(19)
(11) EP 4 049 577 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
31.08.2022 Bulletin 2022/35

(21) Application number: 22157602.8

(22) Date of filing: 18.02.2022
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A47L 13/256(2006.01)
A47L 9/22(2006.01)
(52) Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
A47L 13/256; A47L 9/22
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
Designated Extension States:
BA ME
Designated Validation States:
KH MA MD TN

(30) Priority: 18.02.2021 IT 202100003785

(71) Applicant: Hygenia S.r.l.
00179 Roma (IT)

(72) Inventor:
  • SANTINON, Renato
    00179 Roma (IT)

(74) Representative: Luppi, Emanuele 
Brunacci & Partners S.r.l. Via Pietro Giardini, 625
41125 Modena (MO)
41125 Modena (MO) (IT)

   


(54) TOOL FOR THE CLEANING OF SURFACES


(57) The tool (1) for the cleaning of surfaces comprises:
- at least one cleaning device (20) movable by an operator on a work surface (F) to be cleaned in at least one area of use;
- at least one electronic detection device (5) associated with the cleaning device (20) and configured to generate at least one datum representative of the cleaning of the work surface (F), the at least one representative datum comprises at least one of: a datum of position of the cleaning device (20) in the area of use, a datum of space covered, a datum of work surface (F) covered, a datum of distance of the cleaning device (20) from the work surface (F), a datum of working time, a datum of dwelling time in the area of use and a datum of cleaning efficiency.




Description

Technical Field



[0001] The present invention relates to a tool for the cleaning of surfaces.

[0002] In particular, the present invention is intended for the cleaning of flat surfaces such as e.g. a floor.

Background Art



[0003] The cleaning systems of known type provide for the use of a tool comprising a handle, which is adapted to move the tool itself onto the surface to be cleaned by an operator, a base, associated with one end of the handle, and a cleaning element, associable with the base and adapted to clean the surface as a result of the movement of the tool.

[0004] Specifically, the cleaning element is of the type of a cloth and can possibly be moistened with a cleaning liquid.

[0005] The cleaning element is removable from its base so it can be replaced or to restore the cleaning liquid.

[0006] The cleaning process provides for the movement of the tool by an operator in an area of use as well as the interaction of the cleaning element with the surface.

[0007] In those situations where high hygiene conditions must be ensured, the operator must keep track of the activities carried out and report them to a supervisor. Therefore, the detection, monitoring and reporting of operations are entirely the responsibility of the operator.

[0008] However, it is clear that this control system is extremely inaccurate and imprecise, since the operator is not able to detect and report precise and detailed information on all the activities carried out, such as e.g. the exact surface covered by the cleaning element or the actual achievement of all the points in the area of use.

[0009] In addition, reporting by the operator does not allow for a continuous and steady update of the activities carried out, unless there are continuous interruptions in the cleaning operations.

[0010] Again, it is important to note that the operator's intervention is inevitably subject to human error.

Description of the Invention



[0011] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a tool for the cleaning of surfaces which allows detecting and reporting the degree of surface cleaning in an accurate and precise manner.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to devise a tool for the cleaning of surfaces which allows objective detection of predefined cleaning parameters. An additional object of the present invention is to devise a tool for the cleaning of surfaces which allows planning and real-time updating of the cleaning operations to be carried out.

[0013] Still one object of the present invention is to devise a tool for the cleaning of surfaces which allows effectively monitoring the performance carried out.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to devise a tool for the cleaning of surfaces which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the scope of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

[0015] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present tool for the cleaning of surfaces having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings



[0016] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a tool for the cleaning of surfaces, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet nonlimiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a tool according to the invention;

Figure 2 is an axonometric detailed view of the tool according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of the electronic detection device according to the invention.


Embodiments of the Invention



[0017] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a tool for the cleaning of surfaces.

[0018] The tool 1 comprises at least one cleaning device 20 movable on a work surface F to be cleaned by an operator in at least one area of use.

[0019] In the context of the present disclosure, the expression "work surface" means a substantially flat, horizontal surface, such as e.g. a floor. At the same time, the expression "area of use" means a room, a premise or otherwise an enclosed place having a work surface F to be cleaned and wherein the tool 1 is intended to be used.

[0020] The cleaning device 20 comprises at least one handle 2 which is adapted to move the cleaning device 20 by an operator.

[0021] The cleaning device 20 comprises at least one base 3 associated with one end of the handle 2. Specifically, during use, the base 3 is arranged in the proximity of the work surface F.

[0022] The cleaning device 20 comprises articulated linking means 21 positioned between the handle 2 and the base 3 and adapted to allow a rotation of the base itself by an angle substantially equal to 360°.

[0023] The cleaning device 20 also comprises at least one cleaning element 4 associable with the base 3 and adapted to clean the work surface F as a result of the movement of the tool itself.

[0024] The cleaning element 4 is of the type of a cloth, made of natural and/or synthetic fibers.

[0025] The cleaning element 4 can be wetted with a cleaning liquid soaked in the fibers of the cloth and adapted to clean the work surface F.

[0026] It cannot however be ruled out that the cleaning element 4 may be dry. Conveniently, the cleaning element 4 is associated with the base 3 in a removable manner.

[0027] For this purpose, the cleaning device 20 comprises removable fastening means 31 positioned between the base 3 and the cleaning element 4.

[0028] In this way, the cleaning element 4 may be easily removed from the base 3 to restore the content of cleaning liquid or to be replaced when worn.

[0029] In particular, the removable fastening means 31 may be of the type of hooks, Velcro, stickers or the like.

[0030] According to the invention, the tool 1 comprises at least one electronic detection device 5 associated with the cleaning device 20 and configured to generate at least one datum representative of the cleaning of the work surface F.

[0031] The at least one representative datum comprises at least one of: a datum of position of the cleaning device 20 in the area of use, a datum of space covered, a datum of work surface F covered, a datum of distance of the cleaning device 20 from the work surface F, a datum of working time, a datum of dwelling time in the area of use and a datum of cleaning efficiency.

[0032] In other words, the tool 1 allows automatically detecting the parameters representative of the cleaning of the work surface F freeing itself from the need of the operator's intervention.

[0033] The tool 1 allows, therefore, obtaining a quick and objective indication of the degree of cleaning of the work surface F.

[0034] Advantageously, the electronic detection device 5 comprises detecting sensors 6 configured to detect at least one of: a motion signal of the cleaning device 20 on said work surface F, at least one position signal of the cleaning device 20 in the area of use, a speed signal of the movement of said cleaning device 20 and a distance signal of the electronic detection device 5 with respect to said work surface F.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the electronic detection device 5 is associated with the cleaning device 20 in a removable manner. Such an embodiment allows the electronic detection device 5 to be easily removed and replaced from the cleaning device 20, e.g. in case of maintenance jobs or in case of failure of the cleaning device itself. At the same time, such solution allows the electronic detection device 5 to be used on different cleaning devices 20. Furthermore, such solution allows the electronic detection device 5 to be used on cleaning devices 20 already existing on the market.

[0036] Usefully, for this purpose, the tool 1 comprises removable attachment means positioned between the electronic detection device 5 and the cleaning device 20, of a type known to the person skilled in the art and not shown in detail in the figures.

[0037] In particular, the electronic detection device 5 is associated with the base 3. In this way, the detecting sensors 6 are able to detect signals as representative as possible related to the movement of the base 3 on the work surface F. According to an alternative embodiment, on the other hand, the electronic detection device 5 is locked together with the cleaning device 20 and, specifically, with the base 3.

[0038] The electronic detection device 5 also comprises at least one electronic unit 7 operationally connected to the detecting sensors 6 and configured to process at least one of the aforementioned signals and to generate at least one of the representative data.

[0039] In more detail, the electronic unit 7 comprises a processing unit 7a responsible for processing the signals received and for controlling the set of sensors connected to the electronic unit itself.

[0040] The electronic unit 7 comprises at least one memory unit 8 configured to store at least one of the representative data.

[0041] In particular, the memory unit 8 receives and stores the data processed by the processing unit 7a.

[0042] Usefully, the memory unit 8 is also configured to store the signals detected by the detecting sensors 6.

[0043] The detecting sensors 6 comprise at least one motion sensor 15 configured to detect the movement of the cleaning device 20 on the work surface F and to generate a corresponding motion signal.

[0044] Specifically, the motion sensor 15 comprises at least one optical sensor.

[0045] The motion sensor 15 allows detecting the position of the cleaning device 20 with respect to a plane X-Z.

[0046] The detecting sensors 6 also comprise at least one position sensor 9 configured to detect the position of the cleaning device 20 and to generate a corresponding position signal.

[0047] Conveniently, the position sensor 9 comprises at least one of either an accelerometer device or a gyroscope device.

[0048] The position sensor 9 is used to determine the orientation and direction along which the cleaning device 20 is moved.

[0049] By means of the position sensor 9 and the motion sensor 15, the location of the cleaning device 20 may be determined at any time.

[0050] This makes it possible to determine where the tool 1 has been positioned in the area of use and whether the work surface F has been properly cleaned at every point thereof.

[0051] The electronic unit 7 is also configured to process the position signal and the motion signal to obtain the datum of surface covered.

[0052] Through these signals it is therefore possible to determine the representative datum of the surface covered by the cleaning element 4 during the operations. The detecting sensors 6 also comprise at least one Real Time Clock (RTC) module configured to determine the time of use.

[0053] Advantageously, the detecting sensors 6 comprise at least one speed sensor 10 configured to detect the speed of movement of the cleaning device 20 on the work surface F and to generate a corresponding speed signal.

[0054] The speed sensor 10 comprises at least one IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) device.

[0055] Thus, the electronic detection device 5 also allows the acquisition of a datum of speed traveled by the cleaning device 20 during the operation so as to establish a degree of accuracy in the cleaning of the work surface F.

[0056] The electronic unit 7 is also configured to process the speed signal and the time of use to obtain the datum of working time and the datum of dwelling time in the area of use.

[0057] Usefully, the detecting sensors 6 also comprise at least one distance sensor 16 configured to detect the distance of the electronic detection device 5 from the work surface F and to generate a corresponding distance signal.

[0058] The distance sensor 16 comprises at least one Time Of Flight (TOF) sensor. The distance sensor 16 allows determining when the cleaning device 20 is in the proximity of the work surface F.

[0059] Advantageously, the electronic unit 7 is configured to operate/deactivate at least one of the motion sensor 15, the position sensor 9 or the speed sensor 10 depending on the distance signal.

[0060] In other words, the electronic unit 7 is configured to detect the signals by the detecting sensors 6 only when the cleaning device 20 is actually in contact with the work surface F.

[0061] The tool 1 allows, therefore, an effective processing of the signals and allows providing extremely representative and reliable data of the degree of cleaning, thus avoiding possible human errors.

[0062] The electronic unit 7 is usefully configured to process at least the speed signal, the motion signal and the distance signal to generate the datum of cleaning efficiency.

[0063] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the detecting sensors 6 comprise at least one presence sensor 11 configured to detect the presence of the cleaning element 4 associated with the base 3 and to generate a corresponding presence signal.

[0064] The presence sensor 11 comprises at least one of either a contact sensor or an optical sensor.

[0065] Conveniently, the electronic unit 7 comprises transfer means 12 of the data which are configured to transfer at least one of the data to a remote device R. The transfer means 12 are operationally connected to the memory unit 8.

[0066] The remote device R may be, e.g., a PC, a smart-phone or the like. Specifically, the transfer means 12 are configured to also transmit the signals detected by the detecting sensors 6 and stored in the memory unit 8 to be processed by the remote device R.

[0067] The transfer means 12 comprise at least one of either a serial transmission device or a radio wave transmission device.

[0068] The serial transmission device is e.g. of the type of a USB port.

[0069] The radio wave transmission device is selected out of a Bluetooth device and a Wi-Fi device.

[0070] Depending on the type of transfer means 12, therefore, the data may be transferred at the end of operations by means of a connection to remote computers or in real time.

[0071] Conveniently, the electronic detection device 5 comprises energy storage means 13 of the type of a battery, adapted to power all the electronic user points of the electronic detection device itself.

[0072] The energy storage means 13 allow for convenient use of the tool 1 without the need for a mains connection.

[0073] Preferably, the energy storage means 13 are of the rechargeable type.

[0074] To this end, the electronic detection device 5 comprises charging means 14 operationally connected to the energy storage means 13.

[0075] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the charging means 14 are of the type of, e.g., a USB port.

[0076] The operation of the tool according to the present invention is as follows.

[0077] Once the cleaning element 4 has been mounted on the base 3, the tool 1 is positioned on the work surface F.

[0078] By means of the distance sensor 16, the electronic detection device 5 detects the grounding of the tool 1 and the signal acquisition is triggered by the electronic unit 7.

[0079] During the cleaning operations, the tool 1 is moved over the work surface F by means of the handle 2.

[0080] The position sensor 9 and the motion sensor 15 constantly detect a position signal of the cleaning device 20 in the area of use.

[0081] The speed sensor 10 detects a movement speed signal of the tool 1 on the work surface F and allows acquiring the datum of speed and of surface covered.

[0082] By means of the module RTC it is also possible to process the datum of working time.

[0083] The aforementioned data and/or signals are stored in the memory unit 8.

[0084] At the end of the operations, the tool 1 is lifted from the work surface F, the distance sensor 16 determines the change in position and the data acquisition is interrupted.

[0085] The data and/or signals stored in the memory unit 8 are transferred to the remote device R by means of the transfer means 12.

[0086] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to an electronic detection device 5 for cleaning devices.

[0087] The electronic detection device 5 according to the invention is associable with a cleaning device 20 movable by an operator on a work surface F to be cleaned in an area of use.

[0088] In particular, the electronic detection device 5 is associable with the cleaning device 20 in a removable manner.

[0089] The electronic detection device 5 is configured to generate at least one representative datum of the cleanliness of the work surface F.

[0090] The at least one representative datum comprises at least one of: a datum of position of the cleaning device 20 in the area of use, a datum of space covered, a datum of work surface F covered, a datum of distance of the cleaning device 20 from the work surface F, a datum of working time, a datum of dwelling time in the area of use and a datum of cleaning efficiency.

[0091] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular, the fact is emphasized that the tool for the cleaning of surfaces according to the present invention enables the degree of cleaning of the surfaces to be precisely and accurately detected and reported. Thanks to the electronic detection device, the tool allows objective detection of predefined cleaning parameters, planning and real-time updating of the cleaning jobs to be carried out and enables effective monitoring of the performance carried out.


Claims

1. Tool (1) for the cleaning of surfaces, comprising at least one cleaning device (20) movable by an operator on a work surface (F) to be cleaned in at least one area of use, said cleaning device (20) comprising:

- at least one handle (2) adapted to move said cleaning device (20) by said operator;

- at least one base (3) associated with one end of said handle (2);

- at least one cleaning element (4) associable with said base (3) and adapted to clean said work surface (F) as a result of the movement of said cleaning device (20);

characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one electronic detection device (5) associated with said cleaning device (20) and configured to generate at least one datum representative of the cleaning of said work surface (F), said at least one representative datum comprises at least one of: a datum of position of said cleaning device (20) in said area of use, a datum of space covered, a datum of work surface (F) covered, a datum of distance of said cleaning device (20) from said work surface (F), a datum of working time, a datum of dwelling time in said area of use and a datum of cleaning efficiency.
 
2. Tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said electronic detection device (5) comprises:

- detecting sensors (6) configured to detect at least one of: a motion signal of said cleaning device (20) on said work surface (F), at least one position signal of said cleaning device (20) in said area of use, a speed signal of the movement of said cleaning device (20) and a distance signal of said electronic detection device (5) with respect to said work surface (F).

- at least one electronic unit (7) operationally connected to said detecting sensors (6), configured to process at least one of said signals and to generate at least one of said representative data.


 
3. Tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said detecting sensors (6) comprise at least one motion sensor (15) configured to detect the movement of said cleaning device (20) on said work surface (F) and to generate a corresponding motion signal, said motion sensor (15) comprising at least one optical sensor.
 
4. Tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said detecting sensors (6) comprise at least one position sensor (9) configured to detect the position of said cleaning device (20) and to generate a corresponding position signal, said position sensor (9) comprising at least one of either an accelerometer device or a gyroscope device.
 
5. Tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said detecting sensors (6) comprise at least one speed sensor (10) configured to detect the speed of movement of said cleaning device (20) on said work surface (F) and to generate a corresponding speed signal, said speed sensor (10) comprising at least one IMU device.
 
6. Tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said detecting sensors (6) comprise at least one distance sensor (16) configured to detect the distance of said electronic detection device (5) from said work surface (F) and to generate a corresponding distance signal, said distance sensor (16) comprising at least one Time Of Flight (TOF) sensor.
 
7. Tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said electronic unit (7) is configured to operate/deactivate at least one of said motion sensor (15), said position sensor (9) or said speed sensor (10) depending on said distance signal.
 
8. Tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said electronic unit (7) is configured to process at least said speed signal, said motion signal or said distance signal to generate said datum of cleaning efficiency.
 
9. Tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said electronic unit comprises transfer means (12) configured to transmit at least one of said data to a remote device (R).
 
10. Tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said transfer means (12) comprise at least one of either a Bluetooth device or a Wi-Fi device.
 
11. Tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said electronic detection device (5) is associated with said cleaning device (20) in a removable manner, said tool (1) comprising removable attachment means positioned between said electronic detection device (5) and said cleaning device (20).
 
12. Tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said electronic detection device (5) is locked together with said cleaning device (20).
 
13. Electronic detection device (5) for cleaning devices, characterized by the fact that said electronic detection device (5) is associable with a cleaning device (20) movable by an operator on a work surface (F) to be cleaned in an area of use, wherein said electronic detection device (5) is configured to generate at least one datum representative of the cleaning of said work surface (F), said at least one representative datum comprises at least one of: a datum of position of said cleaning device (20) in said area of use, a datum of space covered, a datum of work surface (F) covered, a datum of distance of said cleaning device (20) from said work surface (F), a datum of working time, a datum of dwelling time in said area of use and a datum of cleaning efficiency.
 




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