimensioned so as to contain the end portion of the broom, in technical words identified with the term "base", which acts as a support on which the bristles and the handle can be fixed.

The supporting means 3 comprise a first support element 5 fixed to the container 2 and a second element 6 connected to the first element 5 and mobile with respect to the first element 5. The connection of the second element 6 with respect to the first element is a rotating connection.

The rotating connection can be realized by means of a known spring connection, or by a ball bearing interposed between the first 5 and the second element 6.

Figure 2 shows a second preferred embodiment of the invention according to which a broom cleaning device 10 comprises a container 2, friction means 4 and supporting means 13.

In particular, the supporting means 13 comprises a first element 15 fixed to the container 2 and a second element 16 connected to the first element 15 and movable with respect to the latter by a sliding connection.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the first element 15 is conformed in particular as a linear guide. Preferably, the second element 16 has a cursor shape.

In all embodiments, the supporting means also comprises a portion shaped in a substantially annular manner for the reception and coupling with a broom handle. In particular, in the first two embodiments above mentioned and as shown in Figure 4b, that portion is positioned at the second movable element.

In an embodiment not shown, the coupling with the broom handle is of the snap type.

In the latter case the coupling portion of the second element is preferably made of plastic or metal with an elasticity that allows an elastic deformation during a reception phase of the broom handle and a return to the initial undeformed condition during a coupling phase, so as to support the handle itself.

In the embodiments described here, supporting means also comprises a connecting element 1 1 apt to be fixed to the broom handle and shaped to be coupled with the above mentioned shaped portion of the supporting means.

In a preferred embodiment, the coupling of the second element 6, 16 with the broom handle is a sliding type.

Preferably, the connecting element 1 1 is fixed by at least one screw to the handle of the broom, for example as shown in Figure 3.

In an alternative embodiment not shown the connection between the connecting element 1 1 and the supporting means is a magnetic connection.

As shown in Figure 1 , in a first preferred embodiment the above mentioned friction means comprises a grid 4.

In particular, the grid 4 has a plurality of rods, for example rods with triangular profile.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, such grid 4 has a conformation higher than a bottom of the container so as to create a space for the collection of waste.

In particular, the grid 4 is removable so as to facilitate cleaning of the device.

In a not shown embodiment, connecting the above mentioned grid 4 with moving means 12 is provided, for example by a treadle that can be driven from the outside of said container 2 to move, for example by translation movements, the grid 4 into the container 2 itself.

As an alternative, moving means provides an engine for the automatic driving of the grid 4 with respect to the broom. In particular, the grid can be shaped as a mobile element configured in closed loop.

In a third preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 7, the broom cleaning device 100 according to the invention comprises a container 2, friction means 14 and supporting means 23.

In particular, the supporting means 23 comprises a second element fixed with respect to the first element so as to support the broom handle and keep it in a substantially vertical configuration.

As shown in Figures 7 to 9 this version comprises a friction element 14 configured as a closed loop. In particular, the element 14 includes two portions of belt and / or chain, as shown in Figure 9, that are interposed with a plurality of rods, for example rods with triangular profile.

The element 14 is moved in a preferably automated manner by a belt pulley connection. As shown in Figure 8 a pair of pulleys, by which the element 14 can be rotated, is provided, in particular a driving pulley connected with a moving element 12, such as a motor, is provided.

In this latter embodiment, the positioning of the pulley shafts by which the friction element 14 is moved, enable the element itself to have a conformation higher than a bottom of the container 2 so as to create a space for the collection of waste.

In a not shown embodiment, the container 2 is provided with a base in which at least a portion is removable or movable in such a way as to allow the discharge of the waste collected.

The structural dimensions of the device according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention is such that, once inserted the broom handle into the support, for example, once the connecting element 1 1 abutting to the second element 6, the base of the broom is in a position inside the container 2 and with the final ends of the bristles in contact with the friction means.

In this latter configuration, thanks to the rotating connection between the second 6 and the first 5 element of the support 3, an operator can proceed to clean the broom, remaining in an upright position and to act with an oscillating action of the broom handle. In particular, he can act first in one direction then in another direction, as shown in succession in Figures 5a 5b and 5c, so as to cause a friction of the bristles of the broom on the grid.

In the second embodiment, thanks to the sliding connection between the second16 and the first 15 element of the support 13, an operator can proceed to clean the broom, remaining in an upright position and to act with a substantially horizontal translation action. In particular, he can act by translating the broom handle first in one direction and then in another direction, as shown in succession in Figures 6a 6b and 6c so as to cause a friction of the bristles of the broom on the grid. The waste falling down from the broom bristles is collected on the bottom of the container 2.

As already described above, the third embodiment involves the insertion of a broom handle in a support 23 in which the second element is fixed with respect to the first element and in particular is shaped to support the broom in a substantially vertical position.

Thanks to the moving of the belt and / or chain element 14, and to the friction caused by this moving on the bristles of the broom, it is possible to proceed the broom bristles cleaning with the broom maintained in a substantially vertical position by the same support 23, as shown in Figure 8.

Even in this configuration, the waste falling down from the broom bristles is collected on the bottom of the container 2.

In particular, in all embodiments described above, a driving button is provided for an automatic movements of the second element 6, 16 with respect to the first 5, 15 and / or means of friction 4, 14.

There is also a possibility to provide a combination of movements, allowing to obtain a broom cleaning device comprising a support element 3, 13 includes a movable element, and a friction element 14 movable in turn.

In a not shown embodiment, the device according to the invention also comprises sensor elements to activate automatically the movement of the friction means 4, 14 inside the container 2. It is also provided a variation of the device according to the invention comprising suction means, or connection means to suction means, to facilitate the removal of waste from the bottom of the container 2. The present invention has been hereto described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It is understood that other embodiments might exist, all falling within the concept of the same invention, as defined by the protective scope of the claims hereinafter.

Claims

1. A broom cleaning device (1 ; 10), comprising:

- a container (2) substantially box-shaped, presenting an interior space apt to receive a brush of a broom;

- friction means (4), placed at least partially into said space and apt to permit broom bristles cleaning by friction between bristles and friction means (4); and

- supporting means (3; 13), apt to support the broom or a broom portion, characterized in that said supporting means (3; 13) comprises a first element (5; 15) fixed to said container and a second element (6; 16) connected to said first element (5; 15) and apt to support the broom or a broom portion, preferably in correspondence of an handle, the connection between said first and second element being such that said second element (6; 16) is movable with respect to said friction means (4).

2. The broom cleaning device (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said second element (6) is rotating connected to said first element (5), so as to allow an oscillation of the broom with respect to said friction means (4).

3. The broom cleaning device (10) according to claim 1 , wherein said second element (16) is sliding connected to said first element (15) so as to allow a translation, preferably substantially horizontal, of the broom with respect to said friction means (4).

4. The broom cleaning device (1 ; 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second element (6, 16) is shaped so as to allow a shape coupling with the broom, preferably with a handle of the broom.

5. The broom cleaning device (1 ; 10) according to the preceding claim, wherein a portion of said second element (6, 16) is shaped in a substantially annular manner.

6. The broom cleaning device (1 ; 10) according to any one of the claims 4 or 5, wherein said coupling is a snap coupling.

7. The broom cleaning device (1 ; 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said supporting means (3; 13) also includes a connecting element (1 1 ) apt to be fixed to the broom handle and shaped to be coupled with said second element (6, 16).

8. The broom cleaning device (1 ; 10) according to the preceding claims, wherein said connecting element (1 1 ) has an end conformed to being abutted with said second element (6, 16).

9. The broom cleaning device (1 ; 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said friction means comprises a grid (4) having a plurality of rods.

10. The broom cleaning device (1 ; 10) according to the preceding claim, wherein a rod of that plurality of rods has a triangular profile.

11. The broom cleaning device (1 ; 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said friction means (4) is removable.

12. The broom cleaning device (1 ; 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said friction means (4) has a conformation higher than a bottom of the container (2) so as to create a space for the collection of waste.

13. The broom cleaning device (1 ; 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a bottom portion of said container (2) is removable or movable so as to allow the discharge of the waste collected.

14. The broom cleaning device (1 ; 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, also comprising moving means (12) connected to said friction means (4) apt to move said friction means (4) with respect to said broom.

15. The broom cleaning device (1 ; 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said moving means (12) comprises a treadle element that can be driven from the outside of said container (2).

16. The broom cleaning device (1 ; 10) according to any one of the claims 14 or 15, wherein said moving means (12) comprises an engine element apt to automatically drive the moving of said friction means (4) with respect to said broom.

17. The broom cleaning device (1 ; 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said friction means comprises a movable element configured as a closed loop (14).

18. A broom cleaning device (100), comprising:

friction means (4), placed at least partially into said space, apt to permit broom bristles cleaning by friction between bristles and friction means (4); and - supporting means (23), apt to support the broom or a broom portion, characterized in that also comprises moving means (12) connected to said friction means (14) and apt to drive said friction means (14) with respect to the broom supported by said supporting means (23).

19. The broom cleaning device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said moving means (12) comprise a treadle element that can be driven from the outside of said container (2).

20. The broom cleaning device (100) according to any one of the claims 18 or 19, wherein said moving means (12) comprises an engine element apt to automatically drive the moving of said friction means (4) with respect to said broom.

21. The broom cleaning device (100) according to any one of the claims18 to 20, wherein said friction means is configured as a closed loop (14).

22. The broom cleaning device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said closed loop (14) comprises a belt and/or chain portion, apt to be moved by a belt-pulley connection.

23. The broom cleaning device (1 ; 10; 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, also comprising sensor apt to drive the moving of said friction means (4; 14) inside said container (2).