Description

APPARATUS FOR CLEANING FLOOR

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning floor, and more particularly, to an apparatus for cleaning floor, which is capable of changing its moving direction without user's inconvenience caused by jolt or vibration generated when a floorcloth or brush automatically reciprocates in a straight line on the floor. Background Art

[2] Generally, when cleaning the floor of house or office through the use of wet floorcloth, a conventional art cleaning method using the wet floorcloth largely depends on user's physical works. If the user tries to clean the floor with a conventional art cleaning apparatus using the wetfloorcloth, the user has to apply a large physical force so as to reciprocate the conventional art cleaning apparatus using the wet floorcloth. Thus, if taking a long period of time to clean the floor with the conventional art cleaning apparatus, the user feels physical fatigue and the cleaning efficiency also becomes lowered.

[3] Especially, if cleaning a tiled bathroom or veranda floor through the use of conventional art apparatus, it may cause an excessively heavy work for the user since the user repeatedly rubs the floor with a brush being pressed down on the floor by applying a physical force thereto, so as to remove stubborn dirt from the tiled bathroom or veranda floor.

[4] In the meantime, there is a recent development of steam cleaner especially suitable for cleaning the floor. However, this steam cleaner also has a problem requiring a user's heavy work to repeatedly rub the floor. In order to overcome this problem of steam cleaner, wheels are additionally provided in the bottom of steam cleaner so as to minimize a frictional force between the floor and the steam cleaner. However, in consideration of the fact that the dirt is removed from the floor by the frictional force between the floor and the steam cleaner, the minimized frictional force therebetween may cause the deterioration of cleaning efficiency. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[5] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for cleaning floor whose floorcloth or brush rectilinearly reciprocates on the floor automatically, resulting in

high cleaning performance without a user's heavy work.

[6] It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for cleaning floor, which is capable of changing its moving direction without user's inconvenience caused by jolts or vibration generated when the floorclothor brush automatically reciprocates in a straight line on the floor.

[7] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for cleaning floor, which can wet-clean a tiled floor of veranda or bathroom without electrical accidents, and can wash the floorcloth or brush without touch.

[8] It is yet another object of the presentinvention to provide an apparatus for cleaning floor, which can be freely moved without limit in length of electric code through an easy charge of battery. Technical Solution

[9] In accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of an apparatus for cleaning floor comprising: a driving motor; a power-transmitting part for converting a rotary motion to a rectilinear reciprocating motion and transmitting a power of the rectilinear reciprocating motion; and a cleaning part rectilinearly reciprocating by the power supplied from the power- transmitting part, wherein the cleaning part includes first and second movable members arranged in parallel; wherein the first and second movable members respectively reciprocate along the same straight line in opposite directions to each other.

[10] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for cleaning floor comprising: a support member; and first and second movable members arranged in parallel and mounted on the bottom side of the support member, wherein the first and second movable members respectively reciprocate alongthe same straight line in opposite directions to each other.

Advantageous Effects

[11] An apparatus for cleaning floor according to the present invention can realize high cleaning efficiency without a user's heavy work through the use of floorcloth or brush automatically reciprocating in a straight line. Also, the apparatus for cleaning floor according to the presentinvention is capable of changing its moving direction without user's inconvenience caused by jolt or vibration generated when the floorcloth or brush automatically reciprocates in a straight line on the floor. In addition, the apparatus for cleaning floor according to the presentinvention can perform a wet-cleaning process for a tiled floor of veranda or bathroom without electrical accidents such as electric

shocks. Also, the apparatus for cleaning floor according to the present invention can be freely moved without Unit in length of electric code through an easy charge of battery. Brief Description of the Drawings

[12] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[13] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the top of apparatus for cleaning floor according to the present invention;

[14] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the bottom of apparatus for cleaning floor according to the present invention;

[15] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an inner structure of apparatus for cleaning flooraccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

[16] FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing an inner structure of a connectionpipe provided in the apparatus for cleaning floor according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[17] FIGs. 5 and 6 are exploded views explaining a driving mechanism of the apparatus for cleaning floor according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[18] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a power supplier and a charger provided in the apparatus for cleaning floor according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

[19] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a washing and dehydrating tubfor the apparatus for cleaning floor according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[20] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a cleaning member according to one embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[21] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that like reference minerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.

[22] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the top of apparatus for cleaning floor according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the bottom of apparatus for cleaning flooraccording to the present invention.

[23] An apparatus for cleaning floor according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a grip 10 with a switch 600 for operation of the apparatus a support member 30 coupled to first and second movable members 310 and 310b; and a

connection pipe 20 between the grip 10 and the support member 30. The first and second movable members 310a and 310b are slidably coupled to the support member 30 so that the first and second movable members 310a and 310b may reciprocate recti- linearly while supported by the support member 30.

[24] The connection pipe 20 is pivotably connected with the support member 30. Since the connection pipe 20 and the grip 10 connected to one end of the connectionpipe 20 can be pivoted to be in close relationship with the floor, the cleaning apparatus of the invention may clean the floor even under the bed.

[25] The first and second movable members 310a and 310b may be made of the material that itself is suitable for cleaning the floor.

[26] According to the other embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning member may be detachably provided oneach of the first and second movable members 310a and 310b. In this case, the first and second movable members 310a and 310b and the cleaning member constitute a cleaning part. For example, when cleaning the interior floor, a cottoncloth-type cleaning member, for example, wet floorcloth, is attached to each of the first and second movable members 310a and 310b. If cleaning the tiled floor of veranda or bathroom, a brush-type cleaning member is attached to each of the first and second movable members 310a and 310b after removing the cottoncloth-type cleaning member therefrom. An example of the brush-type cleaning members 320 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9.

[27] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an inner structure of apparatus for cleaning floor according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing an inner structure of a connection pipe provided in the apparatus for cleaning floor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[28] As shown in FIGs. 3 and 4, there are a power source 500, a driving motor 100 and a shaft 210 inside the connection pipe 20. The power source 500 is electrically connected with the switch 600; the driving motor 100 rotates by the power supplied from the power source 500; and the shaft 210 rotates in association with the driving motor 100 on its rotation since one end of the shaft 210 is connected with a rotating shaft of the driving motor 100. The other end of the shaft 210 is connected with a speed-reduction spur gear 220 secured insidethe support member 30. That is, the speed-reduction spur gear 220 inside the support member 30 rotates around the rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 210.

[29] When forming the shaft 210, it is preferable to make at least one flexible portion corresponding to a connection part between theconnection pipe 20 and the support

member 30 so that the connectionpipe 20 connected with the support member 30 may be pivoted despite of the shaft 210. Because the connection pipe 20 and the grip 10 connected to one end of the connection pipe 20 can be pivoted in proximate relationship with the floor, a user can clean a larger area of the floor, even the area under the bed.

[30] Preferably, the shaft 210 has a length of at least 30cm, and more preferably 60cm or more, so as to make the power source 500 positioned apartfrom the support member 30. This structure allows the apparatus for cleaning floor according to the present invention to clean the tiled floor of veranda or bathroom without electrical accidents. Also, in state of that the entire support member 30 with the first and second movable members 310a and 310b is dipped into the water, the first and second movable members 310 and 310b or the cleaning member can be washed without difficulties.

[31] FIGs. 5 and 6 are exploded views explaining a driving mechanism of the apparatus for cleaning floor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[32] The support member 30 includes a body 31 and a cover 32. Between the body 31 and the cover 32, there are the speed-reduction spur gear 220 which is connected with one end of the shaft 210, and first and second converting means 230a and 230b which convert the rotary motionof the speed-reduction spur gear 220 into the straight- line motion. The shaft 210 is connected with the speed-reduction spur gear 220 through a hole formed in the cover 32 of the support member 30.

[33] When the shaft 210, the speed-reduction spur gear 220, and the first and second converting means 230a and 230b transmit the power of driving motor 100 positioned inside the connection pipe 20 to the first and second movable members 310a and 310b, they Sanction as a power-transmitting part which converts the rotary motion to the rectilinear reciprocating motion, and transmits the power of the rectilinear reciprocating motion. Eventually, the power-transmitting part enables the rectilinear reciprocating motion of the first and second movable members 310a and 310b slidably mounted on the bottom side of the support member 30.

[34] The first converting means 230a includes a first spur gear 231a which rotates in asso- ciationwith the speed-reduction spur gear 220; a first cam rod 232a which has one end rotatably connected to an edge part of the first spur gear 231a; and a first connector 233a which is formed at the other end of the first cam rod 232a so as to transmit the power to the first movable member 310a. The second converting means 230b includes a second spur gear 231b which rotates in association with the speed-reduction spur gear 220; a second cam rod 232b which has one end rotatably connected to an edge

part of the second spur gear 231b; and a second connector which is formed at the other end of the second cam rod 232b so as to transmit the power to the second movable member 310b.

[35] The first and second connectors 233a and 233b are respectively inserted into holes

312a and 312b formed in the first and second movable members 310a and 310b which are movably coupled to the bottom of the body 31 of the support member 30. In this case, the first and second connectors 233a and 233b passthrotgh the holes 33a and 33b formed in the body 31 of the support member 30.

[36] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the body 31 of the support member 30 is provided with a plurality of rollers 400 on the bottom side thereof, and each of the first and second movable members 310a and 310b is provided with the first and second gtdde rails 311a and 31 Ib respectively on the top side thereof, to thereby secure the reciprocatingmotion of the first and second movable members 310a and 310b. In another aspect, for securing the reciprocating motion of the first and second movable members 310a and 310b, each of the first and second movable members 310a and 310b may be provided with a plurality of rollers on the top side thereof, and the body 31 of the support member may be provided with two guide rails on the bottom side thereof.

[37] According to one embodiment of the present invention,the first and second spur gears 231a and 231b are the same in size. Also, the first and second cam rods 232a and 232b are the same in size. First of all, a contact point betweenthe first spur gear 231a and one end of the first cam rod 232a and a contact point betweenthe second spur gear 232a and one end of the second cam rod 232b are symmetric with respect to the rotation axis of the speed-reduction spur gear 220, preferably. When the first movable member 310a moves along a straight line in a first direction, the second movable member 310b moves along the straight line in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[38] The first and second movable members 310a and 310b rectilinearly reciprocate along the same straight line in perpendicular to an imaginary surface between the first and second movable members 310a and 310b, wherein the first and second movable members 310a and 310b moves in opposite directions toeach other, thereby enabling an offset to a vibration generated by a frictional force between the floor and the first and second movable members 310a and 310b during the rectilinear reciprocating motion of the first and second movable members 310a and 310b. Accordingly, the user can utilize the apparatus of the present invention with easiness since the user feels the

slightest vibration or jolt from the apparatus for cleaning floor according to the present invention. Also, the apparatus of the present invention can perform the rectilinear motion which is similar to a cleaning method performed by a people, and furthermore increase a cleaning speed, to thereby improve the cleaning efficiency.

[39] On the same principle as a driver can more easily move a handle in state of a driving car than in state of a stopped car, the user can change a traveling direction of the apparatus with a small power during its operation since the first and second movable members 310a and 310b move rectilinearly.

[40] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second movable members

310a and 310b rectilinearly reciprocate by the driving motor 100 and the power- transmitting part to convert the rotary motion of the driving motor 100 to the rectiline- arreciprocating motion, and to transmit the converted motion. However, the first and second movable members 310a and 310b may rectilinearly reciprocate in opposite directions to each other through the use of a linear motor.

[41] An operation of the apparatus for cleaning floor according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained in detail as follows.

[42] First, the user controls the switch 600 on the grip 10 to operate the apparatus for cleaning flooraccording to the present invention. Thus, the power is supplied to the driving motor 100 from the power source 500, whereby the rotating shaft of the driving motor 100 rotates.

[43] Then, the shaft 210, which has one end connected with the rotating shaft of the driving motor 100, rotates around the same rotation axis as that of the driving motor 100. Also, the speed-reduction spur gear 220 rotates, which is connected with the other end of the shaft 210.

[44] As the speed-reduction spur gear 220 rotates, the first and second spur gears 231a and 231b engaged with the speed-reduction spur gear 220 rotate in the opposite direction to the speed-reduction spur gear 220, whereby each of the first and second cam rods 232a and 232b rotatably connected to an edge part of thefirst and second spur gears 231a and 231b reciprocates rectilinearly. In this case, the point at which the first spur gear 231a and the first cam rod 232a are connected and the point at whichthe second spur gear 232a and the second cam rod 232b are connected are exactly symmetric with respect to the rotation axis of the speed-reduction spur gear 220. Thus, when the first cam rod 232a moves along a straight line in the first direction, the second cam rod 232b moves along the straight line in the second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[45] As the first and second cam rods 232a and 232b reciprocate rectilinearly, the first and second movable members 310a and 310b respectively connected to the first and second cam rods 232a and 232b through the first and second connectors 233a and 233b rectilinearly reciprocate while being supported by the support member 30.

[46] The apparatus for cleaning floor according to the present invention varies in size. In case of the large-sized apparatus, the large-sized movable members 310a and 310b can be reciprocated rectilinearly by increasing the number of spur gears and cam rods. On the contrary, in case of the small-sized apparatus, a pin is directly formed in the spur gear without the cam rod and the connector, and an elliptical hole is formed in the movable member. That is, when the spur gear rotates by the reciprocal operation between the pin and theelliptical hole, the movable member reciprocates rectilinearly.

[47] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a power supplier and a charger provided in the apparatus for cleaning floor according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[48] As shown in FIG. 7, each of the power supplier and the charger 700 used for the apparatus for cleaning floor according to the presentinvention includes a power supplying unit 710 and a charging unit 720.

[49] The power supplying unit 710 includes an NC power code 712; an adapter 714 to convert an NC voltage supplied through the NC power code 712 into a D/C low voltage; a D/C power code 711 to supply the D/C low voltage supplied from the adapter 714 to the apparatus; and a reel 713 to wind the D/C power code 711 thereon automatically. In the apparatus for cleaning floor according to the presentinvention, a battery of the power source 500 is charged with the D/C low voltage supplied from the power supplying unit 710; and the driving motor 100 is directly driven by the D/C low voltage when the battery of the power source 500 is discharged. The top of charging unit 720 is provided with a charging contact point 721 being electrically connected with the charging battery of the power source 500, so as to automatically charge the charging battery if not using the apparatus for cleaning floor according to the present invention.

[50] When trying to clean the area out of reach of the electric code of the apparatus for cleaning floor according to the present invention, the apparatus for cleaning floor according to the present invention may use the charging battery formed therein. Thus, the user can use the apparatus for cleaning floor according to the present invention without the use of electric code for a long period of time, thereby providing the user convenience.

[51] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a washing and dehydrating tub for the apparatus

for cleaning floor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[52] As shown in FIG. 8, the washing and dehydrating tub 800 used for the apparatus for cleaning floor according to the present invention are respectively provided with a washing plate and a dehydrating plate 820, wherein each of the washing and dehydrating plates 820 has an uneven surface with a plurality of protrusions. After the washing and dehydrating tub800 are filled with water including the detergent dissolved therein, the apparatus for cleaning floor according to the present invention is operated after being dipped into the water, whereby the movable members 310a and 310b recti- linearly reciprocate on the washing and dehydrating plates 820, automatically, thereby performing the washing process.

[53] After completing the washing process, the user pushes a compression pedal 830 so as to perform the dehydrating process. Pushing the compression pedal 830 makes a compression lever 810 pressed down, whereby a pressure is applied to the movable member 30. According as the compression lever 810 is pressed down, a drain lever 850 connected to the compression lever 810 is also pressed down, thereby draining the water from the washing and dehydrating tub 800.

[54] In addition, wheels 840 are provided in the bottom of the washing and dehydrating tub 800. These wheels 840 enable the easy movement of washing and dehydrating tub 800.

[55] The apparatus for cleaning floor according to the presentinvention includes the movable members 310a and 310b which automatically reciprocate in the straight line and the power source 500 which is apart from the movable member 30 at least 30cm or more, and more preferably, 60cm or more. Owing to the sufficient distance between the power source 500 and the support member 30, the apparatus for cleaning floor according to the present invention can be operated even in state of dipping the movable member 30 into the water. During or after the cleaning process through the use of washing and dehydrating tub, the movable members 310a and 310b can be easily washed without the user's inconvenience and additional cleaning members.