阅读说明：本技术 用于清洁表面的装置 (Device for cleaning a surface ) 是由 G·韦尔纳扎 于 2019-01-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于清洁表面(100)的机器(1)包括主体(10)和被配置成使所述主体(10)沿确定的前进方向移动的把手部分(50)。所述主体(10)配备有被定位成邻近待清洁的表面的清洁刷(15),以及被定位在所述清洁刷(15)的相对侧的第一刮板元件和第二刮板元件(20a)。所述主体(10)另外提供第一抽吸嘴(25a)和第二抽吸嘴(25b),所述第一抽吸嘴和第二抽吸嘴分别定位在所述第一刮板元件和所述第二刮板元件(20a)处、通过抽吸回路(35)连接到抽吸装置(30)。所述抽吸回路包括偏离装置(40),所述偏离装置被配置成交替地且选择性地将所述第一抽吸嘴(25a)或所述第二抽吸嘴(25b)与所述抽吸装置(30)气动地连接,并且相反地与另一抽吸嘴(25a,25b)气动地断开连接。(A machine (1) for cleaning a surface (100) comprises a main body (10) and a handle portion (50) configured to move the main body (10) along a determined advancement direction. The main body (10) is equipped with a cleaning brush (15) positioned adjacent to a surface to be cleaned, and first and second blade members (20a) positioned on opposite sides of the cleaning brush (15). The main body (10) additionally provides a first suction mouth (25a) and a second suction mouth (25b) positioned at the first and second scraper elements (20a), respectively, connected to a suction device (30) through a suction circuit (35). The suction circuit comprises a deviation device (40) configured to alternately and selectively pneumatically connect the first suction mouth (25a) or the second suction mouth (25b) with the suction device (30) and, conversely, pneumatically disconnect the other suction mouth (25a, 25 b).)

1. A machine (1) for cleaning a surface (100), comprising a main body (10) and a handle portion (50) configured to move said main body (10) along a determined advancement direction, said main body (10) being equipped with:

a cleaning brush (15) configured to be positioned adjacent to the surface to be cleaned;

a first scraper element (20a) and a second scraper element (20b) positioned on opposite sides of the cleaning brush (15) with respect to the advancing direction;

a first suction mouth (25a) positioned at the first scraper element (20a) and a second suction mouth (25b) positioned at the second scraper element (20 b);

a suction device (30) connected to the first suction mouth (25a) and to the second suction mouth (25b) by a suction circuit (35);

the machine (1) being characterized in that the suction circuit (35) comprises a deviation device (40) configured to be alternately and selectively positioned in a first work configuration, in which the deviation device (40) is arranged to pneumatically connect the first suction mouth (25a) to the suction device (30) and to pneumatically disconnect the second suction mouth from the suction device (30), and in a second work configuration, in which the deviation device (40) is arranged to pneumatically disconnect the first suction mouth (25a) from the suction device (30) and to pneumatically connect the second suction mouth to the suction device (30), wherein an actuating device (60) is provided to be operatively connected to the deviation device (40) and configured to move the deviation device (40) from the first work configuration to the second work configuration A second working configuration or from the second working configuration to the first working configuration, and wherein the actuating device (60) is additionally operatively connected to at least the second scraper element (20b) and is configured to arrange at least the second scraper element (20b) in a position spaced apart from the surface (100) when the deviation device (40) is arranged in the first working configuration, and to arrange at least the second scraper element in a position adjacent to the surface (100) when the deviation device (40) is arranged in the second working configuration.

2. Machine (1) for cleaning a surface (100) according to claim 1, wherein a resilient element (63) is provided, configured to resist the movement of the deviation means (40) from the first to the second working configuration or vice versa.

3. Machine (1) for cleaning surfaces (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said deviation means (40) provide a hollow body (41) having a first inlet hole (42a) and a second inlet hole (42b) connected to said first suction mouth (25a) and to said second suction mouth (25b) respectively through a first suction duct (32a) and a second suction duct (32b), and an outlet hole (43) connected to said suction means (20) through an outlet duct (31), said hollow body (41) being arranged to house a obturator member (45) configured to be positioned alternately in a first working position, in which it is arranged to open said first inlet hole (42a) and to close said second inlet hole (42b), in the second working position, the obturator member is arranged to close the first inlet aperture (42a) and open the second inlet aperture (42 b).

4. A machine (1) for cleaning a surface (100) according to claim 3, wherein the closer member (45) is configured so as to move between the first working position and the second working position by rotating about a rotation axis (145).

5. A machine (1) for cleaning a surface (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said closer member (45) comprises a support portion (46) rotatably mounted about said axis of rotation (145), and there is provided:

a first closing portion (47a) positioned in a first predetermined position of the supporting portion (46), the first closing portion (47a) being arranged to close the first inlet aperture (42a) in the second work position;

a second closing portion (47b) positioned in a second predetermined position of the supporting portion (46), the second closing portion (47b) being arranged to close the second inlet aperture (42b) in the first work position.

6. A machine (1) for cleaning surfaces (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said actuating means (60) provides at least a control portion (65) positioned at said handle portion (50) so that said user can actuate said handle portion (50) without releasing it.

7. Machine (1) for cleaning a surface (100) according to claim 6, wherein said control portion (65) is operatively connected to said obturator member (45) of said deviation means (40) by means of an actuating element (66).

8. Machine (1) for cleaning a surface (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said actuating means (60) provide a first control portion (65a) operatively connected to said obturator member (45) of said deviation means (40) by means of a first actuating element (66a) and a second control portion (65b) operatively connected to at least said second scraper element (20b) by means of a second actuating element (66b), and wherein at least one between said first control portion (65a) and said second control portion (65b) is positioned at said handle portion (50).

9. A machine (1) for cleaning a surface (100), according to claim 8, wherein said first control portion (65a) and said second control portion (65b) are positioned on opposite sides with respect to a joystick (55) arranged to connect said main body (10) to said handle portion (50).

10. A machine (1) for cleaning a surface (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the or each non-stretchable actuation element (66a, 66b) is an actuation cable made of a non-stretchable material.

11. Machine (1) for cleaning a surface (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein said control portion (65) of said actuating means (60) is operatively connected to said obturator member (45) of said deviation means (40) and at least said second scraper element (20b) by the same actuating cable (66) made of non-stretchable material.

12. Machine (1) for cleaning a surface (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein said actuation means (60) provide a cam element (61) fixed to said control portion (65) by said actuation cable (66), said cam element (61) being integral with said supporting portion (46) so that when the user wishes to move said body (10) backwards, he/she acts on said control portion (65) to translate said actuation cable (66) and thus rotate said supporting portion (46) about said rotation axis (145).

13. A machine (1) for cleaning surfaces (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning brush (15) is actuated by motion-generating means so as to rotate about a rotation axis (115) in a first rotation direction when the deviation means (40) are arranged in the first working configuration and in an opposite rotation direction when the deviation means (40) are arranged in the second working configuration.

14. A machine (1) for cleaning surfaces (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said actuating device (60) is additionally operatively connected to said first scraper element (20a), said actuating device (60) being configured to position said first scraper element (20b) in a position adjacent to said surface (100) when said deviation device (40) is arranged in said first working configuration, and to position said first scraper element in a position spaced apart from said surface (100) when said deviation device (40) is positioned in said second working configuration.

15. Machine (1) for cleaning a surface (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is additionally provided:

an additional actuating device (80) configured to move at least the first scraper element (20a) between a position adjacent to the surface (100) to be cleaned and a position spaced apart from the surface (100) to be cleaned;

a locking/unlocking device configured to move between a locked configuration, in which it is arranged to block the movement of at least the first scraper element (20a) between the spaced-apart position and the adjacent position by means of the additional actuating device (80), and an unlocked configuration, in which it is not arranged to block the movement of at least the first scraper element (20a) between the spaced-apart position and the adjacent position by means of the additional actuating device (80).

16. A machine (1) for cleaning a surface (100) according to claim 15, wherein the additional actuating means (80) are configured to also move the second scraper element (20b) between the position adjacent to the surface (100) to be cleaned and the position spaced apart from the surface (100) to be cleaned.

17. Machine (1) for cleaning a surface (100) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein an additional control portion (85) is provided, configured to actuate said additional actuation means (80).

18. Machine (1) for cleaning surfaces according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating device (60) comprises a first engagement portion (92) arranged to engage a second engagement portion (22) of the support frame (70a), the first engagement portion (92) being configured to move away from the surface (100) to be cleaned when the user actuates the actuation means (60) to raise the second engagement portion (22) and thereby bring at least the first scraper element (20a) to the position spaced from the surface (100), the first engagement portion (92) is configured to move towards the surface (100) to be cleaned when the user does not actuate the actuation means (60) to lower the second engagement portion (22) and thereby bring at least the first scraper element (20a) into the position adjacent to the surface (100).

19. A machine (1) for cleaning surfaces according to claim 18, wherein the second engagement portion (22) is curved and arranged to rotate with the support frame (70a) about the rotation axis (115) of the brush.

20. A machine (1) for cleaning surfaces according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (10) comprises a base frame (11) and at least one removable portion (13, 13a, 13b), the main body and the base frame (11) providing a first engagement element (18) and a second engagement element (17), respectively, configured to move between a disengaged position, in which it is possible to remove the or each removable portion (13, 13a, 13b), and an engaged position, in which the first engagement element (18) and the second engagement element (17) are arranged to prevent the or each removable portion (13, 13a, 13b) from being removed from the base frame (11).

21. A machine (1) for cleaning surfaces according to claim 20, wherein the or each removable portion (13, 13a, 13b) is configured to form at least a containment.

22. Machine (1) for cleaning surfaces according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said first engagement element (18) provides a projecting portion (19) configured to face said base frame (11), in said engaged position said projecting portion (19) being arranged to engage a groove (17) provided on a side surface of said removable portion (13b), in said disengaged position said projecting portion (19) being positioned outside said groove (17).

23. A machine (1) for cleaning surfaces according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the first engagement element (18) is arranged to be moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position by rotating about a rotation axis (180) in a first rotation direction and from the disengaged position to the engaged position by rotating about the rotation axis (180) in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the technical field of machines for cleaning and washing floors, and in particular to an improved washing machine for floors.

Background

It is known that there are many types of machines for cleaning floors, which are capable of cleaning the surface to be cleaned by delivering a washing liquid and then sucking away the soiled liquid. Generally, this type of machine provides a rotating brush on which the washing liquid contained in the storage container is conveyed. A suction nozzle positioned behind the rotating brush then sucks the dirty liquid away from the ground in the forward direction of the machine. In order to make the cleaning action more efficient, a cleaning blade or scraper element is provided downstream of the rotating brush.

However, a drawback of this type of machine for cleaning floors is that: since the suction nozzle is positioned upstream of the rotating brush, the suction nozzle does not suck the cleaning liquid when the direction of movement is reversed (i.e., when the machine is moving backwards rather than forwards).

There are also washing machines for floors provided with 2 suction nozzles in the direction of advance, one of which is positioned downstream of the rotating brush and the other upstream of the latter. More precisely, these washing machines provide that 2 suction nozzles are pneumatically connected to the same suction device and are always in suction mode. In this way, it is possible to suck soiled liquid from the floor both when the machine is moving forward and when the machine is moving backward. However, neither the existing suction forces upstream nor downstream of the rotating brush allow cleaning of the floor in a satisfactory manner through only one passage of the machine, and therefore it is necessary to move the brush several times over the same area of the floor to ensure satisfactory cleaning, thus wasting a lot of time and washing liquid.

Furthermore, there are washing machines provided with 2 suction nozzles, on each of which a respective closing element and opening element is positioned to alternately open and close.

As an example described in WO2014199216, each opening and closing element is generally provided with a plate mounted at the suction mouth and, during the movement of the machine over the ground, the surface of the ground adjacent to the plate presses it against the suction mouth associated therewith to close the suction mouth or to open the suction mouth in the opposite direction. Specifically, the above-described board is mounted in the following manner: the corresponding suction mouth is opened when the plate is positioned downstream of the brush in the direction of advance of the machine, and the same suction mouth is closed when the plate is positioned upstream of the brush.

However, this solution is not entirely satisfactory either, since over time the opening and closing plates of the suction nozzles may deform and therefore no longer efficiently close and open the respective suction nozzles. In addition, rubbing the plate against the surface can scratch the floor.

Another known solution is described, for example, in US 5347678. In this case, a control mechanism is provided which allows for alternately pneumatically connecting the front or rear nozzles, wherein the surface cleaning device is arranged at the opposite side with respect to the brush having the horizontal axis. More precisely, the control mechanism is provided with a connecting element slidingly mounted in the elongated aperture to move from a first position, in which only the rear mouth sucks, to a second position, in which only the front mouth sucks. The sliding of the connecting element within the elongated aperture is operated by a cable attached to the electrically actuated solenoid.

A similar solution to the above is also described in US 7552507.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a machine for cleaning floors, in particular a washing machine, which is able to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the washing machines of the prior art.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine which is capable of efficiently and accurately opening or closing a suction nozzle provided therein, and which at the same time is easy to manufacture.

These and other objects are achieved by a machine for cleaning surfaces, comprising a main body and a handle portion configured to move said main body in a determined advancement direction, the main body disclosed above being equipped with:

-a cleaning brush configured to be positioned adjacent to the surface to be cleaned;

-a first scraper element and a second scraper element, which are positioned on opposite sides of the cleaning brush in the forward direction;

-a first suction mouth positioned at the first scraper element and a second suction mouth positioned at the second scraper element;

-a suction device connected to the first suction mouth and the second suction mouth by a suction circuit;

it is mainly characterized in that the suction circuit disclosed above provides deviation means configured to be alternately and selectively arranged in a first working configuration, in which said deviation means are arranged to pneumatically connect said first suction nozzle to said suction device and to pneumatically disconnect said second suction nozzle from said suction device, and in a second working configuration, in which said deviation means are arranged to pneumatically disconnect said first suction nozzle from said suction device and to pneumatically connect said second suction nozzle to said suction device; the suction circuit additionally provides an actuating device operatively connected to the deviation device and configured to move the deviation device from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration or from the second operating configuration to the first operating configuration.

Advantageously, the actuating means may be additionally operatively connected to at least the second scraper element and configured to position at least the second scraper element in a position spaced from the surface when the deviation means are arranged in the first working configuration and in a position adjacent to the surface when the deviation means are arranged in the second working configuration.

In particular, the actuating means are arranged to position the deviation means in the working configuration so that the suction means are in pneumatic communication only with the suction mouth arranged downstream of the brush in the direction of advance of the machine.

Other features and related embodiments of the invention are defined in the appended claims.

In particular, the first and second scraper elements may be mounted on first and second support frames, respectively. More specifically, at least the second support frame may be operatively connected to the actuation means. In this case, in the first working configuration, the actuating means are configured to move the second support frame to move it away from the surface to be cleaned, and thus move the second scraper element away from the surface to be cleaned. Conversely, in the second working configuration, the actuating means is arranged to move the second support frame towards the surface to be cleaned, thereby positioning the second scraper element adjacent the surface.

In another embodiment of the invention, the first support frame may also be operatively connected to the actuating means. In this case, the actuating device is configured to move the first support frame and the second support frame. More precisely, in the first working configuration, the actuating means are arranged to move the first support frame towards the surface to be cleaned, so as to position the first scraper element adjacent to the surface to be cleaned, and conversely to move the second support frame away from the surface to be cleaned, so as to move the second scraper element away from the surface. Conversely, in the second working configuration, the actuating means are arranged to move the first support frame, and therefore the first scraper element, away from the surface to be cleaned, and to move the second support frame towards the surface to be cleaned, so as to position the second scraper element adjacent to the surface.

Advantageously, said deviation means provide a hollow body having a first and a second inlet hole connected to said first and second suction nozzles by a first and a second suction duct, and an outlet hole connected to said suction means by an outlet duct. In particular, said hollow body is arranged to house a shutter member configured to be alternately positioned in a first working position, in which it opens said first inlet hole and closes said second inlet hole, and in a second working position, in which it closes said first inlet hole and opens said second inlet hole.

Advantageously, the closer member comprises a support portion rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation and provides:

-a first closing portion positioned at a first predetermined position of the supporting portion, the first closing portion being arranged to close the first inlet aperture in the second work position;

-a second closing portion positioned at a second predetermined position of the supporting portion, the second closing portion being arranged to close the second inlet aperture in the first working position.

According to another aspect of the invention, a machine for cleaning a surface comprises a main body and a handle portion configured to move said main body in a determined advancement direction, the main body disclosed above being equipped with:

-a cleaning brush configured to be positioned adjacent to the surface to be cleaned;

-a first scraper element and a second scraper element, which are positioned on opposite sides of the cleaning brush in the forward direction;

-a first suction mouth positioned at the first scraper element and a second suction mouth positioned at the second scraper element;

-a suction device connected to the first suction mouth and the second suction mouth by a suction circuit;

-an actuating device operatively connected to at least the first scraper element and configured to position at least the first scraper element in a position spaced apart from the surface when the cleaning machine is moved backwards and to position at least the first scraper element in a position adjacent to the surface when the cleaning machine is moved forwards, the actuating device being operated by a control portion;

-additional actuating means configured to position at least the first scraper element between a position spaced apart from the surface to be cleaned and a position adjacent to the surface to be cleaned;

-a locking/unlocking device configured to move between a locked configuration, in which it is arranged to prevent the positioning of at least the first scraper element between the spaced apart position and the adjacent position by means of the additional actuating device, and an unlocked configuration, in which it is not arranged to prevent the positioning of at least the first scraper element between the spaced apart position and the adjacent position by means of the additional actuating device.

In particular, the suction circuit disclosed above may provide deviating means configured to be alternately and selectively arranged in a first working configuration, in which the deviating means are arranged to pneumatically connect the first suction nozzle to the suction device and to pneumatically disconnect the second suction nozzle from the suction device, and in a second working configuration, in which the deviating means are arranged to pneumatically disconnect the first suction nozzle from the suction device and to pneumatically connect the second suction nozzle to the suction device. More specifically, actuating means may be additionally provided, operatively connected to the deviation means and configured to move the deviation means from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration or from the second operating configuration to the first operating configuration.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 schematically shows a perspective side view of a possible embodiment of a cleaning machine according to the invention;

figure 2 schematically shows the machine of figure 1 in a side view, with parts removed to show a possible embodiment of the deviation device, wherein the deviation device is provided in a first working configuration;

figure 3 schematically shows an enlarged view of the deviation device of figure 2;

figure 4 schematically shows a perspective side view of the deviation device in the working configuration of figure 2;

figure 5 schematically shows the machine of figure 1 in a side view, with parts removed to show the deviation device of figure 2 in a second working configuration;

figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the deviation device of figure 5;

figure 7 schematically shows a perspective side view of the deviation device in the working configuration of figure 4;

figure 8 schematically shows an alternative embodiment of the deviation device of figure 3 in a first working configuration;

figure 9 schematically shows an alternative embodiment of the deviation device of figure 6 in a second working configuration;

figure 10A schematically shows a plan view of a possible alternative embodiment of the machine of figure 1;

figure 10B schematically shows a plan view of another possible alternative embodiment of the machine of figure 1;

figure 11 shows a perspective side view of an alternative embodiment of the machine of figure 1;

figure 12 shows another embodiment of a machine for cleaning surfaces according to the present invention;

figures 13 and 14 show in detail some possible components of the machine of figure 12;

figures 15A and 15B schematically show a possible embodiment of the actuating device in two different operating configurations, alternative to the actuating device shown in figures 4 and 7;

figure 16 schematically shows a perspective side view of another alternative embodiment of the machine of figure 1;

figure 17 shows a section according to arrows XVII-XVII of the machine of figure 16;

figure 18 shows an enlarged view of the machine of figure 17 to highlight some technical characteristics;

figure 19 shows a section similar to that of one of figures 18, but in another working position of the engaging element;

figure 20 shows an enlarged view of the machine of figure 19 to highlight some technical characteristics;

figures 21A and 21B schematically show a machine for cleaning surfaces according to another aspect of the invention in two different working configurations.

Detailed Description

As schematically shown in fig. 1, a machine 1 for cleaning a surface 100, in particular a washing machine for floors, according to the present invention comprises a main body 10 and a handle portion 50 which, in use, is gripped by a user to move and manoeuvre the main body 10 along the surface to be cleaned. In particular, the grip portion 50 may be provided at one end of a lever 55, the opposite end of which is rotatably connected to the body 10 by means of a joint 150, allowing said joint to rotate about a rotation axis 155. The body 10 may provide at least one pair of wheels 12a and 12b, allowing said wheels to move in an advancing direction over the surface 100 to be cleaned. Preferably, the main body 10 is equipped with a cleaning brush 15, in particular a cleaning brush rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (e.g. a vertical axis of rotation 115), which is configured to be positioned adjacent to the surface 100 to be cleaned in use. Further, the main body 10 is equipped with a first blade member 20a or a first cleaning blade, and with a second blade member 20b or a second cleaning blade, which are positioned on the opposite side with respect to the cleaning brush 15 in the advancing direction in which the machine 1 moves during the cleaning operation. In addition to the above, the body 10 of the machine 1 provides a first suction mouth 25a, positioned at or close to the first scraper element 20a, and a second suction mouth 25b, positioned at or close to the second scraper element 20 b. More specifically, a first suction nozzle 25a and a second suction nozzle 25b may be provided between the squeegee element 20a and the brush 15 and between the squeegee element 20b and the brush 15, respectively. Furthermore, the main body 10 provides a suction device 30 connected to the first suction mouth 25a and the second suction mouth 25b by a suction circuit 35. In more detail, the suction device 30 is capable of generating a predetermined vacuum energy level in such a way as to suck, in use, the dirt present on the surface 100 through the first suction nozzle 25a or the second suction nozzle 25 b. More specifically, the cleaning liquid and dirt present on the surface 100 can be sucked by the first suction nozzle 25a or the second suction nozzle 25 b. The main body 10 may also provide a dirt collection container pneumatically connected to the suction device 30, which is not shown in the figures for simplicity.

According to the invention, the machine 1 additionally provides a deviation device or valve element 40 for deviating the fluid being sucked, configured to pneumatically connect the first suction mouth 25a or the second suction mouth 25b alternately and selectively to the suction device 30. More precisely, the deviation means 40 are configured to be alternately and selectively positioned in a first working configuration, in which they are arranged to pneumatically connect the first suction mouth 25a (i.e. the suction mouth positioned downstream of the brush 15 in the forward movement direction of the machine 1) and the suction device 30, and conversely to pneumatically disconnect the second suction mouth 25b (i.e. the suction mouth positioned upstream of the brush 15 in the forward movement direction of the machine 1) and the suction device 30; conversely, in said second working configuration, said deviation means 40 are arranged to pneumatically disconnect the first suction mouth 25a from the suction means 30 and to pneumatically connect the second suction mouth 25b to the suction means 30. Furthermore, an actuating device 60 is provided, operatively connected to the deviation device 40. More precisely, the actuating means 60 are configured so as to move the deviation means 40 from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration, or from the second operating configuration to the first operating configuration. In view of the above, the suction means 30 are only in pneumatic communication with the suction mouth 25a or 25b, which is positioned downstream of the brush 15 in the direction of advance of the machine 1. In this way, the cleaning action of the surface 100 cleaned by the machine 1 is optimized, in particular during cleaning of areas that are difficult to reach by the machine 1 (for example, under furniture such as tables or chairs, or under any piece of furniture in a room).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, furthermore, a return elastic element 63 is provided, arranged to resist the above disclosed movement of the deviation means 40 from the first to the second operating configuration, or vice versa. As shown in detail in fig. 8 and 9, in an advantageous embodiment, the outlet hole 43 may be arranged substantially coaxially with respect to the suction hole 42a (i.e. the suction hole of the fluid deviation device 40 is in pneumatic communication with the rear suction mouth 25a of the machine 1). In particular, this constructive solution allows avoiding possible dirt blockages inside the hollow body 41, since it can be easily understood that, most of the time, the machine 1 is in the first working configuration (i.e. moved forward), and therefore the first suction mouth 25a is in communication with the suction device 30, whereas said machine is only moved backward under specific conditions, which corresponds to the second working configuration, in which the second suction mouth 25b is connected with the suction device 30.

In an embodiment of the invention, the actuating means 60 disclosed above is additionally operatively connected to at least one scraper element, preferably at least the second scraper element 20 b. More specifically, the actuating device 60 may be configured such that, in the first working configuration, it is arranged to move the second scraper element 20b to move it away from the surface 100. Conversely, in the second working configuration, actuating device 60 is arranged to move second scraper element 20b to arrange it adjacent to surface 100 to be cleaned.

In an alternative embodiment, the first and second squeegee elements 20a and 20b are mounted on the first and second support frames 70a and 70b, respectively. In particular, at least one support frame 70a or 70b, preferably at least a second support frame 70b, is provided, which is operatively connected to the actuation means 60, for example by means of the actuation cable 66 b. In particular, as shown in the example of fig. 10A, actuation cable 66b of support frame 70b of screed element 20b and cable 66 as actuation fluid deviation device 40 may be operatively connected by transmission device 64 configured such that both are actuated simultaneously.

In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, schematically illustrated in fig. 10B, a first squeegee element 20a is also provided that is operatively connected to the actuating device 60. In this case, the actuating device 60 is configured such that, in the first working configuration, it positions the first scraper element 20a adjacent to the surface 100 to be cleaned and moves the second scraper element 20b away from the surface 100. Conversely, in the second working configuration, the actuating means 60 are arranged to position the second scraper element 20b adjacent to the surface 100 to be cleaned and to move the first scraper element 20a away from the surface 100. For example, actuating device 60 may be operatively connected to first scraper member 20a or to a respective support frame 70a by a respective actuating cable 66a, and to second scraper member 20b or to a respective support frame 70b by a respective actuating cable 66 b. In this case, the transport device 64 may be configured such that when a cable (e.g., cable 66a of first support frame 70a) is actuated to move the squeegee element 20a away from the surface 100 to be cleaned, movement of the other support frame (e.g., second support frame 70b) is simultaneously caused to move the other support frame toward the surface 100, and vice versa.

As shown in detail in fig. 3 and 6, in the example shown in the figures, the deviation means 40 provide a hollow body 41 having a first inlet hole 42a and a second inlet hole 42 b. The inlet hole 42a is connected to the first suction nozzle 25a through the first suction duct 32a, and the inlet hole 42b is connected to the second suction nozzle 25b through the second suction duct 32b, respectively. Furthermore, the hollow body 41 provides an outlet hole 43 connected to the suction device 30 through the outlet conduit 31, for example at the opposite side of the inlet holes 42a and 42 b. In the example of fig. 3 and 6, the hollow body 41 is associated with a cap 48. Then, a retainer element 44 (for example made of an elastic material) is provided, arranged to maintain the cover 48 in position with respect to the hollow body 41. In the case shown in fig. 3 and 6, the outlet hole 43 is formed in the cover 48, however, different solutions are foreseen. The solution described above allows to provide a deviation device 40 that can be checked, in fact the technician can easily remove the cover 48 from the hollow body 41 for maintenance interventions, in particular for cleaning the components thereof. Once the maintenance intervention is completed, the cover 48 can be easily positioned again above the hollow body 41. However, the possibility is also provided that the deviation means 40 cannot be checked.

A shutter member 45 is mounted inside the hollow body 41, said shutter member being configured to be positioned alternately in a first working position, in which it is arranged to open the first inlet hole 42a and close the second inlet hole 42b (fig. 2 to 4), and in a second working position, in which it is arranged to close the first inlet hole 42a and open the second inlet hole 42b (fig. 5 to 7).

In the example shown in fig. 2 to 7, closer member 45 is configured so as to move between the first working position and the second working position by rotating about rotation axis 145. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the above disclosed movement from the first position to the second position (and vice versa) may be obtained by a combination of sliding or movement without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, which are not shown in the figures for simplicity of illustration.

As shown in detail in fig. 3 and 6, obturator member 45 comprises a support portion 46 rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation 145. The support portion 46 provides a first closing portion 47a at a first predetermined position and a second closing portion 47b at a second predetermined position, respectively. These closing portions may provide pneumatic sealing elements (for example made of rubber) arranged to close the first inlet hole 42a and the second inlet hole 42b of the hollow body 41 in the second working position and in the first working position, respectively. In more detail, the first closing portion 47a and the second closing portion 47b are positioned on the supporting portion 46 in respective angular positions, which identify a predetermined angle α corresponding to the rotation angle about the rotation axis 145, to move from the first work position to the second work position. In the case shown in the figures, the support portion 46 is substantially "L-shaped" and, therefore, the angle α disclosed above is about 90 °, however, different solutions are provided without modifying the inventive concept on the basis of the present invention.

The actuating means 60 provides at least a control portion 65, advantageously a manual control portion, such as a lever configured to be manually operated by a user. In particular, the control portion 65 may be positioned at or near the handle portion 50. As shown in fig. 1 to 8, control rod 65 may be operatively connected only to obturator member 45, or, as provided in alternative embodiments, both to obturator member 45 and to at least second scraper element 20b, by means of an actuating element (e.g. actuating cable 66, in particular a cable made of non-stretchable material). For example, a lever 65 may be coupled to the joystick 55 below the handle portion 50 and spaced a distance therefrom such that a user may actuate the lever without releasing the handle portion 50.

In a further alternative embodiment provided, schematically illustrated in fig. 11, the actuation means 60 provide a first control portion 65a and a second control portion 65b, which are positioned, for example, on opposite sides with respect to the grip portion 50. More precisely, the first control portion 65a may be operatively connected to the obturator member 45 disclosed above by means of a first cable 66a, while the second control portion 65b may be operatively connected to a supporting frame 70b on which at least the second scraper element 20b is mounted.

In the example shown in detail in fig. 4 and 7, the actuating means 60 provide a cam element 61 connected to a control rod 65 by an actuating cable 66 and integral with the support portion 46. In more detail, when the user wants to reverse the forward movement of the machine 1 with respect to the normal forward movement, i.e. when the user wants to move the machine 1 backwards, he/she causes the actuation cable 66 to translate in a manner acting on the control lever 65. This causes the cam element 61, fixed to one end of the actuation cable 66, to rotate and, consequently, the support portion 46 integral therewith. More specifically, the rotation of the supporting portion 46 brings the closing portion 47a into the closing position of the suction hole 42a, and thus separates the suction nozzle 25a from the suction device 30. At the same time, the rotation of the supporting portion 46 brings the closing portion 47b into the open position of the suction hole 42b and thus brings the suction mouth 25b into pneumatic communication with the suction device 30. Conversely, when the machine 1 moves forward again, thanks to the presence of the return elastic element 63 arranged to oppose the movement of the deviation means 40 from the first to the second operating configuration disclosed above, the deviation means 40 can be brought back to the previous operating condition as soon as the user stops his/her action on the control portion 65. In particular, a return spring 63 (e.g. a torsion spring) may be provided, which is arranged around the rotation axis 145 of the support portion 46 and is arranged to resist the above-mentioned rotation of the cam element 61. Thus, when the user releases the lever 65, the return spring 63 returns the cam element 61 to the initial condition in which the obturator 45 pneumatically connects the suction mouth 25a and the suction device 30 and, conversely, pneumatically separates the suction mouth 25b from the suction device 30.

In this way, it is possible to open, in a simple but at the same time extremely accurate manner, the suction mouth 25a or 25b positioned downstream of the rotating brush 15 with respect to the direction of movement of the machine 1, and conversely to close the suction mouth 25b or 25a positioned upstream of said rotating brush.

In particular, the cleaning brush 15 can be operated by a motor unit 90 configured to rotate the cleaning brush about a rotation axis 115, advantageously a vertical rotation axis. More specifically, the motor unit 90 may be configured to cause the cleaning brush 15 to rotate about the rotation axis 115 in a first rotation direction when the machine 1 operates in the above-mentioned first operating configuration, and conversely to cause said cleaning brush to rotate about said rotation axis in a second rotation direction, opposite to said first rotation direction, when the machine 1 operates in the above-mentioned second operating configuration.

In the embodiment schematically illustrated in fig. 12 to 14, the machine 1 is additionally provided with an additional actuating device 80 configured to move at least the first scraper element 20a between a position adjacent to the surface to be cleaned 100 and a position spaced apart from the surface to be cleaned 100. In particular, a blocking/unlocking device (not shown in the figures for the sake of simplicity) may be provided, configured to move between a blocking configuration, in which it is arranged to block the movement of at least the first scraper element 20a disclosed above between the spaced-apart position and the adjacent position by means of an additional actuating device 80, and an unlocking configuration, in which it is not arranged to block the movement of at least the first scraper element 20a disclosed above between the spaced-apart position and the adjacent position by means of the actuating device 80. For example, the locking/unlocking means may provide a locking element, in particular a locking latch, which is configured to engage a movable part of the actuating means 60 with a fixed part of the actuating means 60.

In particular, an additional control portion 85 is provided, which is configured to be actuated by a user to the additional actuation means 80. More specifically, the additional control portion 85 can be operatively connected to at least the first scraper element 20a, advantageously to the support frame 70a integral therewith, by an additional actuation element 86 (for example an additional actuation cable 86). For example, as shown in detail in fig. 12, the additional control portion 85 can be operatively connected to at least the first scraper element 20a, advantageously to the support frame 70a on which said first scraper element is mounted, by an additional actuation element 86 (advantageously an actuation cable made of non-stretchable material). In this way, when the user actuates the additional control portion 85, at least the first scraper element 20a is caused to move between a position adjacent to the surface to be cleaned (or more generally the plane identified by the wheels 12a and 12b of the machine 1) and the above disclosed position spaced from the surface to be cleaned. In particular, the additional actuating element 66 may have one end fixed to the above-mentioned additional control portion 85 and the opposite end fixed to the actuating portion 87. This may be connected to the support frame 70a by one or two connecting arms 88a and 88b and configured so as to rotate about the axis of rotation 90 to raise or lower the frame 70a and, thus, at least the first squeegee element 20 a.

In the embodiment schematically illustrated in fig. 12 and 14, the actuating device 60 may include a first engagement portion 92 configured to move the support frame 70a of the first squeegee element 20a between a position adjacent the surface 100 and a position spaced from the surface 100. In particular, the first engaging portion 92 (e.g. hook-shaped) may be configured to engage the support frame 70a, in particular at the second engaging portion 22 of said support frame, said engaging portion advantageously being arc-shaped. More specifically, the first engagement portion 92 and the second engagement portion 22 are configured such that when the actuation device 60 is not actuated and the squeegee element 20a is adjacent the surface 100, the second engagement portion 22 is free to move relative to the first engagement portion 92. In this way, the first engagement portion 92 does not interfere with the rotation of the frame 70a about the rotation axis 115 during the cleaning action of the machine 1. Conversely, when the actuation means 60 are actuated, in particular by acting on the control portion 65 of the actuation deviation means 40 or on a dedicated control portion (for example one of the embodiments of fig. 11), the first engagement portion 92 and the second engagement portion 22 engaged therewith are made to rise, and therefore at least the first scraper element 20a is made to rise. The technical solution described above allows the first engagement portion 92 to lift the second engagement portion 22 independently of its position, which means the position of the scraper element 20a with respect to the main body 10 according to the spatial orientation. As schematically shown in fig. 15A and 15B, the movement of the first engagement portion 92, which may be connected to the cam element, may be obtained by an alternative embodiment of the cam element 61 shown in fig. 4 and 7. In particular, the cam element 61 may be configured such that when it is desired to reverse the movement of the machine 1 with respect to the normal movement (i.e. when it is desired to move the machine 1 backwards), the user acts on the lever 65 or on each lever 65a and 65b connected to the cam element 61 by means of the actuation cable 66 or 66 to rotate the cam element 61 about the rotation axis 145 in the first rotation direction. Rotation of the cam element 61 in the first rotational direction causes, in addition to the movement of the obturator member disclosed above, also translation of the first engagement portion 92 and, thus, of the second engagement portion 22 engaged therewith, one engagement portion translating towards the other. Thus, in this way, the scraper element 20a integral with the second engagement portion 22 is raised from the surface 100. Conversely, when the machine 1 is moved forward again, as soon as the user stops his/her action on the control portion 65, it causes for example the rotation of the cam element 61 in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first, which brings the first engagement portion 92 and therefore the second engagement portion 22 back to the lowered position, thanks to the presence of the elastic element 63 arranged to oppose the rotation of the above-mentioned cam element 61. In this manner, the squeegee element 20a is positioned adjacent the surface 100 to be cleaned.

In particular, when the machine 1 is not operating (in particular when it is parked in a parking area after use), and during the transfer of the machine 1 from one position to another, the additional actuating means 80 can be used to raise at least the first scraper member 20a, so as to avoid the deformation or wear of the scraper member 20a due to contact with a surface different from the surface to be cleaned. Conversely, the actuating device 60 can be actuated to temporarily raise the first scraper member 20a in certain operating states. In particular, the user may temporarily raise the first squeegee element 20a so as not to leave a "trail" or "slime" of cleaning liquid on the surface adjacent to the surface 100 when the direction of movement of the machine 1 is reversed from forward movement to backward movement and again to forward movement, for example for cleaning a surface under furniture or a table or a seat (especially when operating near or at a curved surface).

In addition to the above, the machine 1 according to the invention will provide means for delivering a determined quantity of washing liquid onto the brush 15, not shown in the figures for the sake of simplicity, but of a type known in the art of reference.

According to another aspect of the invention, as schematically illustrated in fig. 16 to 20, the body 10 may comprise a base frame 11 (in particular the part of the body 10 rotatably connected to the joystick 55) and at least one removable portion 13 removably engaged with the base frame 11. The removable portion 13 may form a covering for the components of the machine 1 and, therefore, the rapid removal thereof may speed up and simplify the process of reaching the different components, performing regular or irregular maintenance interventions on the machine 1. More specifically, in this way the removable portion 13 may be configured to form at least a containment vessel. For example, the removable portion 13 may form a first container for cleaning liquid to be delivered during the cleaning action and a second container for collecting soiled liquid before it is drained. In the example shown in fig. 16 to 20, a first removable portion 13a and a second removable portion 13b are provided. Advantageously, the first removable portion 13a and the second removable portion 13b may provide respective surfaces configured for shape coupling (e.g. snap-fit engagement). Then, as described later, the second removable portion 13b is joined to the base frame 11. As shown in detail in fig. 16 to 20, the base frame 11 and the removable portion 13, the second removable portion 13b in the example shown in fig. 16 to 19 may provide a first engaging element 18 and a second engaging element 17, respectively, configured to move between a disengaged position (fig. 19 and 20), in which the removable portion (for example, the second removable portion 13b) may be removed from the base frame 11, and an engaged position, in which the removal disclosed above is conversely prevented. For example, the or each removable portion 13a, 13b may be removed from the base frame 11 or each removable portion 13a, 13b may be removed by lifting the or each removable portion 13a, 13b relative to the base frame 11.

Advantageously, the first engagement element 18 is movable between an engaged position, in which it engages with the second engagement element 17 of the removable portion 13b and prevents the removal thereof (fig. 17 and 18), and a disengaged position, in which the first engagement element 18 does not engage with the second engagement element 17 and therefore allows the removal of the removable portion 13b from the base frame 11 (fig. 19 and 20). In the example shown in fig. 17 to 20, the first engaging element 18 provides a projecting portion 19 configured to face the base frame 11. In this case, in the engaged position, the projecting portion 19 is arranged to engage a groove 17 provided on a side surface of the removable portion 13 b. Conversely, in the disengaged position, the projecting portion 19 is positioned outside the above-mentioned groove 17.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 17 to 20, the first engaging element 18 is provided to be rotatably engaged to the base frame 11 at the housing 16. Thus, the first engagement element 18 can be moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position by rotating it about the rotation axis 180 (advantageously a vertical rotation axis) in a first rotation direction. Conversely, the first engagement element 18 is moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position by rotating the first engagement element 18 about the rotational axis 180 in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The first engagement element 18 may be provided at one face thereof (e.g. a bottom face 18c as shown schematically in the figures) with a guide element (e.g. a guide pin which slides within a guide hole 14a provided on a surface 16c which, in use, faces the surface 18c of the first engagement element 18) which is not visible in the figures, to guide movement (e.g. rotation) of the engagement element 18 during movement thereof from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and vice versa. In particular, the guide hole 14a may provide at least an enlarged portion 14a '(in particular at the extreme positions of the engagement position) and the above-mentioned guide pin may be a resilient portion arranged to engage the above-mentioned enlarged portion 14 a'. In this way, in order to move the first engaging element 18 away from the engaging position, it is necessary to obtain an elastic force exerted by the elastic portion of the guide pin, thereby ensuring a high stability of the engagement between the first engaging element 18 and the second engaging element 17.

Preferably, the first engagement element 18 has a first surface 18a which, in the engaged position (see fig. 18), is arranged substantially "flush" with the outer surface 11a of the base frame 11. Furthermore, the first engaging element 18 may additionally provide a second surface 18b inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the first surface 18a, said second surface being arranged to abut a corresponding inner surface 11b of the housing 16 in the disengaged position, which therefore defines a maximum rotation amplitude of the first engaging element 18 (see fig. 20). The machine 1 described above with reference to fig. 16 to 20 may be equipped with any combination of the technical characteristics described above with reference to fig. 1 to 15B.

According to another aspect of the invention, schematically illustrated in fig. 21A and 21B, the machine 1 may comprise the components described above with reference to the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1 to 11, except for the deviation means 40 disclosed above. In this case, therefore, the suction device 30 is directly connected to the first suction nozzle 25a and the second suction nozzle 25 b. In particular, machine 1 may provide one of the embodiments of actuating device 60, described above with reference to fig. 1 to 15B, and additional actuating device 80. More specifically, as described above, the actuating means 60 may be configured to displace at least the first scraper element 20a between a position adjacent to the surface to be cleaned and a position spaced apart from said surface to be cleaned during operation of the machine 1 (i.e. during its movement over the surface 100). More specifically, as shown in fig. 21B, when the machine 1 is moved backwards, the scraper element 20A may be moved from the position of fig. 21A adjacent to the surface 100 (in which it is in the working condition when the machine 1 is moved forwards) to a position spaced apart from said surface. As described above, the operation may be performed by a single actuating member 66, which also actuates movement of the second squeegee member 20b between a position adjacent to the surface to be cleaned and a position spaced from the surface to be cleaned, or by a dedicated control portion (fig. 11). Furthermore, an additional actuating device 80 may be provided, which is actuated by an additional control portion 85 to continuously raise or lower at least the scraper element 20a (i.e. when the machine 1 is not operating), in order to avoid wear thereof due to contact with the surface.

However, it is also provided that the machine 1 described above and shown in fig. 21A and 21B can also provide the deviation means 40 disclosed above and any one of the combinations of technical characteristics described above with reference to fig. 1 to 20.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention so fully reveals the invention in such conceptual point of view that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such embodiments without further research and without parting from the invention, and accordingly, it is to be understood that such adaptations and modifications are intended to be comprehended as being equivalent to the specific embodiments. Thus, the means and materials to achieve the different functions described herein may have different properties for this reason without departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.