ES2907084T3 - Floor treatment device - Google Patents

Abstract

Floor treatment apparatus, in particular a floor scrubbing apparatus, comprising a part (2) in contact with the floor provided with at least one rotating tool (5) on a floor (P) and a part (3) of guide provided with at least one handle (3a), said ground contact part (2) being connected to said guide part (3) by means of a joint assembly (4), wherein said apparatus comprises an assembly lifting (13) for said ground contact portion (2), having supporting means (14) which can be activated, and control means (15) alternatively operable in an inactive state (15a), in the which said at least one rotary tool (5) is in contact with said ground (P) and said support means (14) are separated from said ground (P), in order to allow the treatment of said ground (P) by said at least one rotary tool (5), and in an active state (15b), in which said support means (14) The activatable tees support said at least one rotary tool (5) in an elevated position on said floor (P), thus placing said apparatus (1) in a suitable state of transport and rest, in such a way as to protect said at least one rotary tool (5). least one tool (5) of the interaction with said ground (P), said guide part (3) being freely maneuverable and orientable in said active state (15b) of said control means (15) through said assembly (4) of articulation in order to facilitate the guiding of said apparatus (1) in said state of transport.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Floor treatment device

technical field

The present invention relates to a floor treatment apparatus, in particular a floor scrubber.

prior art

Floor treatment apparatuses have been known for a long time. In particular, apparatuses are known that can combine different treatment operations, which are capable, for example, of sucking, brushing, scrubbing and drying floors.

Such apparatuses can have a very different structure, depending on the use. For example, for industrial applications, soil treatment apparatus can be very cumbersome and therefore difficult to operate. On the other hand, appliances designed for domestic use, which require limited power, are usually smaller in size and therefore easier to handle.

Therefore, particularly in the industrial sector, there is a growing need to improve the maneuverability of such devices, without affecting their power or efficiency.

For example, patent EP 3031378 illustrates a manually guided apparatus for treating floors, in particular a scrubber-dryer, comprising a part in contact with the floor and a guide part, mutually connected by means of a joint assembly, capable of arranging the guide part rotatable in all directions about a vertical axis. In particular, the ground contact part is provided with a pair of rotary tools made of brushes, arranged in such a way as to generate a permanent linear advancing action. In addition, the ground contact part is provided with a suction strip on the ground when the apparatus is in use, on the back of the brushes. The apparatus further comprises support means arranged on the ground contact portion, made to support the ground contact portion itself in a statically determined, and therefore isostatic, inclined transport or storage position.

Another example of a floor polishing apparatus is disclosed in US Patent 5,177,828.

However, apparatuses of the known type do not fully meet the needs of the specific sector, since in order to transport them from one environment to another or to bring them back to the storage place, it is necessary to maneuver so that the tools on the ground do not are damaged and, above all, do not interfere with the movement of the device. The positioning of the apparatus in the transport position, in particular, can therefore be difficult, sometimes tiring for the operator.

For example, US Patent 2,675,246 illustrates a wheel raising and lowering mechanism adapted for use on floor polishing machines.

Also, apparatuses of the known type do not fully meet the requirements of the specific sector, since they require difficult operations to place them in a state of rest.

Divulgation

The object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems, devising a soil treatment apparatus which can be easily transported.

Another object of the invention is to provide a floor treatment apparatus which can be easily positioned in a rest state.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a soil treatment apparatus which is of simple and functional construction, versatile in use, provided with definitely reliable operation and relatively low cost.

The aforementioned objects are achieved, according to the present invention, by the floor treatment apparatus according to claim 1.

The floor treatment apparatus comprises a ground contact part provided with at least one rotary tool on a floor and a guide part provided with at least one handle. The ground contact part is connected to the guide part by means of a link assembly.

The apparatus is preferably, but not limited to, a floor scrubber. For this purpose, it may comprise a suction band arranged at the rear of the at least one rotary tool, according to a direction of movement of the apparatus.

The apparatus further comprises a lifting assembly for the part in contact with the ground, which carries activatable support means, and control means which can be alternatively operated in an inactive state, in which the at least one tool rotary is in contact with the ground and the support means are spaced from the ground, in order to allow treatment of the ground by the at least one rotary tool, and in an active state, in which the at least one rotary tool is supported by the support means, in a raised position from said floor, thus placing the apparatus in a state of transport and/or rest.

In particular, in the aforementioned active state of the control means, the rotary tool is firmly supported by the aforementioned support means, remaining elevated from the ground, so as to protect it from interaction with the ground.

Basically, the provision of activatable support means allows the apparatus to be placed in a state in which the at least one tool is lifted off the ground and therefore does not support the weight of the apparatus itself. In this state, the apparatus is easily movable, since the tool does not generate, with the respective operating surface, any friction resistant to movement, in addition to being adapted to be stored in a state of rest. Preferably, in the aforementioned active state, the at least one rotary tool has a respective operating surface raised parallel to the ground.

Preferably the support means are of the rolling type, so as to facilitate the transport of the apparatus in the activated state.

Preferably, the control means are arranged in a position accessible to the operator, for example at the front, according to the direction of movement of the apparatus, of the part on the ground.

Preferably, the support means are carried by a movable frame, articulated to the structure of the part in contact with the ground, which can oscillate between a first position, in which the support means are not activated by the control means and thus are lifted by the ground, and a second position, in which the support means are activated and thus brought into contact with the ground, in a supported state.

Preferably, the movable frame is connected to the structure of the part in contact with the ground, through the interposition of elastic retaining means, for example, of the type of a coil spring, to make the positioning stable in the aforementioned first position and second position.

Preferably, the control means are made up of a lever, which can be operated by a foot, by means of a simple pressure.

Preferably, the support means comprise a pair of support wheels arranged on one side of said movable frame and at least one third support wheel arranged on the opposite side.

Preferably, the support means comprise a pivoting wheel.

Preferably, the movable frame has the shape of an articulated parallelogram.

Description of the drawings

The details of the invention are more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the floor treatment apparatus according to the invention, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an apparatus for treating floors according to the invention;

Figures 2 and 3 respectively show a side sectional view of a portion of the same apparatus, in different operating states;

Figure 4 shows a plan view of the same portion as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

the best way

With particular reference to these figures, the floor treatment apparatus according to the invention has been indicated as a whole with the numerical reference 1.

The apparatus 1 comprises a ground contact part 2 and a guide part 3, mutually connected by means of an articulation assembly 4, which allows the guide part 3 to be oriented in different positions, with respect to the part 2 of contact with the ground.

The guide part 3 is provided with at least one handle 3a.

The ground contact part 2 comprises at least one rotary tool 5, preferably a pair of tools 5, arranged in such a way as to present a respective operating surface 5a facing the ground P to be treated and, in particular, in use, in contact with him.

The tools 5, if provided in pairs, are arranged side by side, on opposite sides with respect to the guide part 3, rotating according to an axis of rotation A substantially orthogonal to the ground, thus by example, substantially vertical when the tools are in use resting on a substantially horizontal ground, so that the operating surface 5a of each tool 5 is substantially parallel to the ground P to be treated and can interact with it. The tools 5, eg the brushes, are driven in rotation by the respective motor members 6, in the opposite direction.

Alternatively and in a known manner, the axis of rotation A can be arranged slightly inclined with respect to an axis orthogonal to the ground P. In practice, the axes A of the tools 5 can have opposite and symmetrical inclinations with respect to a median longitudinal axis of the apparatus. As a result of the aforementioned inclination between the operating surface 5a of each tool 5 and the ground P, a differentiated friction action is generated, greater in the portion in which, as a result of the rotation, it approaches the ground, in such a way so that a non-zero action is produced, in the same direction for the pair of counter-rotating tools. This resulting action has a continuous propelling effect.

The apparatus 1 preferably comprises a tank for a clean detergent, for example water, and a tank for collecting dirty fluid, so as to carry out the scrubbing function. For example, the tank for the clean detergent can be integrated in the part 2 in contact with the ground, at the same time as the tank for collecting the dirty fluid in the guide part 3.

In this case, then, the ground contact part 2 also comprises, in a known manner, a suction band 7 (see the schematic view illustrated in Figure 4), arranged rearwards, according to a direction B of displacement , regarding the tools 5.

The suction band 7, known in the sector by the name of "rubber squeegee", is placed, in use, in contact with the ground P, to contain and transport the dirty water diverted from the tools 5, after interaction with the soil p.

More specifically, the suction band 7 comprises at least one pair of bands 8, preferably arranged in a curved manner peripheral to the part 2 in contact with the ground, so as to substantially cover the working width of the tools 5. In particular, the pair of bands 8 provides a front band and a rear band, with respect to the direction B of movement of the apparatus 1: the first one is provided with grooves for the leakage of the liquid to be collected, the second one, instead, is continuous, for therefore, without slots, for the collection of the same liquid. Therefore, a collection chamber for the dirty liquid is formed between the aforementioned bands 8, which can be sucked out. The bands 8 are also supported by a weft 9 (see Figure 4) fixed to the structure 20 of the ground contact part 2 and associated with a suction member 10 arranged, for example, in the same contact part 2 with the ground.

The suction band 7 also comprises a suction opening 11, connected to at least one respective collection tube 12, through which the dirty liquid is sucked from the collection chamber defined between the bands 8 into said collection tank.

The ground contact part 2 further comprises a lifting assembly 13, configured to place the apparatus 1 in a transport or rest position, in such a way as to protect the tools 5 from interaction with the ground P.

The lifting assembly 13 comprises support means 14 which can be activated to support the ground contact part 2 and control means 15 which can be activated to activate the support means 14.

In practice, when the support means 14 are activated, the tools 5 are raised from the ground P, preferably parallel to it, and are supported together with the ground contact part 2 by the support means 14.

The support means 14 are preferably of the rolling type, so as to allow, if activated, to support the part 2 in contact with the ground and facilitate the transport of the apparatus 1.

The support means 14 are movably connected to the structure 20 carrying the operating members of the ground contact portion 2. In particular, the support means 14 are carried by the structure 20 so that they are moved, by actuation of the control means 15, alternately between an inactive position, separated from the ground P, and an active support position that rests on the ground p.

Support means 14 are carried by a movable frame 16 connected to frame 20.

Preferably, the movable frame 16 is articulated so as to carry the support means 14 in an oscillating manner according to an oscillation direction C, between the aforementioned inactive position and the active position.

Preferably, the lifting assembly 13 comprises a plurality of support means 14, in particular wheels, for optimal transport in the aforementioned active support and/or transport position.

In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the support means 14 comprise at least one pair of support wheels 17 arranged on one side of the aforementioned movable frame 16, for example, at the front of the direction of travel B, and at least one third support wheel 18 arranged on the opposite side, eg at the rear of the same direction. More specifically, the third wheel 18 is interposed between the tools 5 and the suction band.

At least one of the support means 14 is preferably pivotable, so as to facilitate the guiding of the apparatus 1 in the transport state. For example, rear wheel 18 may be pivotable. Furthermore, said wheel 18 can be smaller than the front wheels 17.

The movable frame 16, in particular, can comprise a first movable element 19, articulated to the structure 20 in a first axis 21 of oscillation. The same first movable element 19 carries the front wheels 17, rotating around a first axis of rotation 22, which may be connected to the first element 19 itself and parallel to the first axis of oscillation 21 .

The movable frame 16 can also comprise a second movable element 23 articulated to the structure 20 in a second axis of oscillation 24 parallel to the first axis 21 of oscillation. The same second movable element 23 also carries the third rear wheel 18 which rotates around a second axis of rotation 25 .

The first element 19 and the second element 23 of the movable frame 16 are mutually connected by means of a connection element 26, for example, in the form of a plate, preferably molded, so as not to interfere with the operating components of the part. 2 contact with the ground.

The connection element 26 is articulated to the first movable element 19 and to the second movable element 23, in a first fulcrum 27 and in a second fulcrum 28, respectively, whose axes are parallel to the first axis 21 of oscillation and to the second axis 24 of oscillation. .

The first element 19, the second element 23 and the connecting element 26 can therefore be carried by the structure 20, so as to form an articulated parallelogram.

Preferably, the movable frame 16 is associated with the structure 20 of the ground contact portion 2 by interposing elastic retaining means 29, adapted to make stable the aforementioned active and inactive positions of the support means 14. For example, the elastic means 29 can be made up of a helical elastic spring, fixed at one end to the structure 20 and at the other to the first movable element 19 or the second movable element 23 (see Figures 2 and 3).

The aforementioned control means 15 are fixed integrally with the aforementioned movable frame 16, so as to activate the movement of the same frame 16, in order to arrange the support means 14 in the active or inactive position, depending of the case.

More specifically, the control means 15 may form a lever, operable by the operator, fixed to the movable frame 16, for example, to the first element 19, so as to be accessible to the front of the part 2 in contact with the user. floor of the apparatus 1. The lever, in particular, can be activated from the inactive state 15a to the active state 15b, by a simple pressure acting on the lever itself, in contrast to the aforementioned elastic means 29. This action causes the movable frame 16 to oscillate about the first axis 21 and the second axis 24, respectively, and thus causes movement of the support means 14 from the inactive position to the active position. This compression action can easily be done, for example, with the sole of the foot.

The return to the idle position occurs with a push on the opposite side of the same control lever, which can also be easily done with one foot in this case.

The operation of the floor treatment apparatus according to the invention is easy to understand from the above description.

When the apparatus 1 is used for a work cycle, it is in the state in which the ground contact part 2 carries the tools 5, for example, in the form of a pair of brushes, resting on the ground, so to interact with the ground P. In the same working state, the support means 14 of the lifting assembly 13 are retractable, in the inactive position, and therefore separated from the ground P.

At the end of the work cycle, the apparatus 1 must be moved from one environment to another, for example, to be stored in a warehouse. In order to allow the movement of the apparatus, the operator actuates the control means 15 arranged, for example, in an accessible manner at the front of the ground contact part 2. Specifically, the operator pushes the control lever towards the ground P, causing the movable frame 16 carrying the support means 14 to move from the inactive position to the active support position.

In this case, the brushes 5 rise from the ground P and the apparatus 1 is therefore easily transportable thanks to the support operated by the support means 14. Advantageously it is a rolling support. In addition, during transportation, the operator can easily guide the ground contact part 2 by means of the guide part 3, which, thanks to the joint assembly 4, can freely maneuver and orient itself in all directions with with respect to the direction orthogonal to the ground P.

When the destination of the apparatus 1 is reached, the operator acts on the control means 15 again, in a direction opposite to that of activation, pushing the same means on the opposite side. In particular, it is sufficient to lift the control lever with the foot to bring it back to the inactive state 15a, in which the support means are separated from the ground P and the brushes 5 are instead placed back on the ground. P.

If, on the other hand, the apparatus is to be placed in a state of rest, the control means 15 remain or are actuated in the active state 15b, in which the support means 14 keep the tools 5 raised from the ground P, in such a way so that the weight of the appliance does not fall on them when stopped.

In this state, the guide part 3 can eventually be locked, by suitable means, in a rest position, for example, according to an orthogonal orientation with respect to the ground contact part 2.

The floor treatment apparatus according to the invention therefore allows to achieve the purpose of allowing an easy support of the equipment both for transportation and for parking.

This purpose is mainly achieved by the provision of the lifting assembly, which allows the operating tools of the apparatus to be raised, while the part in contact with the ground is supported by means of preferably rolling support means.

The operator simply needs to act on the control means associated with the lifting assembly, conveniently accessible from the part in contact with the ground.

In this state, in particular, the apparatus can be easily moved and guided towards the destination thanks to the guide part freely rotatable in all directions. Also, the apparatus can be placed in an idle state, which preserves the integrity of the tools without overloading them.

In fact, thanks to the support provided by the support means 14, in the rest state the tools 5 do not run the risk of suffering deformations resulting from the load of the apparatus.

In the practical implementation of the invention, the materials used, as well as the shape and size, can vary depending on the needs.

In the event that the technical characteristics mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs were included strictly with the aim of improving the understanding of the claims and, therefore, they will not be considered restrictive in any way in the scope of each element identified for exemplification purposes by such reference signs.

Claims (14)

1. Floor treatment apparatus, in particular a floor scrubbing apparatus, comprising a part (2) in contact with the floor provided with at least one rotating tool (5) on a floor (P) and a part (3 ) guide provided with at least one handle (3a), said ground contact part (2) being connected to said guide part (3) by means of a joint assembly (4), wherein said apparatus comprises a lifting assembly (13) for said ground contact portion (2), having support means (14) which can be activated, and control means (15) alternately operable in an inactive state (15a), in which said at least one rotary tool (5) is in contact with said ground (P) and said support means (14) are separated from said ground (P), in order to allow the treatment of said ground (P ) by said at least one rotary tool (5), and in an active state (15b), in which said means (14) of so activatable carriers support said at least one rotary tool (5) in a raised position on said floor (P), thus placing said apparatus (1) in a suitable state of transport and rest, in such a way as to protect said at least one rotary tool (5). least one tool (5) of the interaction with said ground (P), said guide part (3) being freely maneuverable and orientable in said active state (15b) of said control means (15) through said assembly (4) of articulation in order to facilitate the guiding of said apparatus (1) in said state of transport. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said lifting assembly (13) comprises a plurality of said support means (14) which can be activated, so as to firmly support said at least one rotating tool (5). in said adequate state of transport and rest. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said activatable support means (14) are of the rolling type. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said support means (14) comprise at least one pair of support wheels (17) arranged on one side with respect to said tool (5), and at least one third wheel support (18) arranged on the opposite side, so as to support said tool (5) in said raised position of said ground (P), when said control means (15) are actuated in said active state (15b). Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lifting assembly (13) comprises a movable frame (16) carrying said support means (14) and is connected to a structure (20) carrying said least one tool (5) of said part (2) in contact with the ground. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that said movable frame (16) is hinged in a pivoting manner to said structure (20), being alternately movable between a first position, corresponding to said inactive state (15a) of said means control, and a second position, corresponding to said active state (15b) of said control means. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that said movable frame (16) is connected to said structure (20) by interposing elastic retaining means (29), to make the positioning of said movable frame (16) stable. in said first position and said second position. Apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said movable frame (16) has the shape of an articulated parallelogram. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that said movable frame (16) comprises a first movable element (19) articulated in a first axis (21) of oscillation to said structure (20) and carrying said pair of wheels ( 17) rotating support around a first axis (22) of rotation, and a second movable element (23) articulated to said structure (20) in a second axis (24) of oscillation parallel to said first axis (21) of oscillation and carrying said third wheel (18) rotatable about a second axis of rotation (25), said first movable element (19) and said second movable element (23) being mutually connected by means of a connection member (26) in a first fulcrum (27) and a second fulcrum (28), respectively, having axes parallel to said first oscillation axis (21) and to said second oscillation axis (24). Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said control means (15) are made up of a lever or a pedal, which can be operated from opposite sides by means of a compression action. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said control means (15) are arranged in front of said ground contact part (2), according to a direction of displacement (B) of said apparatus (1), when in use. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support means (14) comprise at least one pivoting wheel (18) to facilitate guiding said apparatus (1) in said transport state. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in said active state (15b) of said control means (15), said at least one rotary tool (5) has a respective raised operating surface (5a) of way parallel to the ground (P). 14. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a floor scrubber, comprising for this purpose a suction band (7) or "rubber squeegee", positioned at the rear of said at least one tool ( 5) rotary), according to a direction of movement of said apparatus.