CN103764004A - Cleaning device for cleaning a surface comprising a brush and a squeegee element - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a surface (20), comprising: -a nozzle arrangement (10) that comprises i) a brush (12) rotatable about a brush axis (14), said brush (12) being provided with flexible brush elements (16) having tip portions (18) for contacting the surface to be cleaned (20) and picking up dirt particles (22) and liquid (24) from the surface (20) during a pick-up period when the brush elements (16) contact the surface (20) during the rotation of the brush (12), wherein a linear mass density of a plurality of the brush elements (16) is, at least at the tip portions (18), lower than 150 g per 10 km, and ii) a single squeegee element (32) for pushing or wiping dirt particles (22) and liquid (24) across or off the surface to be cleaned (20) during movement of the cleaning device (100), said squeegee element (32) being spaced apart from the brush (12); and extending substantially along a longitudinal direction (48) being substantially parallel to the brush axis (14), wherein a suction area (34) is defined within the nozzle arrangement (10) between the squeegee element (32) and the brush (12), -a drive means for driving the brush (12) in rotation, wherein the drive means are adapted to realize a centrifugal acceleration at the tip portions (18) which is, in particular during a dirt release period when the brush elements (16) are free from contact to the surface (20) during rotation of the brush (12), at least 3,000 m/s<2>, and -a vacuum aggregate (38) for generating an under-pressure in the suction area (34) for ingesting dirt particles (22) and liquid (24).

Description

The cleaning equipment for clean surface that comprises brush and scraper plate

Technical field

The present invention relates to the cleaning equipment for clean surface.The invention still further relates to the spray nozzle device for such cleaning equipment.

Background technology

Nowadays first by ground being carried out to vacuum cleaning, and then by mop wiping ground, complete hard floor surface cleaner.Coarse dirt is removed in vacuum cleaning, and mop wipe is wiped away except spot.From the known many utensils of claiming integrated vacuum cleaning and mop wiping that are particularly positioned the clean department of specialty of prior art.For the utensil of the clean department of specialty, conventionally specialize in large area and complete smooth ground.They depend on scrub-brush and suction removes from ground water and dirt.Home appliances is used the combination of scrub-brush and scraper plate nozzle conventionally.Be similar to the utensil for the clean department of specialty, these products are removed spot and in conjunction with negative pressure, from ground, are picked up dirt with scraper plate from ground with brush.

Conventionally by the flexible rubber lip that is attached to the bottom of cleaning equipment, realize described scraper component, thereby and described scraper component only slide to promote on surface to be cleaned or cleaning dirt particle and liquid through or leave surface to be cleaned.Conventionally by the negative pressure of vacuum aggregation formation, be used for sucking dirt particle and the liquid of collection.

From for example EP0576174A1, know the board device of scraping for vacuum cleaner system.From for example US7665172B1, know the sweeper of the combination of using above-mentioned brush and scraper plate.Wherein said electric floor sweeper comprises sufficient assembly, the edge agitator that this foot assembly has electric motor driven main agitator and is coupled to wheel, thereby thereby the manual propelling of this sweeper rotate this wheel and rotate this edge agitator.But this sweeper does not comprise vacuum source and therefore can not be from ground water absorbing that will be clean.Performance aspect dry ground is therefore quite low.

Known from prior art and also use another vacuum cleaner of the combination of rotating brush and scraper plate from US4864682A.This vacuum cleaner comprises self-adjusting Wiper blade assembly, and this self-adjusting Wiper blade assembly is for using the type of the floor surface of this vacuum cleaner automatically to adjust

Whole.Assembly used herein needs high suction to obtain satisfied clean result.The brush using in this vacuum cleaner is to have hard bristle to stir for example stirring of carpet of ground

Device (being represented as again adjuster).These hard hairs have shown quite good shampooing effect, and this permission is removed spot specially with brush.But the performance aspect dry ground is quite low, because this agitator can not be from ground imbitition.

From the known vacuum cleaner of prior art and mop integration apparatus, conventionally use like this

A brush element, this brush element is sprayed water or cleaning agent on one's own initiative to improve going of spot

Remove.This equipment is used the Double-scraper unit of two scraper plates with a side that is configured in brush conventionally

Part, as exemplarily shown in accompanying drawing.In the passage of additional vacuum source between described Double-scraper device, generate suction, to again remove the cleaning water from ground.

But in order again to remove the cleaning water spraying on one's own initiative from ground, these equipment need to move in direction forward, wherein see in the direction of equipment moving always, brush be positioned at this Double-scraper device before.In contrary backward directions, move this equipment and will drench ground, because cannot remove the cleaning water that utilizes brush to scatter from scraper plate in stroke backward at this.

For the forward direction at this equipment and after in stroke, obtain good clean result, therefore known cleaning equipment possesses two scraper plate nozzles in the both sides ofbrush.In accompanying drawing 12, exemplarily shown this device.Although this Double-scraper device on the both sides of brush shows good clean result, it is quite large that the nozzle of these equipment becomes.This causes unsatisfied limited ability to work again.Particularly in the home appliances that conventionally need to clean narrow corners this large volume nozzle due to their limited degrees of freedom of motion be disadvantageous and be use uncomfortable.

In addition, use the Double-scraper device as shown in accompanying drawing and 12 to there are many other shortcomings.Due to the continuous contact on this scraper plate and ground during the movement of this equipment, this Double-scraper may be looked unfamiliar into high scratch load over the ground.While particularly using Double-scraper device in each side at brush, this will cause the risk that causes on the ground scratch to improve.In addition, this Double-scraper comprises that they can not be for shortcoming as unlimited in the coarse dirt of hair or peanut, because coarse dirt is conventionally involved in scraper plate or by scraper plate and pushes open, and therefore it can not enter suction entrance.In addition, this Double-scraper nozzle is difficult to clean and do not have self-cleaning ability.

In order to overcome these shortcomings, other equipment known in the art are used two separated brushes (schematically showing in accompanying drawing 13) of configuration parallel to each other.From US1694937, exemplarily know such cleaning equipment.Described file discloses wiping ground machine, and it can pick up dirt from ground by parallel and adjacent two cylindrical ground brushes that are arranged together.These brushes are with High Rotation Speed, and one operation and another move counterclockwise clockwise.Like this, adjacent periphery advances to together with sufficiently high speed, to utilize the relatively large power of flat jet form substantially vertically upward to project dirt.Except brush, also apply windshield wiper blade or scraper plate, so that dry ground.Due to two separated brushes and additional scraper plate, according to this nozzle of this technical scheme, also become quite large, will again cause the unsatisfied degree of freedom of motion of consumer.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a kind of improved cleaning equipment, it compared with prior art shows improved clean-up performance and has undersized nozzle to guarantee the high degree of freedom of motion simultaneously.

By a kind of cleaning equipment for clean surface, realize this object, this equipment comprises:

Spray nozzle device, it comprises:

I) about brush axle rotatable brush, described brush is equipped with Flexible brush element, this Flexible brush element has tip portion, this tip portion is for during the rotation of this brush, when this brush element contact surface to be cleaned pick up the cycle during, contact surface to be cleaned and pick up dirt particle and liquid from this surface, wherein the line mass density of a plurality of these brush elements at least in this point office lower than 150 grams of every 10 kms; And

Ii) single scraper component, for promoting or clean dirt particle and liquid process or leave this surface to be cleaned during the movement of this cleaning equipment, described scraper component and this brush separates and substantially along extending with the substantially parallel longitudinal direction of brush axle, wherein in the spray nozzle device between this scraper component and this brush, define suction areas

For driving the drive unit of this brush rotation, wherein this drive unit is adapted to be at this tip portion and realizes centrifugal acceleration, particularly during the rotation of this brush during the dirt deenergized period when this brush element does not contact this surface, this centrifugal acceleration is 3000m/s at least², and

Vacuum collectors, for generating negative pressure in this suction areas to suck dirt particle and liquid.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in addition by realizing above-mentioned purpose for the corresponding spray nozzle device using at foregoing cleaning equipment.

Define in the dependent claims the preferred embodiment of the present invention, should be appreciated that spray nozzle device required for protection has and the similar and/or identical preferred embodiment of defined preferred embodiment in cleaning equipment required for protection and dependent claims.

Idea behind the present invention is the specific combination of the centrifugal acceleration by selecting the density parameter of brush element and realizing in the point office of brush element during the rotation of brush element, can overcome by only applying a single scraper component shortcoming of above-mentioned Double-scraper and two brush clean technologies schemes.From different from the known cleaning equipment of prior art, the spray nozzle device of current cleaning equipment only comprises single scraper component and preferably only comprises a main brush.Owing to only having a brush and a scraper component, the nozzle volume that therefore becomes is less and show improved operability.

Therefore this cleaning equipment also allows clean narrow surface in an efficient way.Due to selected parameter be Flexible brush element line mass density on be limited to 150 grams of every 10 kms and brush element tip portion centrifugal acceleration under be limited to 3000m/s²(by drive unit, realizing this acceleration), can realize outstanding clean result, wherein the particle in fact disposable removal surface to be cleaned and dry surface to be cleaned.

With only comparing for the brush of greasiness removal of using according to prior art, the soft brush as given in this article with Flexible brush element also has the ability of picking up water from ground.Therefore, no longer need the second scraper component.Use the above-mentioned parameter about line mass density and centrifugal acceleration of brush element also to show and cause very good greasiness removal characteristic.Due to by preferably as the flexible microfibre hair of brush element, during the rotation of this brush during when brush element/microfibre hair kiss the earth, can pick up from this ground dirt particle and liquid.The ability of also picking up liquid with brush mainly causes by capillary and/or other adhesions, and wherein this adhesion is due to the selected line mass density of this brush element and high-speed generation theeing occur for driven brush.Because microfibre hair is very thin, so brush also opens wide for coarse dirt.

During brush rotation, this brush element utilizes their tip portion kiss the earth and from ground, picks up dirt particle and liquid during cycle of picking up of contacting with ground at described tip portion.Brush element be arranged in nozzle outer cover inner and with surface contactless dirt deenergized period, the centrifugal acceleration of the tip portion of brush element uprises to such an extent as to the centrifugal force that is presented in dirt in this microfibre hair and liquid particles that produces becomes to be better than and by it, from brush element, oppresses the adhesion of dirt and liquid particles.Dirt deenergized period when therefore contactless with surface when being arranged in nozzle outer cover during the rotation of brush element at them among is release dirt and liquid particles automatically.Except centrifugal force as above, can there are other acceleration force, the acceleration force particularly causing due to the deformation of this Flexible brush element.This deformation can for example occur in when this Flexible brush element is in rotation or during running into liquid or dirt particle during kiss the earth.

When contacting with ground release during the rotation of brush element at them, the acceleration occurring in the point office of brush element causes automatically discharging dirt particle and liquid droplet from brush.Owing to can not directly sucking whole dirt particles and liquid droplet by vacuum collectors, so a small amount of dirt and liquid are got back on the surface in a kind of like this region splashing down, wherein brush element discharges contact on Zhong Yu ground, this region.But overcome this impact of heavily spattering this surface by scraper component, wherein this scraper component is by collecting and heavily spatter liquid and dirt as a kind of sweeper, thereby because the negative pressure applying can suck remaining liquid and dirt subsequently.Therefore scraper plate guarantees that remaining liq and dirt no longer leave suction areas in the situation that not sucked by vacuum collectors.Therefore it is dirt in side of shut-off nozzle outer cover and the suction areas of liquid a little.Because selected brush (can also pick up liquid except dirt) and the combination of single scraper component promote or clean dirt particle and liquid process or leave this surface to be cleaned, so it can almost clear up dirt particle and the liquid of optical surface.The size that this causes improved sanitary characteristics and reduces nozzle simultaneously.

By the quantity of scraper plate being reduced to only single scraper component, the size that not only can reduce outer cover can significantly reduce the scratch to ground that may be caused by scraper plate so that nozzle volume is less.In addition, single scraper component more easy cleaning many.

Because the device middle scraper given separates with brush and substantially extends along preferably parallel with brush axle longitudinal direction, so brush has formed suction areas together with single scraper plate.This suction areas is negative pressure region, and this negative pressure region is for sucking dirt and the liquid particles of being collected by scraper component or brush.Preferably by the vacuum collectors that is connected in any way this suction areas, generate described negative pressure.

Brush is preferably configured in to an example of the outer cover of nozzle, and it is parallel with this brush scraper component to be configured in to the opposite side of this outer cover, thereby when when the moving direction of wanting of this equipment is watched, brush and scraper component seem after each other.Scraper plate and brush are configured in that the bottom side (its between the operating period of this equipment in the face of surface to be cleaned) of nozzle outer cover is upper and the nozzle outer cover from this bottom side is outstanding at least in part.When mobile this equipment, thereby scraper component slides and promotes or clean dirt particle and liquid process or built on stilts on surface to be cleaned, and this brush is picked up dirt and liquid particles simultaneously from surface during the rotation of brush.Like this, between this brush and scraper component, create suction entrance, between the operating period of cleaning equipment, be pumped into actinal surface and treat clean surface.This suction entrance opens wide and enters suction areas, and above-mentioned negative pressure is set up therein.

By applying this negative pressure, from ground, suck and siphon away dirt and the liquid particles by scraper plate and brush, picked up.It is clean that therefore this brush and scraper component keep always, thereby on surface to be cleaned, do not scatter the risk of dirt.In other words, this causes a kind of self-cleaning brush and scraper plate.

Brush element can be manufactured by plastic material, and wherein polymer and nylon are suitable examples.In any case, the line mass density of a plurality of brush elements at least in this point office lower than 150 grams of every 10 kms.This guarantees at least in this brush element flexibility of this point office enough with experience curvature effect and can pick up dirt particle and liquid droplet from surface to be cleaned.

In this external this line mass density range, the degree of the wearing and tearing of this brush element seems to accept.It is also noted that the described line mass density of mentioning is that unit is that the line mass density of gram every 10 kms is represented as again Dtex value.

The experiment that the applicant carries out has proved that the Dtex value in above-mentioned scope seems to be feasible technically and can to utilize it to obtain good clean result.But demonstrated the brush element that can even there is the lower Dtex value upper limit (asDtex value 125,50,20 or even 5 (gram/km)) by application and further improved clean result.

Utilize the value of magnitude below, guarantee that clean result is outstanding, water is picked up the best, wearing and tearing are minimum and generate enough low in lip-deep power consumption to be cleaned and heat.Notice in addition, at least at brush element during the rotation at brush with the contactless dirt in surface in deenergized period, at the minimum of a value 3000m/s of the general acceleration in point office²also be subject to the support of the experimental result carried out in environment of the present invention.These experiments have shown that the increase along with the angular speed of brush is improved according to the clean-up performance of equipment of the present invention, this means the acceleration of the point office that is during rotation increased in brush element.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, this drive unit is adapted to be in this point office and realizes at least 7000m/s²centrifugal acceleration and 12000m/s more preferably²centrifugal acceleration.When this drive unit is adapted to be the centrifugal acceleration that realizes in the above range brush element, in this centrifugal acceleration and during the contactless stage of surface to be cleaned, the liquid droplet that adheres to this brush element is likely discharged from as droplet mist.

The combination of the acceleration at the line mass density of brush element and the tip of brush element place is the combination that produces the best clean-up performance of rotatable brush, particularly by brush element, picks up the whole dirt particles that run into by brush and splashes down liquid and discharging in the position of nozzle outer cover inside.Certainly, when starting to clean, particle and effectively picking up of liquid are favourable, wherein, realize dirt simultaneously and remove and dry run.In view of having avoided again causing the fact of dirt and/or liquid on surface to be cleaned, effectively discharge process is favourable subsequently.Utilization brush according to the present invention, in conjunction with above-mentioned scraper component and the operating parameter realized by drive unit, can make particle in fact larger by particle capture in droplet, and this allows easier filtration.

In the knowledge based on prior art, do not find the combination about the above-mentioned parameter of line mass density and the centrifugal acceleration that realizes in the point office of brush element.Prior art is not even concerned about the autonomous best-of-breed functionality that only has to be used to clean surface and can to rise the rotatable brush of dirt and liquid, and therefore can reduce the quantity of needed scraper component, but still realize possibility identical or even improved sanitary characteristics.

When at least one rotatable brush being provided and operating as described herein, it guarantees effectively to remove liquid from surface to be cleaned, and for dirt particle, be also identical, can catch and/or take away dirt particle together with liquid by the brush element of brush.Thereby a side of nozzle outer cover by rotatable brush sub brush, wash surface and at opposite side by this surface of scraper component continuous contact and clean this surface and carry out cleaning course, this cleaning course is particularly suitable for being applied on crust.The example of crust is plate face, sidewall of hardstand, window, wall, desktop, hard material etc.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the negative pressure being generated by vacuum collectors is in 3 to 70mbar scope, preferably in 4 to 50mbar scope, and most preferably in 5 to 30mbar scope.The vacuum cleaner of prior art need to be applied higher negative pressure to reach acceptable clean result.But, due to the above-mentioned characteristic of brush, in above-mentioned pressure limit, realized very good clean result.Therefore, also can use less vacuum collectors.This has increased the free degree in the selection of vavuum pump.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal direction of brush axle and/or scraper component is configured to cross the intention moving direction that is preferably perpendicular to cleaning equipment.During the movement of this equipment, therefore brush and scraper plate can run into completely longitudinally dirt and the liquid particles of side along them.By the two is configured to parallel to each otherly by brush axle and scraper component, set up brush and cooperated with the perfection of scraper component, to pick up dirt and liquid particles from ground.Between scraper component and brush, define the suction areas of negative pressure, it also extends with brush axle substantially abreast.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, described scraper component comprises for this scraper component being switched to closing position and this scraper component being switched to the switching device shifter of open position, wherein in this closing position, this scraper component is adapted to be when moving this cleaning equipment in forward direction on surface to be cleaned, promote and clean dirt particle and liquid process and leave surface to be cleaned, wherein in this forward direction, in the moving direction of this cleaning equipment, this scraper component is positioned at after this brush, and wherein in this open position when on this surface to be cleaned rear in direction during mobile this cleaning equipment, dirt particle and liquid from this ground can enter suction areas through the opening between this scraper component and this surface, wherein after this in direction in the moving direction of this cleaning equipment this scraper component be positioned at before this brush.

The ability that this scraper component is switched to closing position from open position according to the moving direction of cleaning equipment allow the forward direction of nozzle and to the good clean result in stroke.This open configuration is in order to allow dirt to enter during near ground dirt and liquid when scraper plate before brush.And in closing position, when brush is before scraper plate during near ground dirt or liquid, scraper plate is closed into the gap on ground, or in other words cleaning or slide on the ground.

In order to guarantee this switch mode, preferably by flexible rubber lip, realize this scraper component, this rubber lip is adapted to be according to the moving direction of this cleaning equipment crooked about the longitudinal direction of described rubber lip.This rubber lip preferably includes at least one column cap, and this column cap is configured near the lower end of this rubber lip, wherein this rubber lip intention contact surface to be cleaned.Described at least one column cap be adapted to be when on this surface rear in direction during mobile this cleaning equipment, from surface, rise at least in part this rubber lip, wherein after this in direction in the moving direction of this cleaning equipment this rubber lip be positioned at before this brush.Due to rear this rise in stroke at nozzle of this rubber lip, wherein scraper component is near ground dirt before brush, and coarse dirt also can enter nozzle through the opening creating between this scraper component and surface to be cleaned rear in stroke.When moving this cleaning equipment in contrary forward direction on this surface, described column cap and ground are contactless, rubber lip are free to slide on the ground to pick up dirt and particle water from described ground.

According to another embodiment, this spray nozzle device comprises at least in part around the outer cover of this brush, wherein this scraper component is attached on described outer cover.In this device, this brush at least in part by this nozzle outer cover around and outstanding from the bottom side of described nozzle outer cover at least in part, surface to be cleaned is faced in the bottom side of wherein said nozzle outer cover between the operating period of this equipment, thereby this brush element is on the described surface contacting during the rotation of this brush outside this outer cover.Also preferably this scraper component is attached to the described bottom side of this outer cover, to contact surface to be cleaned when moving this nozzle on described surface.Between the operating period of this equipment, in the space between this brush, described outer cover, this scraper component and surface to be cleaned, this suction areas of the above-mentioned negative pressure of definition application wherein configures this suction entrance between this scraper component and this brush.

According to another preferred embodiment, this cleaning equipment comprises positioner, this positioner is for locating this brush axle from this surperficial distance to be cleaned, wherein this distance is less than the radius of this brush of the brush element with full extension, realize during operation the indentation with the brush part of Surface Contact, this is retracted within 2% to 12% scope of this brush diameter.

As a result, when brush and Surface Contact, brush element is crooked.Therefore, once brush element and Surface Contact during the rotation of brush, the outward appearance of brush element just changes to crooked outward appearance from stretching outward appearance, once and brush element during the rotation of brush, discharge and contact with surface, the outward appearance of this brush element just changes to stretching, extension outward appearance from crooked outward appearance.

The actual range of brush indentation is about 2% to 12% of the brush diameter of the full extension situation of brush element.In actual conditions, can carry out the diameter of determining above-mentioned brush by carrying out high-speed camera or the stroboscope that suitable measurement for example operates in the speed of this brush by use.

The speed when deformation of brush element or more precisely deformation occur is also subject to the impact of the line mass density of brush element.In addition the needed power of line mass Effects of Density rotary brush of brush element.When the line mass density of brush element is relatively low, flexibility is relatively high, and causes the crooked required power of brush element relative low during with Surface Contact to be cleaned when brush element.This also means that the friction horsepower generating between brush element and this surface is low, thereby prevents heat-dissipating that this is surperficial and relevant surface fracture.Other favorable influences of the relatively low line mass density of brush element are relatively high resistance to wearing, and the chance of being damaged by sharp objects etc. is relatively little, even and the actual out-of-flatness running in surface also to maintain the mode of contact, be close to surperficial ability.

When brush element contacts with dirt particle or liquid or be provided with in the situation of brush about surperficial indentation, brush element is crooked.Once adhere to the brush element of dirt particle and liquid, discharge and contact with surface, this brush element straightens, and wherein the tip portion of brush element moves with the acceleration relative to high especially.As a result, be increased in the centrifugal acceleration of the point office of brush element.Therefore, as described according to above embodiment, because centrifugal force is higher than adhesion, by the liquid droplet and the dirt particle that adhere on brush element, just look like, to launch from brush element.By various factors comprise the deformation mentioned and line mass density but also by the value of the driven speed determination of acceleration of brush power.

The factor of playing the part of additional role in the cleaning function of rotatable brush is the density of tying up of brush element.When tying up density when enough large, between brush element, can there is capillary effect, this strengthens liquid from the quick removal on surface to be cleaned.According to the embodiment of the present invention, the density of tying up of brush element is at least every square centimeter of 30 bunches of brush element, and wherein the quantity of the brush element of every bunch is at least 500.

Brush element is configured to cluster and formed additional capillary channel, thereby the capillary force that increases brush is to pick up dirt particle or liquid droplet from surface to be cleaned.

According to another preferred embodiment, the line mass density of the total main body of brush element (at least on tip portion) is to be less than 20 grams of every 10 kms.The important advantage of the Dtex value that this is low is that the wearing and tearing of brush element are minimum.In this case, brush element can be categorized into very soft and flexiblely, this is contrary with many situations of prior art.

In order to realize above-mentioned centrifugal acceleration in the point office at brush element, according to an embodiment of the invention, this drive unit is adapted to be the angular speed in 5000 to 8000 rpms of scopes more preferably in 3000 to 15000 rpms of scopes of realizing this brush in the operating period of this equipment.Applicant's experiment shows, when angular speed driven brush with at least 6000 rpms, can obtain optimum cleaning result.

But the centrifugal acceleration of wishing in the point office of brush element not only depends on the angular speed corresponding to brush frequency, also depends on the radius corresponding to brush diameter.Therefore according to another implementation of the invention, when brush element is in full extension state lower time, brush preferably has 10 in 100mm and more preferably 20 to 80mm scope and 35 diameters that arrive within the scope of 50mm most preferably, and wherein, when brush element is in full extension state, the length of brush element is in 1 to 20mm scope preferably in 8 to 12mm scope.

As mentioned above, the cleaning equipment providing has the ability that realizes fabulous clean result.Even can improve these clean results by drenching on one's own initiative surface to be cleaned.In the situation of greasiness removal, this is particularly advantageous.The liquid using in the process of adhesion that strengthens dirt particle and brush element can be provided in various manners.First can drench rotatable brush and Flexible brush element by appearing at lip-deep liquid to be cleaned.A mixture that example is water or water and soap of this liquid.Selectively, can be by providing clean liquid for example by liquid being exuded on brush or providing clean liquid by liquid being injected in the hollow core element of brush to brush to brush on one's own initiative.

According to an embodiment, therefore preferred this cleaning equipment comprises on the width extending for the brush axle at brush provides the device of liquid to brush with the speed lower than 6 milliliters every centimetre per minute.Seem that the speed there is no need with higher provides liquid, and above-mentioned speed is enough to make liquid to complete the function as the carry/transmitting device for dirt particle.Therefore, from the ability of surface removal spot to be cleaned, can significantly improve.Only use a seldom advantage of liquid to be to process accurate surface, be even indicated as liquid as the surface of water sensitive.In addition, given for holding the size of the water receiver of the liquid that will supply to brush, autonomous (autonomy) time is longer, and the time that empties and need to again fill up this water receiver is longer.

Have to be noted that can also change into the liquid of splashing and will replace from the liquid of surface removal to be cleaned using liquid intentional selection and that supply on one's own initiative.Example is the coffee of splashing, milk, tea etc.In view of brush element as above, can and can under the impact of foregoing centrifugal force, from this brush element, remove the fact of this liquid from surface removal liquid to be cleaned, this is possible.By overcoming the surperficial above-mentioned impact in the region of heavily spattering between brush and scraper plate by collect the scraper component of this heavy liquid spattering and dirt as a kind of sweeper, thereby because the negative pressure of application can suck remaining liquid and dirt.Therefore scraper plate guarantees that the remaining liq and the dirt that by vacuum collectors, are not sucked no longer leave suction surface.Therefore the closed a little suction areas for dirt and liquid on a side of nozzle outer cover.Therefore the combination of scraper plate and selected brush causes extraordinary clean and drying effect.

According to another preferred embodiment, this cleaning equipment also comprises for the side back to this scraper component at brush, generates the device of air stream at this brush in the operating period of this equipment contacts the region on surface to be cleaned.Described air stream mainly has the function of offsetting the air stream producing during the rotation of this brush.Due to for driving the high-speed of this brush, in the outside of nozzle outer cover, may generate rough air, rough air may force and appear at this lip-deep dirt particle and liquid droplet and blown away from the region of kiss the earth first of this brush element during rotation.

For fear of this adverse influence, can apply the device that generates air stream for contact the region on surface to be cleaned at brush, thus this air stream that compensation is caused by brush.In the antagonism air flow that therefore preferably will generate, guiding to be to generate suction effect, and this suction effect forces dirt particle and liquid droplet directly enter the nozzle before brush or by brush, are run into and by brush, picked up as mentioned above subsequently.A possibility that realizes this air stream generation is between nozzle outer cover and brush, to configure little opening before brush, and wherein this brush element during rotation leaves this nozzle outer cover.Like this, before this nozzle, created the second suction entrance.

According to another implementation of the invention, this cleaning equipment comprises deflector, and deflector is for the position contact brush before the position that during rotation contacts this surface to be cleaned from direction of rotation at this brush.Like this, by deflector by brush element compressing together, thereby the air always appearing in the space between brush element in the operating period of equipment is pushed out described space.In region between this deflector and this surface to be cleaned, this brush element will again be stretched and move and open each other, to increase the region between brush element.Being increased in suddenly in the region that brush element contacts surface to be cleaned first of space between brush element generated additional negative pressure.This additional negative pressure has produced additional suction effect, thereby utilizes this additional suction effect air and also have dirt and liquid particles to be inhaled in brush.Owing to being inhaled in brush near the position air that is pressed together by surperficial brush to be cleaned, so the above-mentioned undesirable turbulent airflow being caused with contacting of surface to be cleaned by rotation and it of brush is compensated efficiently.

Deflector stops the droplet of water or clean liquid to fall back on clean surface in addition.In optimal cases, this deflector is configured to fully contact brush to can guarantee above-mentioned functions.In one implementation, thus deflector can be for example the simple part of nozzle outer cover outstanding inside outer cover and during the rotation of brush contact brush element.This deflector itself can be realized by the hard part of nozzle outer cover or can be realized and bending at least in part when contacting with brush element by the flexible member that is attached to this nozzle outer cover.

According to another preferred embodiment, this brush is to have the spiral brush of peripheral bunch that is configured in this brush with spiral helicine form.This coiled arrangement of this bunch significantly will reduce needed pumping power.Substantially, in this environment, if be favourable by the row that bunch is configured to have moderate interval.

Accompanying drawing explanation

With reference to one or more embodiments hereinafter described, set forth these and other aspect of the present invention and these and other aspect of the present invention becomes apparent the embodiment by described.In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 has shown according to the schematic cross-section of the first embodiment of the spray nozzle device of cleaning equipment of the present invention in the first operating position;

Fig. 2 has shown the schematic cross-section of the first embodiment of the spray nozzle device shown in Fig. 1 in the second operating position;

Fig. 3 has shown according to the schematic cross-section of the second embodiment of the spray nozzle device of cleaning equipment of the present invention in the first operating position;

Fig. 4 has shown the schematic cross-section of the second embodiment of the spray nozzle device shown in Fig. 3 in the second operating position;

Fig. 5 has shown that in the first operating position (Fig. 5 a) and schematic cross-section (Fig. 5 b) according to the schematic plan of the scraper component of cleaning equipment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 has shown the schematic plan of the scraper component shown in Fig. 5 in the second operating position, and (Fig. 6 a) and schematic cross-section (Fig. 6 b);

Fig. 7 integral body has shown the schematic cross-section according to cleaning equipment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 has shown the schematic cross-section of embodiment of the brush of cleaning equipment;

Fig. 9 has shown for showing the figure of the relation between the angular speed of brush and the automatically cleaning ability of described brush;

Figure 10 has shown for showing the figure of the relation between the centrifugal acceleration of brush and the automatically cleaning ability of described brush;

Figure 11 has shown according to the schematic cross-section of the first example of the spray nozzle device of prior art;

Figure 12 has shown according to the schematic cross-section of the second example of the spray nozzle device of prior art; And

Figure 13 has shown according to the schematic cross-section of the 3rd example of the spray nozzle device of prior art.

The specific embodiment

Fig. 1 and 2 has shown according to the schematic cross-section of the first embodiment of thespray nozzle device 10 ofcleaning equipment 100 of the present invention.In Fig. 1,spray nozzle device 10 is shown as in the first operating position, andspray nozzle device 10 is shown as in the second operating position in Fig. 2.Spray nozzle device 10 comprises thebrush 12 about 14 rotations of brush axle.Describedbrush 12 possesses Flexible brush element 16, preferably by thin microfibre hair, realizes brush element 16.Flexible brush element 16 comprisestip portion 18, andtip portion 18 is adapted to be and during the rotation ofbrush 12, is contacting to be cleaned surperficial 20 and from describedsurperficial 20, pick updirt particle 22 and liquid 24 during the cycle of picking up of brush element 16 contact surfaces 20.

Line mass density a plurality of and preferably most of brush element 16 is at least selected as lower than 150 grams of every 10 kms on their tip portion 18.In addition,spray nozzle device 10 comprises for the motor (not shown) for example of the drive unit at predetermined direction ofrotation 26 driven brush 12.Described drive unit is adapted to be at thetip portion 18 of brush element 16 and realizes centrifugal acceleration, and during 20 contactless dirt deenergized periods of brush element during the rotation ofbrush 12 16 and surface, this centrifugal acceleration is at least particularly 3000m/s².

At least in part by nozzleouter cover 28 around brush 12.The setting of thebrush 12 among nozzleouter cover 28 is preferably selected as makingbrush 12 outstanding from thebottom side 30 of nozzleouter cover 28 at least in part, and between the operating period ofequipment 100, thisbottom side 30 is in the face of to be cleanedsurperficial 20.

Alsoscraper component 32 is attached to the describedbottom side 30 of nozzle outer cover 28.Scraper component 32 is configured to make it at the operating period ofequipment 100 Contact to be cleaned surperficial 20.Scraperplate 32 is used as a kind of cleaning element, for promote when themobile cleaning equipment 100 or cleaningdirt particle 22 or liquid 24 through or leave surface 20.Describedscraper plate 32 preferably separates withbrush 12 and substantially extends abreast with brush axle 14.Nozzleouter cover 28,scraper plate 32 definesuction areas 34 together withbrush 12, andsuction areas 34 is positioned among nozzle outer cover 28.It is also noted that, in implication of the presentinvention suction areas 34 not only represent the region betweenbrush 12,scraper plate 32 and nozzleouter cover 28 but also during being illustrated in the rotation ofbrush 12 in brush element 16 space between brush element 16 in the time of nozzle outer cover inside, and it is illustrated in the region of definition betweenscraper component 32 and brush 12.A rear region is represented as again hereinafter to open wide and enters thesuction entrance 36 insuction areas 34.

By thevacuum collectors 38 only schematically showing in the accompanying drawings, in suction areas, generate negative pressure to suckdirt particle 22 or the liquid 24 that runs into and collect bybrush 12 and scraper plate 32.According to the present invention, described negative pressure is preferably in 3 to 70mbar scope, more preferably in 4 to 50mbar scope, and most preferably in 5 to 30mbar scope.This negative pressure is compared quite low with the conventional vacuum cleaner of the negative pressure of the about 70mbar of application.But due to the above-mentioned characteristic ofbrush 12, in above-mentioned pressure limit, realized extraordinary clean result.Therefore, also can use less vacuum collectors 38.This has increased the free degree of the selection of vavuum pump.

Purport of the present invention is by application about the above-mentioned parameter of the line mass density of brush element 16 and by realizing in the above range the centrifugal acceleration attip portion 18 places of brush element 16, can be by realizing extraordinary clean result and dirt removal characteristic withsingle brush 12 andsingle scraper component 32equipment nozzles 10.

With from the known needs of prior art assembling at least two scraper plates (one of each side of brush) or need the spray nozzle device of two brushes that assembling is rotated counterclockwise contrary, in order to reach good clean result, technical scheme provided herein causes saving very much space-efficient jet size.Utilize the good sanitary characteristics that technical scheme provided herein can realize mainly to depend onbrush 12, this is not only can pick updirt particle 22 and can pick up liquid 24 to be cleaned surperficial 20 to be cleaned surperficial 20 because the hard brush in the technical scheme of aforesaid operations parameter and prior art is contrary.

Becausebrush 12 also has the ability of picking upwater 24, the such Double-scraper technical scheme exemplarily showing in Figure 11 and 12 no longer includes necessity.This mainly depends on the fact that water is not only picked up but also risen on one's own initiative from ground bybrush 12 from ground due to the negative pressure generating.Even as shown in Figure 1 rear to moving nozzle in stroke through surface, after throughscraper plate 32 andsuction entrance 36, still rest onwater 24 onsurface 20 and dirt particle 22 (be not used in negative pressure in thesuction areas 34 atsuction entrance 36 places fromsurface 20 directly water and the dirts of suctions) thus run into subsequentlybrush 12 and raised.Backward stroke like this represents the movement ofspray nozzle device 10 in the movingdirection 40 of intention, wherein indirection 40, atbrush 12, runs intoscraper component 32 beforedirt particle 22 andliquid 24 and runs intodirt particle 22 and the liquid 24 appearing on surface 20.In Fig. 1, exemplarily show this situation.

In the situation of (in fact conventionally so doing in order to improve the greasiness removal in surface 20) of sprinkling water on one's own initiative atbrush 12, ifbrush 12 can not also be picked up the water spilling again, this backward stroke will make clean liquid rest on this surface.Must use in this case additional scraper plate to guarantee the 20 removal water from ground.But according to the present invention due to the given characteristic ofbrush 12, the speed of drivenbrush 12 and with the combination ofscraper plate 32 be unwanted.

Good clean result in order to guarantee in (shown in Fig. 1) backward stroke and (shown in Fig. 2) forward direction stroke,scraper component 32 preferably includes switching device shifter 42, switching device shifter 42 for according tonozzle 10 aboutsurface 20 movingdirection 40,scraper plate 32 is switched to closing position and vice versa from open position.If moving nozzle in (shown in Fig. 2) forward direction stroke, wherein it seems that from the moving direction 400 ofcleaning equipment 100scraper component 32 is positioned at after brush, during scraper plate is in the close position.In this closing position,scraper plate 32 is adapted to be and by sliding more or less, promotes orclean dirt particle 22 and liquid 24 processes or leavesurface 20 on surface 20.In this forward direction stroke,scraper plate 32 is collected not raised or frombrush 12, is spilt the sweeper of getting back to the remainingwater surface 20 as a kind of subsequently from surface 20.Then can suck the remaining water of being collected byscraper plate 32 by the negative pressure of application amongsuction areas 34.

On the other hand, when movingnozzle 10 in (shown in Fig. 1) backward stroke,scraper plate 32 is configured in open position, wherein, in movingdirection 40,scraper plate 32 is positioned at beforebrush 12, thereby will run into thedirt particle 22 of surface on 20 andliquid 24 bybrush 12 before, byscraper plate 32, run into thisdirt particle 22 or liquid 24.After this, in stroke, switching device shifter 42 is switched toscraper plate 32 its open position, and wherein, dirt particle and liquid fromsurperficial 20enter suction areas 34 by the opening by betweenscraper plate 32 and to be cleaned surperficial 20.Like this,dirt particle 22 and liquid 24 also can entersuction areas 34 and run intobrush 12 in the position ofsuction entrance 36, and they utilizebrush 12 to be picked up fromsurface 20.

Ifscraper plate 32 can not be switched to described open position, only very small amount ofdirt particle 22 can arrivesuction entrance 36, and most of dirt and liquid will be involved in by scraper plate and promote can not entersuction areas 34 through surface 20.This will cause poor clean and drying effect certainly.

In order to guarantee this orientation-dependent switching ofscraper component 32,scraper plate 32 preferably includesflexible rubber lip 46, and it is crooked thatflexible rubber lip 46 depends on that the movingdirection 40 ofcleaning equipment 100 is adapted to be about the longitudinal direction of described rubber lip 46.The explanatory view that has shown the amplification ofscraper plate 32 in Fig. 5 and 6.Fig. 5 has shown thescraper plate 32 in its closing position and Fig. 6 has shown thescraper plate 32 in its open position.

Column cap 50 is configured near the lower end ofrubber lip 46, near itsmiddle scraper 32intentions contact surface 20 this lower end,column cap 50 is adapted to be when rise at least inpart rubber lip 46 fromsurface 20 during mobile cleaning equipment onsurface 20 in (shown in Fig. 1)backward direction 40, wherein In the view of rear to being positioned at beforebrush 12 at movingdirection 40 these rubber lips in direction 40.In this case, riserubber lip 46, this is mainly due to the natural frictional force occurring betweensurface 20 andcolumn cap 50, this frictional force as a kind of stopper withdeceleration rubber lip 46 and forcerubber lip 46 to overturn on column cap 50.Therefore forcescraper plate 32 to slide oncolumn cap 50, wherein by column cap, rise rubber lip, andopening 44 appears in the space betweenrubber lip 46 and surface 20 (seeing Fig. 6 a and 6b).

Fig. 3 and 4 has shown the second embodiment ofspray nozzle device 10, and Fig. 3 and 4 shows with (shown in Fig. 1 and 2) first embodiment and compares and can exchange the position ofscraper plate 32 andbrush 12 and can not depart from the scope of the present invention.In this case,scraper plate 32 fitted to be another side in nozzleouter cover 28 with respect to brush axle 14.In this case, when movingnozzle 10 in forward direction stroke as shown in Figure 3,scraper component 32 certainly must be in open position, wherein, and in this forward direction stroke, moving nozzle indirection 40 is positioned at beforebrush 12 at movingdirection 40scraper plates 32 in direction 40.Otherwise liquid 24 anddirt particle 22 will can not enter respectivelysuction areas 34 andsuction entrance 36 again.

On the other hand, when according to this embodiment after as shown in Figure 4 in stroke during moving nozzle,scraper plate 32 need to be in its closing position, wherein after this in stroke, in movingdirection 40,brush 12 is positioned atscraper plate 32 above and first runs intodirt particle 22 and liquid 24.In this case,scraper plate 32 is again as the remainingdirt particle 22 on slip onsurface 20 andcollection surface 20 and the sweeper ofliquid 24.

By by the second embodiment comparison shown in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and 2 and Fig. 3 and 4, it is also noted that the other parts of device, the property preservation of the characteristic of brush and nozzleouter cover 28 is identical.Even the direction ofrotation 26 ofbrush 12 need to keep identical, because the direction ofrotation 26 ofbrush 12 need to be oriented, makes brush element 16 enter nozzleouter cover 28 on the side that also configuresscraper plate 32 of nozzle outer cover 28.Otherwise this can not allow the above-mentioned mutual ofbrush 12 andscraper component 32.

It is identical that but the attribute ofbrush 12keeps.Brush 12 preferably has the diameter within the scope of 20 to 80mm, and drive unit possibility can be with the angularspeed rotary brush 12 of at least 6000 rpms.The width ofbrush 12 is that the size of thebrush 12 in rotatingshaft 14 bearing of trends ofbrush 12 can be the magnitude of 25cm for example.

On the outer surface of thecore parts 52 ofbrush 12, provide bunches 54.Each bunch 54 comprises hundreds of the fibre elements that are called as brush element 16.Brush element 16 can be by diameter for example in the magnitude of about 10 microns and Dtex value the polymers manufacturing lower than 150 grams of every 10 kms.On the outer surface of thecore parts 52 ofbrush 12, the density of tying up of brush element 16 can be at least 30 bunch 54 every square centimeter.

Can arrange quite confusedly brush element 16 and there is no fixing phase mutual edge distance.In addition, theouter surface 56 of mentioning brush element 16 can be inhomogeneous, and this has strengthened the ability that brush element 16 is caughtliquid droplet 24 and dirt particle 22.Particularly, brush element 16 can be so-called microfibre, and it does not have level and smooth and circular periphery more or less, but it has the coarse and periphery with recess and groove of star more or less.Brush element 16 does not need identical, as long as the requirement that the total most line mass density of the brush element 16 ofbrush 12 at least meets lower than 150 grams of every 10 kms attip portion 18.

By rotary brush 12, particularly, by the brush element 16 of rotary brush 12, from surface 20, pick up dirt particle 22 and liquid 24, and be delivered in the assembling position of cleaning equipment 100 inside.Due to the rotation of brush 12, realize at primary importance place with the moment that surface 20 occurs to contact first.The degree of contact increases, until brush element 16 is with a kind of like this form bending, and tip portion 18 contact surfaces 20 of brush element 16 in this curve form wherein.Described tip portion 18 slides and runs into during the course dirt particle 22 and liquid 24 through surface 20, wherein meet and may cause such a case, in this case, to be cleaned surperficial 20, remove and based on adhesion, take away a certain amount of liquid 24 and/or dirt particle 22 by brush element 16.In this process, brush element 16 can be more or less similarly as for catching and the whip of traction particle 22 and 24, this whip be force-closed formula and can the suitable function of function based on strap brake keep particle 22,24.In addition, the liquid 24 of picking up can be with and serve liquid, and wherein liquid line is stayed in air, and liquid line moves away from surface 20.The acceleration occurring at the tip portion 18 of brush element 16 cause during the rotation of brush element 16 when brush element and ground 20 releases contact, dirt particle 22 and liquid droplet 24 are released from brush 12 automatically.Owing to can not directly sucking whole dirt particles 22 and liquid droplet 24 by vacuum collectors 38, at brush element 16, from the region of surface 20 release contacts, a small amount of dirt and liquid will be trickled down and get back on surface 20.But, by scraper component 32, overcome and heavily spattered surface this impact of 20, wherein scraper component 32 is by collect this heavy liquid and dirt of spattering as a kind of sweeper, thereby because the negative pressure of applying can suck remaining liquid 24 and dirt 22.Therefore liquid 24 and dirt 22 can not be inhaled into and again leave suction areas 34.

Due to selected technical parameter, brush element 16 is to have soft scraper plate effect onsurface 20, and this helps resist the adhesion ofliquid 24 anddirt particle 22 effects on surfaces 20.

Along withbrush 12 rotations,, until there is finally to lose the moment of contact in mobile continue of brush element 16 on surface 20.When no longer there is contact situation, in the rotation due tobrush 12, act under the impact of the centrifugal force on brush element 16 and promote the state that brush element 16 presents original stretching, extension.Because brush element 16 when promoting again to present extended configuration is crooked, so there is the acceleration of additional stretching, extension attip portion 18 places of brush element 16, wherein brush element 16 is brandished extended configuration from case of bending, and wherein, the movement of brush element 16 is suitable with the whip of twitch.Acceleration attip portion 18 places meets at least 3000m/s when brush element 16 is almost presented in extended configuration again²requirement.

During described movement in the impact of power that acts on thetip portion 18 of brush element 16

Under, from brush element 16, discharge a large amount ofdirt particles 22 andliquid 24, because these power are much larger than adhesion.Therefore, forceliquid 24 anddirt particle 22 to fly out in the direction away from surface 20.Then by vacuum collectors, suck most ofliquid 24 and dirt particle22.By scraper component 32 as mentioned above and the negative pressure that generates insuction areas 34, guarantee be also collected and be inhaled into subsequently fromunrestrained liquid 24 and thedirt 22 of getting back to the remainder onsurface 20 ofbrush 12.

Under the impact of acceleration, can discharge liquid 24 with little droplet.For for example for the further separation process that particularly the centrifugal force fan ofvacuum collectors 38 is carried out of thevacuum fan collector 38 as rotatable air dirt separation, this is favourable.It is also noted that suction force is as inoperative in the said process of picking up liquid and dirt by brush element 16 in the power that centrifugal force fan applies.But these suction forces are necessary for picking up the dirt collected by scraper plate and liquid.

Except the function of foregoing each brush element 16, can help for picking up another effect of the process ofdirt particle 22 andliquid 24 is the capillary effect between brush element 16.On this point, thebrush 12 with brush element 16 is equivalent to immerse thebrush 12 of a large amount of coating, and wherein coating is absorbed based on capillary force bybrush 12.

From it seems above,brush 12 according to the present invention has following character:

-during the contactless part of the rotation ofbrush 12, will will there is soft bunch 54 of Flexible brush element 16 by centrifugal force and stretch;

-betweenbrush 12 and to be cleaned surperficial 20, may there is perfect adaptation because when soft bunch of 54contact surface 20 soft bunch 54 by crooked and stretch when being likely subject to the affecting of centrifugal force;

-due to sufficiently high acceleration force,brush 12 continues to clean himself, and this guarantees the clean result continuing;

-low-down bending stiffness due to bunches 54,surface 20 generates minimum with the heat betweenbrush 12;

-based on by bunches 54 rather than in many conventional equipments by air stream, pick up the fact ofliquid 24, even there is fold or depression insurface 20, also can realize from the liquid very stably onsurface 20 and picking up and overall cleaning result very stably; And

-by bunches 54, with soft but effectively mode is fromsurface removal dirt 22, wherein the low rigidity based on brush element 16 can realize the most effective energy and uses.

Relatively low value based on line mass density, it can also make brush element 16 have low-down bending stiffness, and can not keep their original-shape when being tied cluster 54.In conventional brush, brush element just rebounds afterwards in release.But the brush element 16 as mentioned above with low-down bending stiffness will can so not done, because elastic force is too little, they can not surpass the internal friction power between each brush element 16 that appears at.Therefore, bunches 54 will keep fold after deformation, and will only whenbrush 12 rotation, stretch.

Compare with comprising for contacting the conventional equipment of the hard brush on surface to be cleaned, according tobrush 12 used in the present invention, can realize obviously better clean result, this is because a kind of like this operation principle, wherein according to this operation principle, using brush element 16 to pick up liquid 24 anddirt 22 and brush element 16 removesliquid 24 anddirt 22 to be cleaned surperficial 20, wherein atliquid 24 anddirt 22, in next one circulation, again beforecontact surface 20, by brush element 16, gets rid of awayliquid 24 anddirt 22.

Becausebrush 12 is by the true result ofsurperficial 20 indentations to be cleaned,brush 12 is used as a kind of gear pump, and it is drawn onto outside by air from the internal pump of nozzle outer cover 28.This is disadvantageous effect, becausedirt particle 22 is blown away and forms the droplet ofliquid 24 on a kind of like this position, wherein on this position,brush 12 cannot touch liquid 24 anddirt 22 and at unexpected moment liquid 24 anddirt 22, may drop during cleaning course.

In order to compensate pump as mentioned above, inhale effect, suggestion has for generate the device of air stream inbrush 12 and 20 regions that contact, surface, and this air stream is for compensating the air stream being generated bybrush 12.

Can realize these devices with various ways.May in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and 2, show the first realization, wherein, little opening 58 is configured between nozzleouter cover 28 andbrush 12 in a kind of like this position, and wherein in this position, brush element 16 leaves nozzleouter cover 28 during the rotation of brush 12.This opening 58 is implemented to another suction entrance 60 ofsuction areas 34, and it is in brush element 16 application of negative pressure (due to the described negative pressure in suction areas 34) in the region ofcontact surface 20 first.This negative pressure generates a kind of like this air stream, and this air stream is offset due to the rotation of brush between the operatingperiod 12 in the undesired turbulent airflow generating above ofbrush 12.

Counteracting the second of the undesired turbulent airflow generating above ofbrush 12 may be to brush 12 assembling brush elements 16 onbrush 12, be arranged in rows bunches 54, thereby will significantly reduce necessary pumping power.

In addition, shown in the second embodiment as shown in Figures 3 and 4 shown in example, likely withdeflector 62position indentation brush 12 beforebrush 12 contact surfaces 20 in direction of rotation 26.Deflector 62 has by deflection brush element 16 brush element 16 is pressed onto to function together.Like this, the air appearing in the space between brush element 16 is pushed out described space.While being again movable away from one another after brush element 16 is leavingdeflector 62, the space between brush element 16 increases, thereby air will be sucked inbrush 12, wherein create for aspirating the negative pressure ofdirt 22 and liquid particles 24.This compensates the air stream being produced byrotary brush 12 again.In the PCT/I B2009/054333 signing the applicant and PCT/IB2009/054334, find the example of described deflector.

Can use following equation to calculate the air stream that needs compensation:

Φ_c＝π*f*W*F*(D*I-I²)

Wherein:

Φ_cair stream (the m of=needs compensation³/ s)

F=brush frequency (Hz)

The width of W=brush 12 (m)

F=brush compensating factor (-)

The diameter of D=brush 12 (m)

I=brush 12 is by the indentation (m) onsurface 20

In actual example, f=133Hz, W=0.25m, D=0.044m and I=0.003m.About brush compensating factor, it is also noted that, this factor is determined in the experiment based on having the brush of feature as above, and finds that it is 0.4.Utilize described value, find flow compensated below:

Φ_c＝π*133*0.25*0.4*(0.044*0.003-0.003²)＝0.005015m³／s

Therefore in this example, it is favourable having about 5 liters of compensation airstreams per second.A kind of this air stream of realizing very well in the above realization possibility of exemplarily describing can be utilized in practice, thereby the disadvantageous pump suction effect ofbrush 12 can be in fact eliminated.

Fig. 7 intactly provides according to the figure ofcleaning equipment 100 of the present invention.According to this illustrative arrangement,cleaning equipment 100 comprises nozzleouter cover 28, in nozzleouter cover 28,brush 12 is rotatably assemblied on brush axle 14.Drive unit can be embodied as to conventional motor as motor (not shown), preferably drive unit be connected to or even be placed onbrush axle 14, so that drivenbrush 12 rotations.Notice that motor also can be positioned on any other suitable positions ofcleaning equipment 100.

In nozzleouter cover 28, the device of configuration such as wheel (not shown) is to keep therotating shaft 14 and to be cleaned surperficial 20 ofbrush 12 at a distance of predetermined distance, and wherein this distance is selected as makingbrush 12 indentations.Preferably, the scope of indentation is from 2% to 12% of the diameter of thebrush 12 of the full extension state about brush element 16.Therefore when the magnitude of diameter in 50mm, the scope of indentation can be from 1 to 6mm.

As by mentioned earlier,scraper component 32 is separated by withbrush 12 and is attached to thebottom side 30 of nozzle outer cover 28.It extends withbrush axle 14 substantially parallelly, thereby betweenscraper component 32 andbrush 12, definesuction areas 34 in nozzleouter cover 28,suction areas 34 havesuction entrance 36,suction entrance 36 be positioned at nozzleouter cover 28 over against 30 places,surperficial 20 bottom side to be cleaned.

Except nozzleouter cover 28,brush 12 andscraper component 32,cleaning equipment 100 is preferably equipped with following assembly:

-handle 64, it allows easily cleanliness ofoperation equipment 100 of user;

-holder 66, for holdingclean liquid 68 as water;

-refuse collector 70, for receiving fromsurperficial 20 liquid of picking up 24 to be cleaned anddirt particle 22;

-the circulation road ofhollow tube 72 forms for example, forrefuse collector 70 is connected to suctionareas 34, whereinsuction areas 34 buildssuction entrance 36 on thebottom side 30 of nozzle 10.Have to be noted that in implication of the present invention, comprise that the circulation road ofhollow tube 72 also can be represented assuction areas 34, wherein byvacuum collectors 38, insuction areas 34, applied above-mentioned negative pressure; And

-comprise thevacuum fan collector 38 ofcentrifugal force fan 38 ', be configured in the relative side of the side withpipe 72 is set ofgarbage collection chamber 70.

For the sake of completeness, notice in scope of the present invention, other and/or additional structure details are possible.For example can provide one for deflection by the element ofupcast rubbish 22,24, therebyfirst rubbish 22,24 experience deflection, their finalgarbage collection chambers 70 that arrives then.Andvacuum fan collector 38 can be configured ingarbage collection chamber 70 opposite side and not in an example relative withpipe 72 side is set.

According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 8,brush 12 comprises core parts 52.Core parts 52 have the form of hollow tube, and this hollow tube has a plurality ofpassages 74 through wall 76 extensions of core parts 52.For cleaningfluid 68 is transferred to the inside of thehollow core element 52 ofbrush 12 from holder 66, can provide theflexible pipe 78 of the inside that for exampleimports core parts 52.

According to this embodiment, can provide cleaningfluid 68 tohollow core element 52, wherein, during the rotation ofbrush 12, liquid 68 leaveshollow core element 52 and drenches brush element 16 via passage 74.Like this, liquid 68 also drips or drops on to be cleaned surperficial 20.Therefore, the to be cleaned surperficial 20 cleanedliquid 68 that become drench.This especially strengthens the adhesion of 22 pairs of brush elements 16 of contamination particle and therefore improves from the ability ofsurperficial 20 removal spots to be cleaned.

According to the present invention, to hollowcore element 52, provide the speed ofliquid 68 can be quite low, wherein maximum rate can be for example on the width ofbrush 6 milliliters every centimetre per minute.

But it is also noted that it is not essential feature that thehollow channel 74 using amongbrush 12 provides the feature ofwater 68 on one's own initiative to be cleaned surperficial 20.Selectively, can be by fromoutside splash brush 12 or provide before use,brush 12 to be immersed simply clean liquid is provided cleaning water.Also likely with the liquid having spilt, need to replace using the liquid of having a mind to selection fromsurperficial 20 liquid of removing to be cleaned.

As has already been mentioned above, by collecting thescraper component 32 of water and complete and pick up cleaningwater 68 from ground by transporting the liquid to suctionareas 34 as a kind of sweeper, wherein insuction areas 34 its negative pressure due tovacuum collectors 38 generations, suck, or directly from ground, pick up water by brush 12.Compare with the conventional equipment that comprises the hard brush that can not pick up water, according tobrush 12 used in the present invention, can pick up water.Therefore the clean result realizing is obviously better.

Technical parameter aboutbrush 12, brush element 16 and drive unit carrys out the experiment of having carried out in comfortable environment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, one of them experiment and experimental result will be described.The brush of testing has assembled the dissimilar fibrous material for brush element 16, comprises relatively thick fiber and the fiber of relative thin.In addition, tie up density and D t ex value is changed.In form below, provided the details of various brushes.

This experiment is included in rotary brush under similar condition and evaluates clean result, wearing and tearing and the power for thesurface 20 that utilizesbrush 12 to process.The indication that this provides the heat onsurface 20 to generate.The result that reflects this experiment in form below, whereinusage flag 5 is indicated best result and is indicated worse result with lower mark.

In addition, this experimental results show that and can make brush element 16 have the line mass density in 100 to 150 grams of every 10 kilometer range, and obtains useful clean result, but seem that water is picked up, abrasional behavior and power consumption so not good.Infer that the suitable suitable limiting value of line mass density is 150 grams of every 10 kms.But, obviously utilize more much smaller line mass density, clean result and whole other results are also very good.Therefore, the limiting value that advantageous applications is lower, as 125 grams of every 10 kms, 50 grams of every 10 kms, 20 grams of every 10 kms or 5 grams of every 10 kms even.The value of a magnitude after utilizing, guarantees that clean result is outstanding, and water is picked up heat on the best, wearing and tearing minimum and power consumption andsurface 20 and generated enough low.

Notice, the result of the experiment of having carried out in environment of the present invention is supported in each some time durations that turn ofbrush 12, dirt some times in deenergized period particularly, the minimum of a value 3000m/ second of thetip portion 18 dominant acceleration in place of brush element 16², wherein contactless between brush element 16 andsurface 20 in deenergized period at this dirt.

Hereinafter, will the result of one of them experiment and this experiment be described.Condition below can be applicable to this experiment:

1) there is diameter 46mm, the approximate 12cm of width and polymer brush element 16 and there are about 0.8 gram of every 10 km of line mass density, be configured in about 800 brush elements 16 bunches 54 in, approximate 50 bunches of 54 brushes 12 of every square centimeter are assembled on motor reel.

2) determine the weight of the assembly ofbrush 12 and motor.

3) power supply of motor is connected to the timer that stops motor after the operation cycle for the operation cycle in 1 second or 4 seconds.

4)brush 12 is immersed in the water, therebybrush 12 is flooded completely.Notice that usedbrush 12 seems to absorb the water of approximate 70 grams of gross weight.

5) with the angularspeed rotary brush 12 of 1950 rpms and stopbrush 12 after 1 or 4 seconds.

6) determine the weight ofbrush 12 and the assembly of motor, and calculate in step 2) in the difference about dry weight determined.

7) for other magnitude of angular velocities, thevalue repeating step 4 of particularly indicating in form below) to 6), the value of the weight of the water still occurring inbrush 12 when this form is further included in and stops after 1 second and 4 seconds, and the value of the relevant centrifugal acceleration that can calculate according to equation below:

a＝(2*π*f)²*R

Wherein:

A=centrifugal acceleration (m/s²)

F=brush frequency (Hz)

The radius of R=brush 12 (m)

In the curve of Fig. 9, describe for two different relations that find between angular speed and the weight of water that stop at, in the curve of Figure 10, described for two different relations that find between centrifugal acceleration and the weight of water that stop at, wherein, at each curve vertical axis, indicate the weight of water.From the curve of Fig. 9, it seems, when the angular speed water thatbrush 12 discharges during lower than about 4000rpm seriously reduces.And to the angular speed of 7000rmp, seeming quite steady higher than 6000rpm.

With centrifugal acceleration 3090m/s²on corresponding angular speed 3500rpm, find the critical point of the water being discharged by brush 12.For the explanation of this fact, Fig. 9 and 10 curve comprise respectively and are used in reference to indicating value 3500rpm and 3090m/s²vertical line.

The result of the experiment based on explaining in above, can infer during the contactless cycle value 3000m/s about the acceleration at 18 places, tip of brush element 16²be actual minimum, as long as consider the automatically cleaning ability of brush element 16, this ability meets at least requirement lower than 150 grams of every 10 kms intip portion 18 place's line mass density.For obtaining good clean result, the suitable performance of self-cleaning function is important as mentioned before.

For the sake of completeness, notice that centrifugal acceleration can be lower than 3000m/s in cleaningequipment 100 according to the present invention².Reason is to appear at the acceleration of thetip portion 18 of brush element 16 when brush element 16 is straightened and may estimates higher than normal centrifugal acceleration.This tests demonstration, about the effective minimum of a value of acceleration, is 3000m/s²this is the normal centrifugal acceleration in the situation of this experiment, and it can be to pick up the cycle when dirt pass by and had that leeway is stretching causes more high acceleration by the concrete behavior of brush element 16 during according toactual cleaning equipment 100 of the present invention, this makes for example, the lower possibility that becomes of normal centrifugal acceleration during other cycles (dirt is picked up the cycle) of rotation.

Even if the preferred single brush according to the present invention, obviously can also use other brush without departing from the scope of the invention.

For those skilled in the art, obvious scope of the present invention is not limited to previously discussed example, but is not departing under the prerequisite of scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims and can make many changes and modification to it.Although described and described the present invention in detail in drawing and description, it is illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive that this explanation and describing be regarded as merely.The invention is not restricted to disclosed embodiment.

For the sake of clarity, the full extension state that it is also noted that brush element 16 is a kind of like this state, and in this state, brush element 16 extends completely in the radial direction of therotating shaft 14 aboutbrush 12, wherein in brush element 16, does not have bent tip part.Whenbrush 12 rotates with normal operational speeds, can realize this state, wherein, in this normal operational speeds, can on brush element 16tip portions 18, realize 3000m/ second²acceleration.May only have the part of brush element 16 forbrush 12 in full extension state, and the barrier that other parts run into due to brush element 16 is not in full extension state.Conventionally, utilize the diameter D that determinesbrush 12 in whole brush elements 16 of full extension state.

Thetip portion 18 of brush element 16 is that the exterior section of brush element 16 in radial direction is away from the part of rotating shaft 14.Particularly,tip portion 18 is for picking up the part ofdirt particle 22 and liquid, and it is manufactured into alongsurperficial 20 slips to be cleaned.In situation atbrush 12 aboutsurperficial 20 indentations, the length of tip portion is approximate identical with indentation.

Can overview of the present invention is as follows.By application about the above-mentioned parameter of the line mass density of brush element and by the centrifugal acceleration on the tip portion of brush element is realized in the above range, can be by nozzle assembling, only single brush and single scraper component are realized extraordinary clean result and greasiness removal characteristic.

Compare with being equipped with at least two scraper plates (scraper plate is in an example of brush) from the known needs of prior art or needing to be equipped with two brush spray nozzle devices that are rotated counterclockwise, in order to reach good clean result, technical scheme of the present invention causes saving very much space-efficient jet size.The contrary brush (due to aforesaid operations parameter) of hard brush that utilizes very good sanitary characteristics that technical scheme of the present invention can realize mainly to depend on to use in the technical scheme with prior art not only can be picked up from surface dirt particle and can pick up liquid from surface to be cleaned.

Because this brush is picked up the ability of liquid in addition, Double-scraper technical scheme no longer includes necessity.Owing to only having a scraper component and only having a brush, the nozzle volume that becomes is less.Owing to having reduced the quantity (only having one) of scraper plate, obviously reduced scratch.The spray nozzle device proposing is at least open to coarse dirt in brush side.This brush forms passage together with scraper plate.Due to the splash of brush, suction areas and therefore same scraper plate are continued to clean.In a word, can utilize the very little still highly effective good clean result of nozzle realization that only there is a scraper plate and preferably only there is a brush.

Although describe and described the present invention in detail in accompanying drawing and description above, it is illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive this explanation and description should being interpreted as, and the invention is not restricted to disclosed embodiment.By the open and claims of study accompanying drawing, this paper, when implementing desired invention, those skilled in the art are appreciated that and realize other distortion for disclosed example.

In the claims, word " comprises " that not getting rid of other elements or step and indefinite article " " or " one " does not get rid of a plurality of.The function of a plurality of described in claim can be realized in discrete component or other unit.In mutually different claims, set forth the simple fact of certain measures and do not indicate the combination that cannot advantageously use these measures.

Any Reference numeral in claim should be interpreted as limiting its scope.

Claims (15)

1. for a cleaning equipment for clean surface (20), comprising:

-spray nozzle device (10), it comprises:

I) about brush axle (14) rotatable brush (12), described brush (12) is equipped with Flexible brush element (16), described Flexible brush element (16) has tip portion (18), described tip portion (18) is picked up the time period during for the rotation in described brush (12) when described brush element (16) contacts surface to be cleaned (20), contact described surface (20) and pick up dirt particle (22) and liquid (24) from described surface (20), wherein the line mass density of a plurality of described brush elements (16) is at least located lower than 150 grams of every 10 kms at described tip portion (18), and

Ii) single scraper component (32), for promoting or clean dirt particle (22) and liquid (24) process or leave described surface to be cleaned (20) during the movement of described cleaning equipment (100), described scraper component (32) and described brush (12) separate and substantially along extending with the substantially parallel longitudinal direction (48) of described brush axle (14), wherein in the described spray nozzle device (10) between described scraper component (32) and described brush (12), define suction areas (34)

-for driving the drive unit of described brush (12) rotation, wherein said drive unit is adapted to be at described tip portion (18) and locates to realize centrifugal acceleration, particularly during the rotation of described brush (12) during dirt section release time when described brush element (16) does not contact described surface (20), described centrifugal acceleration is 3000m/s at least², and

-vacuum collectors (38), for generating negative pressure to suck dirt particle (22) and liquid (24) in described suction areas (34).

2. cleaning equipment as claimed in claim 1, the described negative pressure wherein being generated by described vacuum collectors (38) is in 3 to 70mbar scope, preferably in 4 to 50mbar scope, most preferably in 5 to 30mbar scope.

3. cleaning equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal direction (48) of described brush axle (14) and/or described scraper component (32) is configured to cross, is preferably perpendicular to the intention moving direction (40) of described cleaning equipment (100).

4. cleaning equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said scraper component (32) comprises for described scraper component (32) being switched to closing position and described scraper component (32) being switched to the switching device shifter (42) of open position, wherein at scraper component described in described closing position (32), be adapted to be when above moving described cleaning equipment (100) in forward direction on described surface to be cleaned (20), promote or clean dirt particle (22) and liquid (24) process or leave described surface (20), wherein in described forward direction, on the moving direction (40) of described cleaning equipment (100), described scraper component (32) is positioned at described brush (12) below, and wherein in described open position when on described surface to be cleaned (20) upper rear in direction during mobile described cleaning equipment (100), dirt particle (22) and liquid (24) from described surface (20) can enter described suction areas (34) through the opening (44) between described scraper component (32) and described surface (20), wherein In the view of described, to described scraper component (32) on the moving direction (40) in described cleaning equipment (100) in direction, be positioned at described brush (12) above afterwards.

5. cleaning equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said spray nozzle device (10) comprises at least in part the nozzle outer cover (28) around described brush (12), and wherein described scraper component (32) is attached to described outer cover (28).

6. cleaning equipment as claimed in claim 1, also comprise positioner, described positioner is for locating described brush axle (14) from described surface to be cleaned (20) one distances, wherein said distance is less than the radius of the described brush (12) of the brush element (16) with full extension, to realize the indentation of the brush part contact with described surface (20) during operation, described in be retracted within 2% to 12% scope of described brush diameter.

7. cleaning equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brush element (16) tie up 30 bunches (54) every square centimeter that density is at least brush element (16), and the quantity of the brush element of wherein every bunch (54) (16) is at least 500.

8. cleaning equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least locates at described tip portion (18), and the total most line mass density of described brush element (16) is lower than 20 grams of every 10 kms.

9. cleaning equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said drive unit is adapted to be the angular speed in 5000 to 8000 rpms of scopes more preferably in 3000 to 15000 rpms of scopes of realizing described brush (12) in the operating period of described equipment (100).

10. cleaning equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein when described brush element (16) is in full extension state lower time, described brush (12) has 10 to 35 diameters that arrive within the scope of 50mm within the scope of 20 to 80mm and most preferably in 100mm and more preferably, and wherein, when described brush element (16) is in full extension state, the length of described brush element (16) is in 1 to 20mm scope preferably in 8 to 12mm scope.

11. cleaning equipment as claimed in claim 1, comprises on the width extending for the described brush axle (14) at described brush (12) device of liquid (68) is provided to described brush (12) with the speed lower than 6 milliliters every centimetre per minute.

12. cleaning equipments as claimed in claim 1, comprise for the side back to described scraper component (32) at described brush (12), at described brush (12), in the region on the operating period described surface to be cleaned of contact (20) of described equipment (100), generate the device (58,62) of air stream.

13. cleaning equipments as claimed in claim 1, comprise deflector (62), for during rotation contacting described brush (12) in the position of described brush (12) before contacting the position on described surface to be cleaned (20) from direction of rotation (26) at described brush (12).

14. cleaning equipments as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brush (12) is to have the spiral brush that is configured in outer bunch (54) of placing of described brush (12) with spiral helicine form.

15. 1 kinds of spray nozzle devices for cleaning equipment as claimed in claim 1 (100), comprising:

-about brush axle (14) rotatable brush (12), described brush (12) is equipped with Flexible brush element (16), described Flexible brush element (16) has tip portion (18), described tip portion (18) is picked up the time period during for the rotation in described brush (12) when described brush element (16) contacts surface to be cleaned (20), contact described surface (20) and pick up dirt particle and liquid from described surface (20), wherein the line mass density of a plurality of described brush elements (16) is at least located lower than 150 grams of every 10 kms at described tip portion (18), and

-single scraper component (32), for promoting or clean dirt particle (22) and liquid (24) process or leave described surface to be cleaned (20) during the movement of described cleaning equipment (100), described scraper component (32) separates with described brush (12) and substantially along the longitudinal direction (48) substantially parallel with brushing axle (14), extends, wherein in the spray nozzle device (10) between described scraper component (32) and described brush (12), define suction areas (34), and

-for driving the drive unit of described brush (12) rotation, wherein said drive unit is adapted to be at described tip portion (18) and locates to realize centrifugal acceleration, particularly during the rotation of described brush (12) during dirt section release time when described brush element (16) does not contact described surface (20), described centrifugal acceleration is 3000m/s at least².

Images