APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF FLOORS

Technical field

[01] The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating floors, in particular a floor scrubber-dryer.

Prior art

[02] Apparatuses for treating floors have long been known. In particular, apparatuses that can combine different treatment operations are known, which are able, for example, to suction, brush, scrub and dry floors.

[03] Such apparatuses may have a very different structure, depending on use. For example, for industrial applications, floor treatment apparatuses can be very cumbersome and therefore difficult to operate. On the other hand, apparatuses designed for domestic use, which requires limited power, usually have a small footprint and are therefore more easily manageable.

[04] Therefore, in particular in the industrial sector there is an increasing need to improve the maneuverability of such apparatuses, without prejudice to its power, neither its effectiveness.

[05] For example, patent EP 3031378 illustrates a manually guided apparatus for the treatment of floors, in particular a scrubber dryer, comprising a floor-contact part and a guide part, mutually connected by means of an articulation assembly, able to arrange the rotating guide part in all directions around a vertical axis. In particular, the floor-contact part is provided with a pair of rotating tools made of brushes, arranged in such a way as to generate a permanent linear feed action. Furthermore, the floor-contact part is provided with a suction strip on the ground when the apparatus is in use, at the rear of the brushes. The apparatus comprises as well a support means arranged on the floor-contact part, made for supporting the same floor-contact part in an inclined transport or storage position, statically determined and therefore isostatic.

[06] However, apparatuses of the known type does 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 location, it is necessary to maneuver them so that the tools on the ground are not damaged and, above all, do not interfere with the movement of the apparatus. The positioning of the apparatus in the transport position, in particular, may therefore result difficult, sometimes tiring for the operator.

[07] For example, patent US 2,675,246 illustrates a mechanism for lifting and lowering the wheels adapted for use in floor polishing machines.

[08] Likewise, apparatuses of the known type does not fully meet the requirements of the specific sector, since they require difficult operations to place them in a rest condition.. Disclosure

[09] The object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems, by devising a floor treatment apparatus which can be easily transported.

[10] A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for treating floors which can be easily positioned in a rest condition.

[11] Still another object of the invention is to provide a floor treatment apparatus which is of simple construction and functional, of versatile use, provided with definitely reliable operation and of relatively low cost.

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

[13] The apparatus for treatment of floors comprises a floor-contact part provided with at least one tool rotatable on a floor and a guide part provided with at least one handle. The floor- contact part is connected to the guide part by means of an articulation assembly.

[14] The apparatus is preferably, but not limited to, a floor scrubber dryer. For this purpose, it may comprise a suction strip arranged at the rear of the at least one rotatable tool, according to a direction of travel of the apparatus.

[15] The apparatus further comprises a lifting assembly for the floor-contact part, which carries activatable support means, and control means which can be alternatively operated in an inactive condition, at which the at least one rotatable tool is in contact with the floor and the support means are detached from the floor, in order to enable the treatment of the floor by the at least one rotatable tool, and in an active condition, in which the at least one rotatable tool is supported by support means, in a lifted position from said floor, thus placing the apparatus in a transport and/or resting condition.

[16] In particular, in the aforesaid active condition of the control means, the rotatable tool is firmly supported by the aforementioned supporting means, remaining lifted from the floor, so as to protect it from interaction with the floor.

[17] Basically, the provision of activatable support means enables the apparatus to be arranged in a condition in which the at least one tool is lifted off the floor and, therefore, does not support the weight of the apparatus itself. In this condition, the apparatus is easily movable, since the tool does not generate, with the respective operative surface, any movement-resistant friction, as well as being adapted for being stored in a rest condition.

[18] Preferably, in the aforesaid active condition, the at least one rotatable tool has a respective operating surface raised parallel from the floor.

[19] Preferably the support means are of the rolling type, so as to facilitate the transport of the apparatus in the activated condition.

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

[21] Preferably, the support means are carried by a movable frame, articulated to the structure of the floor-contact part, which can oscillate from a first position, at which the support means are not activated by the control means and are therefore raised by the floor, and a second position, at which the support means are activated and then placed in contact with the floor, in a support condition.

[22] Preferably, the movable frame is connected to the structure of the floor-contact part, by the interposition of elastic retaining means, for example of the type of a helical spring, to make the positioning in the aforementioned first position and second position stable.

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

[24] Preferably, the support means comprise a pair of support wheels arranged at a side of the said mobile frame and at least a third support wheel arranged on the opposite side.

[25] Preferably, the support means comprise a pivoting wheel.

[26] Preferably, the movable frame is shaped like an articulated parallelogram.

Description of drawings

[27] The details of the invention are more evident 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 show respectively a side sectional view of a portion of the same apparatus, in different operating conditions;

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

Best mode

[28] With particular reference to these figures, the apparatus for the treatment of floors according to the invention has been indicated as a whole with numeral reference 1.

[29] The apparatus 1 comprises a floor-contact part 2 and a guide part 3, mutually connected by means of an articulation assembly 4, which enables to orient the guide part 3 in different positions, with respect to the floor-contact part 2.

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

[31] The floor-contact part 2 comprises at least one rotatable tool 5, preferably a pair of tools 5, arranged in such a way as to present a respective operative surface 5a facing the floor P to be treated and, in particular, in use, in contact with it.

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

[33] Alternatively and in a known way, the axis of rotation A can be arranged slightly inclined with respect to an axis orthogonal to the floor P. In practice, the axes A of the tools 5 may have opposite and symmetrical inclinations with respect to a longitudinal median axis of the apparatus. As a result of the aforesaid inclination between the operative surface 5a of each tool 5 and the floor P a differentiated friction action is generated, greater at the portion which, as a result of the rotation, comes closer to the floor, such as to cause a resulting action different from zero, in the same direction for the pair of counter-rotating tools. This resulting action has a continuous propulsive effect.

[34] The apparatus 1 preferably comprises a tank for a clean detergent, for example water, and a collecting tank for the dirty fluid, so as to perform the scrubber-dryer function. For example, the tank for the clean detergent can be integrated into the floor-contact part 2, while the tank for collecting the dirty fluid in the guide part 3.

[35] In this case, then, the floor-contact part 2 also comprises, in a known way, a suction strip 7 (see the schematic view illustrated in Figure 4), arranged rearwardly, according to a direction of travel B, with respect to the tools 5.

[36] The suction strip 7, known in the sector under the name of "squeegee", is placed, in use, in contact with the floor P, to contain and convey the dirty water deviated from the tools 5, following the interaction with the floor P.

[37] More precisely, the suction strip 7 comprises at least one pair of stripes 8, preferably arranged curved peripherally to the floor-contact part 2, so as to substantially cover the working width of the tools 5. In particular, the pair of stripes 8 provides a front stripe and a rear stripe, with respect to the direction of travel B of the apparatus 1: the first is provided with slots for the leakage of the liquid to be collected, the second, instead, is continuous, therefore without slots, for the collection of the same liquid. A collection chamber for the dirty liquid is thus formed between the aforesaid stripes 8, which can be sucked. The stripes 8 are also supported by a frame 9 (see Figure 4) fixed to the structure 20 of the floor-contact part 2 and associated with a suction member 10 arranged, for example, on the same floor-contact part 2.

[38] The suction strip 7 also comprises a suction opening 11 , connected to at least one respective collection pipe 12, through which the dirty liquid is sucked from the collection chamber defined between the stripes 8 in the said collection tank.

[39] The floor-contact part 2 further comprises a lifting assembly 13, configured to arrange the apparatus 1 in a transport or resting position, such as to protect the tools 5 from the interaction with the floor P.

[40] The lifting assembly 13 comprises support means 14 which can be activated for supporting the floor-contact part 2 and control means 15 which can be actuated to activate the support means 14.

[41] In practice, when the support means 14 are activated, the tools 5 are lifted from the floor P, preferably parallel to it, and supported together with the floor-contact part 2 by the support means 14.

[42] The support means 14 are preferably of the rolling type, so as to enable, if activated, to support the floor-contact part 2 and facilitate the transportation of the apparatus 1.

[43] The support means 14 are movably connected to the structure 20 carrying the operating members of the floor-contact part 2. In particular, the support means 14 are carried by the structure 20 so as to be moved, by actuation of the control means 15, alternately between an inactive position, spaced from the floor P, and an active support position resting on the floor P.

[44] The support means 14 are carried by a movable frame 16 connected to the structure 20.

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

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

[47] In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the support means 14 comprise at least one pair of supporting wheels 17 arranged at a side of the aforesaid movable frame 16, for example at the front of the travel direction B, and at least a third support wheel 18 arranged at the opposite side, for example, at the rear of the same direction. More precisely, the third wheel 18 is interposed between the tools 5 and the suction strip.

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

[49] The movable frame 16, in particular, may comprise a first movable element 19, hinged to the structure 20 at a first oscillation axis 21. The same first movable element 19 carries the front wheels 17, rotatable about a first axis of rotation 22, which can be connected to the first element 19 itself and parallel to the first axis of oscillation 21.

[50] The movable frame 16 may further comprise a second movable element 23 hinged to the structure 20 at a second oscillation axis 24 parallel to the first oscillation axis 21. The same second mobile element 23 also carries the third rear wheel 18 rotatable about a second axis of rotation 25.

[51] The first element 19 and the second element 23 of the movable frame 16 are mutually connected by means of a connecting element 26, for example shaped like a plate, preferably moulded, so as not to interfere with the operating components of the floor- contact part 2.

[52] The connecting element 26 is articulated to the first movable element 19 and to the second movable element 23, at a first fulcrum 27 and at a second fulcrum 28, respectively, whose axes are parallel to the first oscillation axis 21 and to the second oscillation axis 24.

[53] 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.

[54] Preferably, the movable frame 16 is associated with the structure 20 of the floor-contact part 2 by interposing elastic retaining means 29, adapted for making the aforesaid active and inactive positions of the support means 14 stable. For example, the elastic means 29 can be made from a helical elastic spring, fixed at one end to the structure 20 and to the other to the first movable element 19 or to the second movable element 23 (see Figures 2 and 3).

[55] The aforementioned control means 15 are fixed integral with the aforesaid 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 on the case.

[56] More specifically, the control means 15 can shape 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 floor-contact part 2 of the apparatus 1. The lever, in particular, can be activated from the inactive condition 15a to the active condition 15b, by a simple pressure acting on the lever itself, on the contrast of 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 therefore causes the movement of the support means 14 from the inactive position to the active position. This compression action can be easily carried out, for example, with the sole foot.

[57] The return to the inactive position occurs with a thrust on the opposite side of the same control lever, which also in this case can be easily made with one foot.

[58] The operation of the apparatus for treating floors according to the invention is easily to understand from the foregoing description.

[59] When the apparatus 1 is used for a work cycle, it is in the condition in which the floor- contact part 2 carries the tools 5, for example in the form of a pair of brushes, resting on the ground, so as to interact with the floor P. In the same working condition, the support means 14 of the lifting assembly 13 are arranged retractable, in the inactive position, and thus spaced from the floor P.

[60] 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 enable the movement of the apparatus, the operator actuates the control means 15 arranged, for example, in an accessible manner at the front of the floor-contact part 2. In particular, the operator pushes the control lever towards the floor P, causing the movable frame 16 carrying the supporting means 14 to move from the inactive position to the active support position.

[61] In this case, the brushes 5 are lifted from the floor P and the apparatus 1 is thus easily transportable thanks to the support operated by the support means 14. Advantageously it is a rolling support. Moreover, during transport, the operator can easily guide the floor- contact part 2 by means of the guide part 3, which, thanks to the articulation assembly 4, can be maneuvered and oriented freely in all directions with respect to the direction orthogonal to the floor P .

[62] When the destination of the apparatus 1 is reached, the operator acts again on the control means 15, in a direction opposite to the activation direction, pushing the same means on the opposite side. In particular, it is sufficient to raise the control lever with the foot to bring it back into the inactive condition 15a, at which the support means are separate from the floor P and the brushes 5, instead, are again placed on the floor P.

[63] If, on the other hand, the apparatus is to be placed in a rest condition, the control means 15 remain or are actuated in the active condition 15b, at which the support means 14 keep the tools 5 lifted from the floor P, in such a way that the weight of the apparatus does not fall on them in the stopping condition.

[64] In this condition, the guiding part 3 can be possibly locked, by suitable means, in a rest position, for example according to an orthogonal orientation with respect to the floor- contact part 2.

[65] The apparatus for treating floors according to the invention therefore permits to achieve the purpose of enabling an easy support of the equipment both for transport and for parking.

[66] This purpose is achieved mainly by the provision of the lifting assembly, which enables the operating tools of the apparatus to be lifted, while supporting the floor-contact part by means of preferably rolling support means.

[67] The operator simply needs to act on the control means associated with the lifting assembly, conveniently accessible from the floor-contact part.

[68] In this condition, in particular, the apparatus can be easily moved and guided towards the destination thanks to the freely orientable guide part in all directions. Likewise, the apparatus can be placed in a rest condition, which preserves the integrity of the tools without overloading them. [69] In fact, thanks to the support performed by the support means 14, in the rest condition the tools 5 do not risk deformations resulting from the load of the apparatus.

[70] In the practical implementation of the invention, the materials used, as well as the shape and size, may vary depending on needs.

[71] Should the technical features mentioned in any claim be followed by reference signs, such reference signs were included strictly with the aim of enhancing the understanding of the claims and hence they shall not be deemed restrictive in any manner whatsoever on the scope of each element identified for exemplifying purposes by such reference signs.