WO2022129851A1 - Appareil de traitement du sol - Google Patents

Appareil de traitement du sol Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022129851A1
WO2022129851A1 PCT/GB2021/052972 GB2021052972W WO2022129851A1 WO 2022129851 A1 WO2022129851 A1 WO 2022129851A1 GB 2021052972 W GB2021052972 W GB 2021052972W WO 2022129851 A1 WO2022129851 A1 WO 2022129851A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cleaning
floor
head
cleaner
driven
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2021/052972
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Stephen Dimbylow
David Cole
Original Assignee
Dyson Technology Limited
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 Dyson Technology Limited filed Critical Dyson Technology Limited
Priority to CN202180082733.2A priority Critical patent/CN116568194A/zh
Publication of WO2022129851A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022129851A1/fr

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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
    • A47L11/29—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
    • A47L11/302—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction having rotary tools
    • 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
    • A47L11/02—Floor surfacing or polishing machines
    • A47L11/20—Floor surfacing or polishing machines combined with vacuum cleaning devices
    • 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
    • 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
    • A47L11/4038—Disk shaped surface treating tools
    • 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
    • A47L11/40—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
    • A47L11/4052—Movement of the tools or the like perpendicular to the cleaning surface
    • A47L11/4055—Movement of the tools or the like perpendicular to the cleaning surface for lifting the tools to a non-working position
    • 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
    • A47L11/4091—Storing or parking devices, arrangements therefor; Means allowing transport of the machine when it is not being used
    • 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
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • 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
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0427—Gearing or transmission means therefor
    • A47L9/0433—Toothed gearings
    • A47L9/0438—Toothed gearings with gears having orbital motion, e.g. planetary gearing
    • 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
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
    • A47L9/0466—Rotating tools
    • A47L9/0472—Discs

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns a floor treatment apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a vacuum cleaner for washing and cleaning a floor with a cleaning liquid, which may be referred to as a wet floor cleaner.
  • floor cleaners include “dry” floor cleaners such as vacuum cleaners, and “wet” floor cleaners.
  • Some wet floor cleaners of the prior art apply a cleaning fluid to the floor as part of the cleaning process and include a reservoir for holding such cleaning fluid.
  • Some wet floor cleaners of the prior art include cleaning elements arranged to be in contact with the floor and for agitating the cleaning fluid once applied to the floor. Such cleaning elements may be driven via one or more electric motors.
  • the wet floor cleaner may also include a vacuum pump or fan which removes waste liquid from the floor.
  • CN206586900U discloses a wet floor cleaner having a cleaner head with a scrubbing device comprising adjacent generally circular cleaning discs which in use are driven to rotate in opposite directions. Cleaning liquid is delivered to the floor via outlets in the cleaner head. A liquid suction device is arranged on the cleaner head and located behind the scrubbing device, and is used for sucking away liquid on the surface to be cleaned. Rotational movement utilising generally round cleaning pads makes it difficult to clean a floor in the region in or near a comer formed by two perpendicular walls. Also the rubbing motion between pad and floor increases with radial distance from the centre of rotation, meaning that floor beneath the centre of rotation will be cleaned less effectively that areas nearer the periphery of the pad.
  • GB389285A discloses a pair of such pads which are rectangular and reciprocate on a straight line path in use, moving in opposite directions as they do so. The pads move left and right, such that the area in the fore-aft direction cleaned by the pads, absent any extra movement caused by the operator of the cleaner, is limited by the length of the pads in the fore-aft direction.
  • KR20010087031 shows a floor cleaner with square pads which rotate to and fro about spaced apart axes. There is an open area between the pads at which cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the floor. The region of the floor at the gap between the pads does not appear to be covered by the rotating motion of the pads, other than by means of the operator moving the whole floor cleaner laterally over the floor.
  • the cleaning elements in contact with the floor are flat-bottomed remaining co-planar with the surface being cleaned and utilise either rotational movement of pads about a fixed axis or translational reciprocating movement along a straight line path. Dirt will tend to be moved to the exterior of the area being swept out by the pads. That might make it difficult to clean areas near walls or in corners.
  • the present invention seeks to mitigate one or more of the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved floor cleaner.
  • the present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a floor cleaner for cleaning a floor.
  • the floor cleaner comprises a cleaning head including at least one driven cleaning element for engaging and cleaning the floor.
  • the cleaning element has a shape that is triangular when viewed in plan, and thus has at least one pointed end, although other shapes may be suitable.
  • the shape may have rounded corners, and preferably edges that are curved, rather than straight.
  • the shape of the cleaning element when viewed in plan will be referred to as its planform.
  • the cleaning element is arranged to be driven relative to the cleaning head so that its planform rotates in one direction (e.g. clockwise or anticlockwise) about a moving axis which itself moves around a path in an opposite direction (e.g.
  • Embodiments of the invention enable the use of rotating cleaning elements which can reach into the comers of a room, using one a combination of rotational motion.
  • the cleaning element may be so arranged that the moving axis is moves around a closed path in cycles at a frequency which is higher than the frequency of rotations per unit time of the cleaning element.
  • the moving axis may complete three cycles of movement around the closed path for every complete rotation of the cleaning element.
  • Such a three to one ratio of movement, in combination with a triangular-shaped cleaning element allow the vertices of the triangle to each visit all four corners of a notional square during one complete cycle of movement.
  • the cleaning element is typically arranged to be driven such that it rotates about an axis perpendicular to the plane of its planform.
  • the axis of rotation will therefore typically be vertical, assuming that the floor is flat and horizontal.
  • the cleaning element may be so arranged that the path around which the moving axis moves is a round path, preferably a closed round path.
  • the notional closed path traced by the centre of the triangular planform may be a circle.
  • a circular path of motion is relatively easy to implement.
  • the shape and rotational motion of the cleaning element may be so arranged that the planform of the area (within the frame of reference of the cleaning head) covered (i.e. swept out) by the cleaning element covers more than 90% (optionally more than 95%, and possibly more than 98%) of a notional rectangle or square that envelopes the entire area so covered (swept out).
  • the notional rectangle or square has straight edges and comers that are formed by 90 degree right-angles. Such good coverage of a rectilinear shape may be of benefit in a floor cleaning apparatus designed to clean the floor of rooms that have straight walls and / or right-angled comers.
  • the rotational motion of the cleaning element is so arranged that the planform of the area covered (swept out) by the cleaning element includes at least one substantially straight edge. It may be that the rotational motion of the cleaning element is so arranged that the planform of the area covered (swept out) by the cleaning element has four discernible sides. The sides may be generally straight or slightly curved. The corners of the four sided shape may be rounded.
  • the notional closed path traced by the centre of the triangular planform may be a circle.
  • the closed path may be a round shape defined by respective portions of four ellipses.
  • Such a shape is more complicated to implement but may increase the proportion of the area of the above-mentioned notional square that is covered (swept out) by the cleaning element (such a more complicated shape of path may indeed prove necessary to achieve a 98%+ coverage of the area within an notational square/rectangle).
  • the cleaning element may have a triangular planform.
  • Each of the sides of the triangular planform may be formed by convexly curved lines.
  • Each of the convexly curved lines may have a constant radius of curvature.
  • the triangular planform may be in the shape of a Reuleaux triangle.
  • the shape of a Reuleaux triangle has been implemented in floor cleaning devices previously. It is believe however that this is limited to the shape of the body of the cleaning apparatus itself rather than specially moved cleaning elements.
  • Panasonic Corporation has previously commercialised a Robotic Vacuum Cleaner sold under the brand name Rulo which has an overall shape in the general form of a Reuleaux triangle.
  • the cleaning head may comprise at least two cleaning elements of a type each being in accordance with the present invention.
  • the two cleaning elements may be arranged side by side such the planform of the area (within the frame of reference of the cleaning head) covered (swept out) by the cleaning elements covers more than 90% (optionally more than 95%, and possibly more than 98%) of a notional rectangle that envelopes the entire area so covered (swept out).
  • the cleaning element may have a planform having a shape other than triangular.
  • the driven cleaning element may for example have a different shape with a planform having a pointed end.
  • the shape and rotational motion of the driven element may be so arranged that the planform of the area covered by the driven element covers more than three quarters of a notional rectilinear shape (e.g. square or rectangle) that envelopes the entire area so covered.
  • the pointed end of the planform of the driven element may for example reach in to each comer of the notional rectilinear shape during each complete cycle of motion.
  • the driven element does not need to be triangular or in the form of a Reuleaux triangle in order to cover a beneficial proportion of a notional rectilinear shape or such that the pointed end of the shape reaches into the corners.
  • the present invention provides, according to a second aspect, a floor treatment apparatus for treating a floor, wherein the apparatus comprises a head including at least one driven element for engaging and treating the floor.
  • the driven element has a shape with a planform having a pointed end.
  • the driven element is arranged to be driven relative to the head so that the planform of the driven element rotates in one direction about a moving axis which moves around a closed path in an opposite direction.
  • the closed path is round in shape.
  • the moving axis moves around the closed path three times for every complete rotation of the driven element relative to the head.
  • the shape and rotational motion of the driven element are so arranged that the planform of the area covered by the driven element covers more than three quarters of a notional square that envelopes the entire area so covered, and so that the pointed end of the planform of the driven element reaches in to each comer of the notional square.
  • the present invention provides, according to a third aspect, a wet floor cleaner for cleaning a floor utilising the motion and shape of the cleaning element(s) of the cleaning head of the first aspect and/or the second aspect of the invention.
  • the wet floor cleaner comprises a reservoir for storing cleaning liquid.
  • the cleaning head is arranged to deliver cleaning liquid received from the reservoir to the floor and to suck used cleaning liquid from the floor.
  • the one or more driven cleaning elements for engaging and cleaning the floor in combination with the delivered cleaning liquid.
  • the present invention also provides, according to a further aspect, a floor treatment element (e.g. a cleaning element), a pad for such an element, or a brush arrangement for such an element, which in all cases is configured for use as or with the corresponding element of the floor cleaner or floor treatment apparatus of the first, second aspect and/or third aspects of the invention.
  • a floor treatment element e.g. a cleaning element
  • a pad for such an element e.g. a cleaning element
  • a brush arrangement for such an element which in all cases is configured for use as or with the corresponding element of the floor cleaner or floor treatment apparatus of the first, second aspect and/or third aspects of the invention.
  • the floor treatment element, pad, brush, or the like may have a planform corresponding to the planform of the driven element of the corresponding aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 1 shows a floor cleaner of a type compatible with embodiments of the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a dock capable of receiving the floor cleaner of Figure 1;
  • FIG 3 shows schematically the functions of the floor cleaner of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 shows a cleaner head for a floor cleaner according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 5 to 8 show a cleaning pad of the cleaner head of the first embodiment in successive positions as it moves during use.
  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to a floor cleaner for cleaning a floor.
  • the following description relates to features that are typically present in a given embodiment of the invention, but it will be understood that there may be embodiments not having such features.
  • the skilled person will appreciate that the accompanying claims may be amended to add or remove features now described. The one or more specific embodiments relating to the accompanying Figures are described in detail later.
  • the floor cleaner comprises a cleaning head including at least one driven cleaning element for engaging and cleaning the floor.
  • the floor cleaner may comprise only two such cleaning elements. In other embodiments, the floor cleaner may comprise more than two cleaning elements.
  • the floor cleaner may be in the form of a vacuum cleaner.
  • the cleaning head may be arranged to suck dirt from the floor in use.
  • the driven cleaning element(s) may be arranged to engage and clean the floor by means of agitating dirt so that it can be more readily sucked from the floor.
  • the driven cleaning element may comprises one or more brushes, for example arranged around its periphery.
  • the floor cleaner may be a wet floor cleaner.
  • the floor cleaner may comprise a reservoir for storing cleaning liquid.
  • the cleaning head may be arranged to deliver cleaning liquid, for example received from such a reservoir, to the floor. It may be that the liquid is gravity fed. It is preferred however for the liquid to be pumped, for example under the control of a control unit that forms part of the floor cleaner.
  • the cleaning element(s) may be arranged to engage and clean the floor in combination with delivered cleaning liquid.
  • the cleaning head of the floor cleaner may be arranged to remove used cleaning liquid from the floor, for example via suction.
  • the cleaning head may be arranged (a) to deliver cleaning liquid received from a reservoir of the floor cleaner to the floor, so that the cleaning element(s) engage and clean the floor in combination with the delivered cleaning liquid, and (b) to suck used cleaning liquid from the floor.
  • the floor cleaner may include a waste tank for receiving used cleaning liquid sucked from the floor by the cleaning head.
  • the floor cleaner may have its own electrical power supply for driving a motor that is arranged to provide suction, for example by the motor driving a vacuum pump or fan.
  • the floor cleaner may have its own electrical power supply for driving the one or more cleaning elements.
  • the floor cleaner may contain one or more batteries, for example in the form of a rechargeable battery pack.
  • Each cleaning element may comprise a pad, for example a cleaning pad and/or an absorbent pad.
  • cleaning liquid may be delivered to the floor via the cleaning pad(s) of the cleaning element(s). Used cleaning liquid may be sucked from the floor via the cleaning pad(s) of the cleaning element(s).
  • Each cleaning pad may comprise an open cell foam material, for example which allows liquid to drain therethrough.
  • Each cleaning pad may additionally or alternatively comprise holes or channels in the body of the pad to allow liquid to drain therethrough.
  • the cleaner head may comprise multiple suction inlets arranged to be adjacent to the floor when the cleaner is in use, the suction inlets being spaced apart from the cleaning elements and being provided to suck used cleaning liquid from the floor.
  • the cleaner head may comprise multiple outlets arranged to be adjacent to the floor when the cleaner is in use, the outlets being spaced apart from the cleaning elements and being provided to deliver cleaning liquid to the floor. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, liquid may be delivered via the pads and sucked from the floor via a different route, and that in other embodiments, liquid may be sucked from the floor via the pads but delivered to the floor via a different route.
  • Each cleaning element may be moved relative to the floor with a component of rotational motion, for example about an axis (which itself may move or be stationary relative to the cleaning head) that may be non-parallel to the floor, and/or upright (that is, not necessarily always perfectly vertical or perpendicular to the plane of the floor when in use, but substantially vertical, or at least more vertical than horizontal).
  • Each cleaning element may be moved relative to the floor with a component of translational motion, for example parallel to the floor.
  • Each cleaning element may be moved relative to the floor around a closed path, for example which is fixed in position relative to the cleaning head.
  • Each cleaning element may be arranged to be moved to and fro, in one direction and then in an opposite direction, and/or with an oscillating motion.
  • the oscillating motion may for example include moving the cleaning element with movement along a path or in a given direction, for a period of time, and then moving the cleaning element with an opposite movement, for example for an equal period of time, before reversing the movement again, and repeating.
  • Each cleaning element may be arranged to have cyclical motion, for example with the same set cycle of motion being repeated cyclically.
  • the cleaning element, and/or the pad associated with the cleaning element may have a shape that includes a pointed corner.
  • the pointed corner may be rounded.
  • the pointed comer may form an apex.
  • the shape may have at least three pointed comers.
  • the shape may have rotational symmetry.
  • the shape may be a quadrilateral with three edges that are at right angles to at least one of the other two edges.
  • the shape may have two parallel edges.
  • the shape may have one edge that is at an acute angle to the opposite edge, for example a slanted edge.
  • One cleaning element, and/or the pad associated with the cleaning element may have a shape with a portion (for example a curved portion or a slanted edge) that, in use is adjacent to a correspondingly shaped portion of the shape of another, for example paired, cleaning element/pad.
  • a portion for example a curved portion or a slanted edge
  • one of the cleaning elements may be arranged to be a master cleaning element and another cleaning elements may be arranged to be a slave cleaning element, such that the master cleaning element is arranged to drive the slave cleaning element.
  • the cleaning elements may be arranged to be driven relative to the cleaning head such that as a first of the cleaning elements rotates in a clockwise direction, a second of the cleaning elements rotates in an anticlockwise direction or such that as the first cleaning element moves in one direction, the second cleaning element moves in the opposite direction.
  • the cleaning elements are preferably so shaped that the footprint of the area swept out by a first cleaning element and the footprint of the area swept out by a second cleaning element have a shared boundary or overlap.
  • the pads of the cleaning elements may be compressible or deformable to allow for the pads to touch during use, whilst reducing the risk of finger trapping or trapping other foreign objects.
  • the rigid bodies of the cleaning elements may be arranged to always be spaced apart during use.
  • the shape of each cleaning element may be the same.
  • the shape of one cleaning element may be a mirror image of another cleaning element, for example a paired cleaning element.
  • the cleaning head may further comprise a barrier member for retaining cleaning liquid at least partly within a footprint of the cleaning head.
  • the barrier member may for example comprise a squeegee device.
  • the cleaner head may comprise a first barrier member on one side of the foot print of the cleaner head and a second barrier member on an opposite side of the foot print of the cleaner head.
  • the cleaner head may be open (e.g. no barrier member) on the other sides of the footprint of the cleaner head.
  • Each barrier member may be movably mounted on the cleaning head, so that it lifts off from the floor when moved along the floor as the leading barrier member and is nearer to the floor (e.g. in contact with the floor) when moved along the floor as the trailing barrier member.
  • a cleaning head may be moved along the floor in such a way that the leading barrier member lifts so that it passes freely over dirt, debris and moisture on the floor, whereas the trailing barrier member, being nearer to the floor (for example in sliding contact with the floor) may sweep such dirt, debris and moisture on the floor.
  • any such dirt, debris and moisture on the floor may be retained within the footprint of the cleaning head and be sucked up from the floor.
  • the cleaning head may be so arranged that used cleaning liquid may be sucked from the floor via a channel forming part of, being adjacent to or otherwise associated with a barrier member.
  • the barrier member may for example comprise a channel for sucking liquid from the floor.
  • the channel may be provided between two walls, which may be arranged next to each other. The walls may each extend along the outer edge of the cleaner head.
  • the cleaning head may have a generally rectangular footprint having its shortest edge in the fore-aft direction in which a user might typically move the cleaner over the floor.
  • the cleaning elements for example the pads of the cleaning elements
  • the floor cleaner may be associated with a separate dock for receiving the floor cleaner.
  • a dock may comprise a receiving unit for receiving the floor cleaner.
  • Such a dock may comprise a reservoir for containing a liquid, for example to enable the dock to replenish the cleaning liquid stored in the floor cleaner.
  • Such a dock may comprise a reservoir for containing a liquid, for example to enable the dock to received waste water from the floor cleaner.
  • Such a dock may comprise a reservoir for containing a liquid, for example to clean a part of the floor cleaner when docked.
  • the dock may comprise a charging unit, the charging unit arranged to charge a battery of a floor cleaner received in the receiving unit.
  • the cleaning head of the floor cleaner may be configured to be detachable from the rest of the floor cleaner.
  • the cleaning head may therefore be provided separately.
  • the cleaning head may comprise a mechanical connection to facilitate the mounting of the cleaning head to the rest of the floor cleaner.
  • the cleaning head may comprise one or more fluid connectors to facilitate the flow of liquid to and/or from the cleaning head from and/or to the rest of the floor cleaner and/or the provision of suction to the floor region.
  • the cleaning head may comprise a connector that when engaged with a corresponding part of the rest of the floor cleaner facilitates the transmission of motion from a motor housed in the body of the floor cleaner to one or more driven elements of the cleaning head.
  • the cleaning head may comprise an electrical connection.
  • Each cleaning element may, at least in part, be configured to be detachable from the rest of the cleaning head.
  • the cleaning element may therefore be provided separately.
  • the cleaning element may comprise a mechanical connection to facilitate the mounting of the cleaning element to the cleaning head or a part of the cleaning element to the rest of the cleaning element.
  • the cleaning element may, for example, include a detachable pad, brush assembly or the like.
  • Such parts may be provided separately, for example as consumable parts having a limited useable lifetime compared to the floor cleaner itself. Such parts may be reusable. Such parts may be removable to facilitate cleaning or washing of the parts separately from the rest of the cleaning element.
  • Figure 1 shows an external view of a floor cleaner 100 according to a first illustrated embodiment of the invention, wherein the floor cleaner comprises a cleaner body 106, a neck 102, a handle 104 and a cleaner head 112.
  • the bottom surface of the cleaner head 112 faces the floor surface to be cleaned.
  • the cleaner head 112 is mounted at the base of the cleaner body 106 and is pivotally attached to allow for relative movement between the cleaner head and body 106.
  • the neck 102 is in the form of a long and thin cylindrical shaft which extends upwardly from the cleaner body 106 to the handle 104.
  • the handle 104 is an angled extension of the neck, and allows the user to operate the floor cleaner from a standing position.
  • the cleaner body 106 and handle 104 move together as a relatively rigid body.
  • the handle 104 comprises a user interface which enables the floor cleaner functions to be controlled by the user.
  • the cleaner body 106 comprises a housing which contains a vacuum suction element and two liquid tanks, one 108 for holding the cleaning fluid and the other 110 for containing waste liquid that has been removed from the floor via suction.
  • a vacuum suction element for holding the cleaning fluid
  • the other 110 for containing waste liquid that has been removed from the floor via suction.
  • cleaning liquid from the tank 108 is applied to the floor.
  • Moving parts (described later) of the cleaner head 112 agitate, scrub, or otherwise move over the floor, and in combination with the cleaning liquid clean the floor. Used and dirty liquid is then sucked up back into the waste water tank 110 of the cleaner body 106.
  • the pivoting connection between the cleaner head 112 and the cleaner body 106 allows the user to move the cleaner back and forth over the floor, with the angle of the shaft of the neck 102 relative to the floor changing, while the cleaner head 112 remains parallel to the floor.
  • the cleaner body 106 also comprises a battery (not shown in Figure 1) for powering various parts of the cleaner.
  • FIG. 2 shows an external view of the floor cleaner 100 received into a dock 200, according to the same embodiment of the invention.
  • the dock is arranged so that the cleaner head 112 of the floor cleaner 100 can be rested in the central cavity 202 of the dock 200 while the handle 102 can be propped up by a support arm 204, which allows the floor cleaner to stand upright in the dock.
  • the dock 200 is connected into the mains power by a plug 208.
  • the dock comprises a cleaning liquid tank for replenishing the cleaning liquid stored in the corresponding tank 108 of the floor cleaner, a waste tank for receiving waste water from the corresponding tank 110 of the floor cleaner, and a charging connector for (re-)charging the battery of the floor cleaner with power from the mains.
  • the dock may be mobile and have its own battery unit.
  • FIG 3 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the floor cleaner 100 of the first embodiment of the invention.
  • the cleaner head comprises a main body 118, one or more cleaning elements 138, a front squeegee arrangement 114 and a rear squeegee arrangement 116.
  • the main body 118 houses a motor 122 which drives the movement of the cleaning elements 138.
  • the motor 122 is powered by a battery 132 housed in the cleaner body 106 (not shown separately in Figure 3).
  • the squeegee arrangements 114, 116 are mounted on the main body 118 of the cleaner head via an attachment 124, which allows the squeegee arrangements to pivot up and down.
  • Figure 3 shows the front squeegee arrangement 114 lifted off from the floor in front of the main body 118 and the rear squeegee arrangement 116 in contact with the floor behind the main body 118.
  • the user may manually move the cleaner over the floor backwards and forwards in a fore-aft motion, represented by the double headed arrow 125.
  • a connecting mechanism (not shown separately) between the handle 104 and the squeegee arrangements 114, 116 causes each of the two squeegee arrangements to be raised in turn dependent on the direction of movement of the floor cleaner.
  • the front squeegee arrangement 114 (being the leading squeegee arrangement at that moment) moves to its raised position, thus allowing the cleaner head to move across the floor and over any dirt, liquid and the like on the floor in the region that was immediately in front of the cleaner head.
  • the rear squeegee arrangement 116 (being the trailing squeegee arrangement at that moment) moves to its lowered position so that it is in contact with the floor, thus retaining any dirt, liquid and the like within the footprint of the cleaner head.
  • the front squeegee arrangement 114 (now the trailing squeegee arrangement) moves to its lowered position and the rear squeegee arrangement 116 (now being the leading squeegee arrangement) moves to its raised position.
  • Such a function allows any cleaning liquid or debris present on the floor in the regions around the cleaner head 112 to be swept over and subsequently collected by the cleaner head, and for the majority of any liquid added to the floor by the cleaner head to be retained within its footprint.
  • each squeegee arrangement is formed by a pair of squeegees which are arranged either side of a suction opening 136. Waste liquid or debris present on the floor that is swept over by the cleaner head is collected by the trailing squeegee arrangement and is sucked through the suction opening 136 into the waste liquid tank 110 via a suction conduit 130. Suction is provided by a vacuum suction element 134 which is housed in the cleaner body 106 of the floor cleaner 100 and is powered by the battery 132.
  • the cleaning elements 138 are comprised of a cleaning element body 120 attached to each of which is a cleaning pad 126 which engages the floor during use.
  • the motor 122 drives the motion of the cleaning elements 138 such that they are able to move relative to the main body 118.
  • the movement and the shape of the cleaning pads, and variations thereof, are described in more detail below in relation to Figure 4 and the subsequent Figures. It should be appreciated that while the drawing in Figure 3 shows schematically what appear to be at least two cleaning elements arranged fore and aft, it is possibly more likely that there will be either one cleaning element per cleaning head, or two cleaning elements per cleaning head arranged side-by-side. Other configurations are of course possible in other embodiments.
  • Cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank 108 is provided to the cleaning pads 126 via a conduit 128 that leads from the tank 108 to the cleaning element 138.
  • the conduit is arranged so as to allow the cleaning liquid to flow at a controlled rate onto the cleaning pads 126, which then deliver the cleaning liquid to the floor.
  • the geometry and arrangement of the tanks 108, 110 and conduits 128, 130 is not shown in Figure 3 and will depend on the position of the tanks in the body of the cleaner and the desired configuration of the outlets/inlets for liquid at the underside of the cleaning head.
  • the cleaning pads may be kept wet/moist, rather than sodden, such that the floor is made wet, but without significant pools or liquid being deposited on the floor at any given time.
  • the water to be fed to the floor may be warm and may be heated.
  • the floor cleaner may include a water heater for such purposes, for example powered by the battery.
  • FIG 4 shows the underside of a cleaner head 112 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention having a pair of pads 126 for cleaning a floor. Cleaning liquid is fed to the floor via each pad 126 as it rotates.
  • each pad has a generally triangular shape, with each side of the triangle being curved.
  • the curved sides are convex, and are in the shape of an arc of a circle.
  • the shape is in the same form as a Reuleaux triangle.
  • the three sides meet at three vertices.
  • the triangle thus has three generally pointed regions, each corresponding to a respective vertex.
  • each pad 126 extends up to and possibly very slightly beyond the body of the cleaner head 112, which is shown schematically in Figure 4 as a box around the shapes of the pads.
  • the pads 126 are each arranged to rotate clockwise (in the view of Figure 4) about an axis of rotation 158 that remains fixed in position relative to the pad.
  • Each pad’s axis of rotation 158 is perpendicular to the plane of the pad.
  • the pad’s axis of rotation is positioned at the centre of the pad.
  • the drive mechanism for each pad causes the pad’s axis of rotation 158 to move around a circular path 160 in an anticlockwise direction, as the pad rotates clockwise. For every complete rotation of a pad about its axis 158 (in the frame of reference of the cleaning head 112) the pad’s axis completes three circuits of the circular path 160 it follows.
  • Figure 5 shows a pad in a starting position.
  • An arrow 154 is drawn on the pad from the axis of rotation 158 of the pad (the centre of the pad) to a first pointed region of the pad.
  • the pointed region of the pad is shown extending into the comer of a notional square 156 shown in broken line in Figure 5.
  • Figure 6 shows the pad 126 in the same position as shown in Figure 5, together with two further images of the pad in two successive positions. From one position to the next, the pad is shown having rotated 10 degrees clockwise and its centre having moved around one twelfth of the circular path 160 (i.e. 30 degrees around) in the opposite direction (anticlockwise).
  • Figure 7 shows the pad 126 in the same position as shown in Figure 5, together with five further images of the pad in five such successive positions.
  • Figure 8 shows 12 positions in total, equating to the pad having performed a third of a complete rotation and its centre having moved around the circular path once. Only the arrows 154 for the first and twelfth pad positions are shown in Figure 8, to assist in seeing the first and last positions of the pad for the first third of a complete cycle
  • the first pointed region of the pad 126 has moved from the top left corner of the notional square 156, has traced along the top edge, has reached into the top right comer of the square, without quite touching the vertex of the square, and has progressed about a third of the way down the right hand side.
  • the other vertices of the pad have progressed along the remaining outline of the square, and have reached into the other comers of the square.
  • the curved edges of the pad 126 also sweep out an area that extends very close to, if not touching, the edge of the square.
  • the notional square 156 is drawn to be the smallest square that contains the area swept out by the movement of the pad, without any part of that area extending beyond the square. It will be seen that vast majority of the area of the notional square is covered. In this embodiment it is believed that at least about 95% of the area of the notional square 156 is swept out by the movement of the pad 126. If the path followed by the centre of the pad were adapted slightly, to be round but not perfectly circular, the pointed regions could reach slightly further into the comers, without changing the shape of the square or the pad, and cover just over 98% of the area of the square.
  • two cleaning pads 126 are provided side by side, each sweeping out a generally square shape, the square shapes sharing a common boundary 162 (the broken line shown in Figure 4) such that the two pads together clean over a generally rectangular area.
  • a square edged area of coverage allows better more effective cleaning in the corners of a room, where a flat-bottomed pad rotating about a fixed axis would be less effective.
  • a second embodiment of the invention (not separately illustrated) relates to a floor treatment machine for treating a floor, not being in the form of a wet floor cleaner, but instead being a dry floor vacuum cleaner.
  • the machine includes two brush devices which are each moved in the same manner as the pad described above in relation to Figures 4 to 8, but is differently shaped.
  • the shape is such that the brush element has a pointed end that reaches into the corners of the notional square it covers when moving, but does not need to be triangular in form. It is preferred however for the brush element to be rotated about its centre of mass.
  • the brush elements are provided side by side and thus cover, when moved, a rectangular area corresponding to the shape and size of the head of the machine in proximity with the floor.
  • the area swept out by the movement of the shape of each brush when viewed in plan is such that it covers about 80% of a notional square that envelopes the entire area so covered.
  • the pad’s axis of rotation axis is positioned off-centre, on the opposite side from the centre of the pad to the pointed end.
  • the floor cleaner may be one which operates independently of a mobile dock.
  • the floor cleaner may be configured to operate with the need for a dock.
  • the floor cleaner may be mains powered for example.
  • the first embodiment relates to a wet floor cleaner. It could be adapted for use in respect of dry vacuum cleaners, where the pad is replaced with a similarly shaped brush device.
  • the embodiment could have application in relation to other floor treatment apparatus, such as a floor polisher. Such a floor polisher could be arranged to feed polishing liquid to the pad.
  • a floor polisher could be provided without any vacuum function of course.
  • the generally square areas swept out by the pads share a common boundary.
  • the motion and shape of the pads could be configured such that the area swept out by one overlaps with the area swept out by the other.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un nettoyeur de sol (100) qui comprend une tête de nettoyage (112) comprenant au moins un élément de nettoyage entraîné (138) destiné à venir au contact du sol et à le nettoyer. L'élément de nettoyage présente une forme triangulaire et est conçu pour être entraîné par rapport à la tête de nettoyage de manière à tourner dans une direction autour d'un axe de déplacement qui se déplace autour d'un trajet dans une direction opposée.
PCT/GB2021/052972 2020-12-17 2021-11-17 Appareil de traitement du sol WO2022129851A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202180082733.2A CN116568194A (zh) 2020-12-17 2021-11-17 地板处理设备

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2019972.5A GB2602067B (en) 2020-12-17 2020-12-17 Floor treatment apparatus
GB2019972.5 2020-12-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022129851A1 true WO2022129851A1 (fr) 2022-06-23

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CN (1) CN116568194A (fr)
GB (1) GB2602067B (fr)
WO (1) WO2022129851A1 (fr)

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WO2024108337A1 (fr) * 2022-11-21 2024-05-30 苏州苏相机器人智能装备有限公司 Dispositif de nettoyage par lavage à l'eau

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US1875138A (en) * 1930-12-29 1932-08-30 Advance Machine Company Inc Brush attaching device for scrubbing machines
GB389285A (en) 1932-04-11 1933-03-16 Andre Paul Stanley Hillyard Improved surface polisher
GB603250A (en) * 1945-09-07 1948-06-11 Buhler Brothers Floor-cleaning device
KR20010087031A (ko) 2000-03-06 2001-09-15 진성언 물걸레 겸용 진공 청소기
JP2014079512A (ja) * 2012-10-18 2014-05-08 Sharp Corp 自走式掃除機用サイドブラシの回転機構およびそれを備えた自走式掃除機
CN206586900U (zh) 2016-11-09 2017-10-27 朱厚林 一种自动洗地车
CN107788900A (zh) * 2016-08-30 2018-03-13 科沃斯机器人股份有限公司 清洁机器人

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CN206630539U (zh) * 2016-08-30 2017-11-14 科沃斯机器人股份有限公司 清洁机器人
CN209153459U (zh) * 2018-07-27 2019-07-26 四川大学 一种死角清洁装置

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1875138A (en) * 1930-12-29 1932-08-30 Advance Machine Company Inc Brush attaching device for scrubbing machines
GB389285A (en) 1932-04-11 1933-03-16 Andre Paul Stanley Hillyard Improved surface polisher
GB603250A (en) * 1945-09-07 1948-06-11 Buhler Brothers Floor-cleaning device
KR20010087031A (ko) 2000-03-06 2001-09-15 진성언 물걸레 겸용 진공 청소기
JP2014079512A (ja) * 2012-10-18 2014-05-08 Sharp Corp 自走式掃除機用サイドブラシの回転機構およびそれを備えた自走式掃除機
CN107788900A (zh) * 2016-08-30 2018-03-13 科沃斯机器人股份有限公司 清洁机器人
CN206586900U (zh) 2016-11-09 2017-10-27 朱厚林 一种自动洗地车

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2024108337A1 (fr) * 2022-11-21 2024-05-30 苏州苏相机器人智能装备有限公司 Dispositif de nettoyage par lavage à l'eau

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GB202019972D0 (en) 2021-02-03
GB2602067B (en) 2023-08-09
GB2602067A (en) 2022-06-22
CN116568194A (zh) 2023-08-08

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