This application is based on and claims the benefits of priorities from Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-108305, filed on Apr. 5, 2005 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-007995 filed on Jan. 16, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to cleaning implement adapted to cleaning floor surfaces, etc., of houses and offices, and more particularly, to cleaning implement including a liquid supply device.
2. Related Art
By way of example, a conventional cleaning implement is designed to have a cleaning head arranged at a distal end of a holding portion obtained by connecting pipes. A water container is arranged in the middle of the holding portion. A nozzle is provided to the cleaning head. A handle is provided to a grip of the holding portion. When operating the handle, a piston arranged in the water container is actuated to eject from the nozzle water in the water container. Refer, for example, to Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3094858).
The cleaning implement according to Patent Document 1 produces an effect that the floor can be washed by ejecting water from the nozzle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
However, the cleaning implement according to Patent Document 1 includes only one circulation path through which fluid within the container flows. Thus, when mounting to the cleaning implement another container having a different kind of fluid, there arises a problem that fluid remaining in the circulation path is mixed with this different kind of fluid. Therefore, an inconvenience occurs that the circulation path should be cleaned every time fluid flowing therethrough is changed to a different kind of fluid. This is a problem to be solved by the present invention.
In order to solve the above problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning implement in which two different kinds of fluid are not mixed.
In order to achieve the above object, Inventors have invented the following new cleaning implement constructed such that a first fluid is ejected through a first circulation path, and a second fluid is ejected through a second circulation path.
In a first aspect of the present invention, a cleaning implement, includes: a first circulation path through which a first fluid is ejectable; and a second circulation path through which a second fluid is ejectable.
The first aspect of the present invention includes a first circulation path and a second circulation path. Therefore, according to the present invention, a first fluid of a content of a first container and a second fluid of a content of a second container can be ejected toward a spot to be cleaned by a cleaning operation surface without mixing of the first and second fluids. Therefore, the first and second fluids are not mixed in the first circulation path or the second circulation path.
In a second aspect of the present invention, a cleaning implement according to the first aspect of the present invention, includes: a cleaning head having on a bottom a cleaning operation surface; a holding portion held by an user; a pipe that connects the cleaning head and the holding portion; an ejecting portion provided to the cleaning head or the pipe; and a valve opening and closing device that can hold a first container receiving the first fluid or a second container receiving the second container, wherein the first circulation path can eject the first fluid from the ejecting portion, and the second circulation path can eject the second fluid from the valve opening and closing device.
The present invention according to the second aspect includes the first circulation path and the second circulation path for interrupting the first circulation path. Therefore, according to the present invention, the first fluid of content of a first container and the second fluid of content of the second container can be ejected toward a spot to be cleaned by the cleaning operation surface without mixing of the first and second fluids. Therefore, the first and second fluids are not mixed in the first circulation path or the second circulation path.
In a third aspect of present invention, a cleaning implement according to the second aspect of the present invention has a valve opening and closing device including a connection mechanism from which the first container is detachable and an adaptor coupled to the connection mechanism and from which the second container is detachable, in which the first circulation path extends to a first ejection nozzle which ejects the first fluid from the connection mechanism to the outside of the cleaning head, and the second circulation path extends to a second ejection nozzle that ejects the second fluid from the adaptor.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first and second circulation paths can be switched by merely mounting the second container to the valve opening and closing device through the adaptor, while detaching the first container placed on the valve opening and closing device.
In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a cleaning implement according to the third aspect of the present invention has a holding portion arranged on the side opposite the cleaning head, the holding portion including a lever, the lever being coupled to the valve opening and closing device so as to open and close a first valve of the first container or a second valve of the second container.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, even when the first container is mounted to the valve opening and closing device or the second container is mounted to the adaptor through the adaptor, the first or second fluid can be ejected by merely operating the common lever. Moreover, since the holding portion is arranged on the side opposite the cleaning head, the lever is positioned close to the user's hand. This facilitates operation of ejecting the first or second fluid.
In a fifth aspect of the present invention, a cleaning implement according to the fourth aspect of the present invention has a connection mechanism connected to the first valve.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the user directly operates the first valve, the mechanism of the cleaning implement can be simplified, resulting in a cost reduction of the cleaning implement.
In a sixth aspect of the present invention, a cleaning implement according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention has a, first container of a type of a bottle that is moved in the direction parallel to an axis of the first valve so as to drop the first fluid naturally.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the first container can be of a type of a bottle which is commercially available. The first container ensuring natural drop of the first fluid suitable for cleaning can be mounted to the cleaning implement.
In a seventh aspect of the present invention, a cleaning implement according to any one of the fourth through sixth aspect of the present invention, has a second ejection nozzle connected to the second valve.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the second ejection nozzle is directly connected to the second valve, the mechanism of the cleaning implement can be simplified, resulting in cost reduction of the cleaning implement.
In a eighth aspect of the present invention, a cleaning implement according to any one of the fourth through seventh aspect of the present invention has the second container which is a spray can including a tilt-type valve, the tilt-type valve being tilted in the direction orthogonal to an axis of the second valve so as to eject the second fluid.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since a spray can including a tilt-type valve adapted to cleaning can be mounted to the cleaning implement, fluid suitable for cleaning can be used easily.
In a ninth aspect of the present invention, a cleaning implement according to any one of the fourth through eighth aspect of the present invention has a cleaning head and the holding portion are coupled together by the pipe, the valve opening and closing device being provided to at a portion of the pipe located between the cleaning head and the holding portion, the connection mechanism includes a cam device including a rocker arm forming a dynamic articulation that reciprocates angularly and a pusher following the rocker arm to reciprocate linearly, the holding portion including a pulley rotated in simultaneously with rotary motion of the lever and a belt for transmitting a displacement of the lever to the pusher, the belt having a one end caught at a moving end of the rocker arm and the other end wound on the pulley.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the valve opening and closing device is arranged closer to the cleaning head than the holding portion, the position of the first or second fluid having greater weight than the holding portion is placed closer to the cleaning head than the holding portion. The weight acting on the valve opening and closing device operates on the holding portion as a turning moment about the cleaning head. However, since the distance from the cleaning head to the holding portion is longer than the distance from the cleaning head to the valve opening and closing device, force acting on the holding portion becomes small. This results in enhanced workability of the cleaning implement.
Moreover, the belt is used as means for transmitting motion of the lever of the holding portion to the rocker arm of the connection mechanism, providing excellent flexibility. Thus, even if an articulation part exists between the holding portion and the connection mechanism, motion of the lever of the holding portion can be transmitted to the rocker arm surely.
In a tenth aspect of the present invention, a cleaning implement according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, has an adaptor including s a cylindrical adaptor main body, a cylinder held inside the adaptor main body to be movable axially and the second ejection nozzle coupled to the cylinder, the adaptor main body having a one end having a first connection port detachably held to the connection mechanism and the other end having a second connection port for detachably holding the second container, the cylinder having one end coupled to a distal end of the pusher toward the first connection port and the other end having an inclined portion that intersects the axial direction of the cylinder at an acute angle toward the second connection port, in which the second ejection nozzle is formed in T-shape, the T-shaped second ejection nozzle having one end contacting the inclined portion and the other end connected to the second valve, the T-shaped second ejection nozzle having a T-shaped end with which a spout for ejecting the second fluid to the outside of the adaptor main body is provided.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the other end of the cylinder includes the inclined portion that intersects the axial direction of the cylinder at an acute angle toward the second connection port, the T-shaped second ejection nozzle contacting the inclined portion can be moved in the direction of intersecting the axial direction of the cylinder. This allows the second ejection nozzle to be tilted. The angle formed by the intersecting axis and inclined portion is, preferably, in the range between 30 degrees and 60 degrees.
In a eleventh aspect of the present invention, a cleaning implement according to the tenth aspect of the present invention has a cylinder including a pair of side walls arranged on both sides of the inclined portion with a space, the second valve having a part arranged in the space.
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the second valve has a part arranged in the space between the pair of side walls, the second valve can be maintained in such a way that its orientation is substantially the same.
In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a cleaning implement according to the ninth aspect of the present invention has an adaptor including a cylindrical adaptor main body, a cylinder held inside the adaptor main body to be movable axially and the second ejection nozzle coupled to the cylinder, the adaptor main body having one end having a first connection port detachably held to the connection mechanism and the other end having a second connection port for detachably holding the second container, in which the second ejection nozzle comprises an L-shaped portion and a collar formed with the L-shaped portion and extending in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the second valve, the cylinder having a first end abutting on a distal end of the pusher toward the first connection port and a second end having a protrusion that can push the collar in a position distant from the second valve, the L-shaped portion having a first end coupled to the second valve and a second end formed with a spout for ejecting the second fluid to the outside of the adaptor main body.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the position that the protrusion of the cylinder contacts the collar is decentered with respect to the axis. Thus, when the protrusion of the cylinder pushes the collar, the collar is tilted between the second valve and the second container, allowing the second valve to be tilted.
In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a cleaning implement according to any one of the first to twelfth aspect of the present invention has the first fluid which is water, a liquid detergent, or a liquid wax.
In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the cleaning implement according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspect of the present invention has the second fluid which is a mixture of gas and liquid, a fluid which is higher in viscosity than the first fluid, an atomized wax, or a foamed wax.
According to the thirteenth and fourteenth aspect of the present invention, since cleaning liquid suitable for cleaning can be applied as the first or second fluid in accordance with its viscosity, the range of choices of fluid to be used in the cleaning implement can be broadened.
According to the present invention, since the cleaning implement includes a first circulation path supplied with a first fluid and a second circulation path supplied with a second fluid, the first and second fluids can be supplied to the outside of the cleaning head without mixing of the first and second fluids.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective external view of a cleaning implement according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded assembly view of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a perspective external view of a cleaning head of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a perspective external view of the principal components of cleaning head according to the embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of a holding portion of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary exploded sectional view of the holding portion according to the embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary exploded sectional view of the holding portion according to the embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary exploded sectional view of a valve opening and closing device of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary exploded sectional view of a valve opening and closing device according to the embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a structural view showing an internal structure of a cap of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment;
FIGS. 12A to 12C are schematic views showing a structure of a cap main body of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment;
FIGS. 13A-13C are schematic views showing a valve housing of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment;
FIG. 14 is a perspective external view, partly broken, showing a part of a main part of the valve opening and closing device according to the embodiment;
FIG. 15 is a perspective external view showing an adaptor and a connection mechanism according to the embodiment;
FIG. 16 is a perspective external view showing one part of a second circulation path according to the embodiment;
FIG. 17 is a perspective external view showing another part of a second circulation path according to the embodiment;
FIG. 18 is a perspective external view of a cylinder of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment;
FIG. 19 is a perspective external view showing a state that a second container is mounted to the adaptor according to the embodiment;
FIG. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state that a second container is mounted to the adaptor according to the embodiment;
FIG. 21 is a fragmentary exploded sectional view showing a state that a second container is mounted to the adaptor according to the embodiment;
FIG. 22 is a fragmentary exploded view of the cleaning implement according to another embodiment;
FIG. 23 is a fragmentary perspective exploded view of another embodiment;
FIG. 24 is a perspective external view showing a using state of the cleaning implement according to another embodiment;
FIG. 25 is a perspective exploded view of the cleaning implement in still another embodiment;
FIG. 26 is a perspective exploded view of the cleaning implement in still another embodiment;
FIG. 27 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning implement in still another embodiment;
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the cylinder of the cleaning implement in still another embodiment;
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the cylinder of the cleaning implement in still another embodiment;
FIG. 30 is an external view of a third container and third ejection nozzle of the cleaning implement in still another embodiment;
FIG. 31 is a longitudinal sectional view of third container and third ejection nozzle of the cleaning implement in still another embodiment;
FIG. 32 is a perspective exploded view of the third ejection nozzle of the cleaning implement in still another embodiment;
FIG. 33 is a longitudinal sectional view of the third ejection nozzle of the cleaning implement in still another embodiment;
FIG. 34 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a using state of the cleaning implement in still another embodiment;
FIG. 35 is a perspective external view showing a using state of the cleaning implement in still another embodiment;
FIG. 36 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning implement in a further embodiment;
FIGS. 37A to 37C are perspective views of a fourth ejection nozzle of the cleaning implement in the further embodiment;
FIGS. 38A to 38C are perspective views of the fourth ejection nozzle of the cleaning implement in the further embodiment;
FIG. 39 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fourth ejection nozzle of the cleaning implement in the further embodiment; and
FIG. 40 is a longitudinal sectional view of a still further embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings, a best mode for carrying out the invention will be described hereinbelow.
FIG. 1 is a perspective external view of a cleaning implement according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective external view of a cleaning head of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective external view of the cleaning head according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of a holding portion of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a fragmentary exploded sectional view of the holding portion according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a fragmentary exploded sectional view of the holding portion according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a fragmentary exploded sectional view of a valve opening and closing device of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a fragmentary exploded sectional view of a valve opening and closing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a structural view showing an internal structure of a cap of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment. FIGS. 12A to 12C are schematic views showing a structure of a cap main body of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment. FIGS. 13A to 13C are schematic views showing a valve housing of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a perspective external view, partly broken, showing a main part of the valve opening and closing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a perspective external view showing an adaptor and a connection mechanism according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective external view showing part of a second circulation path according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective external view showing another part of the second circulation path according to the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a perspective external view of a cylinder of the cleaning implement according to the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a perspective external view showing a state in which a second container is mounted to the adaptor according to the embodiment. FIG. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the second container is mounted to the adaptor according to the embodiment. FIG. 21 is a fragmentary exploded sectional view showing a state in which the second container is mounted to the adaptor according to the embodiment. FIG. 22 is a fragmentary exploded view of a cleaning implement according to another embodiment. FIG. 23 is a fragmentary perspective exploded view of the embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a perspective external view showing a using state of the cleaning implement according to another embodiment. FIG. 25 is a perspective exploded view of a cleaning implement in still another embodiment. FIG. 26 is a perspective exploded view of the cleaning implement in the embodiment. FIG. 27 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning implement in the embodiment. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a cylinder of the cleaning implement in the embodiment. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the cylinder of the cleaning implement in the embodiment. FIG. 30 is an external view of a third container and a third ejection nozzle of the cleaning implement in the embodiment. FIG. 31 is a longitudinal sectional view of the third container and the third ejection nozzle of the cleaning implement in the embodiment. FIG. 32 is a perspective exploded view of the third ejection nozzle of the cleaning implement in the embodiment. FIG. 33 is a longitudinal sectional view of the third ejection nozzle of the cleaning implement in still another embodiment.
FIG. 34 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a service state of the cleaning implement in the embodiment. FIG. 35 is a perspective external view showing a service state of the cleaning implement in the embodiment. FIG. 36 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning implement in a further embodiment. FIGS. 37A to 37C are perspective views of a fourth ejection nozzle of the cleaning implement in the further embodiment. FIGS. 38A to 38C are perspective views of the fourth ejection nozzle of the cleaning implement in the embodiment. FIG. 39 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fourth ejection nozzle of the cleaning implement in the embodiment. Furthermore, FIG. 40 is a longitudinal sectional view of a still further embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 1, 2 or 3, a cleaning implement 10 includes a cleaning head 2, a pipe 8 coupled to the top face of the cleaning head 2 through an universal joint 21, and a holding portion 7 mounted to an upper end of the pipe 8. A valve opening and closing device 3 is provided at a portion of the pipe 8 located between the cleaning head 2 and the holding portion 7. A first container 61 as will be described later can be mounted to the valve opening and closing device 3. The pipe 8 is formed by coupling a plurality of pipe members 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d.
Referring to FIG. 4, the planar shape of the cleaning head 2 is rectangular. A front face 2a and a rear face 2b are formed at one and the other long sides of the cleaning head 2. A right end face 2c and a left end face 2d are formed at one and the other short sides of the cleaning head 2.
The cleaning head 2 includes a hard holder 24 and a pad 25 secured to the underside of the holder 24. The holder 24 is injection molded out of a synthetic resin material such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, polyethylene (PE) resin, polypropylene (PP) resin, polyethylene terephtalate (PET) resin or the like. The pad 25 is formed out of a foamed resin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, urethane or the like or a soft and resilient material such as rubber or the like. The pad 25 may be formed out of soft PP or PE. The holder 24 and pad 25 are secured by bonding.
Referring to FIG. 5, the bottom of the pad 25 serves as a cleaning operation surface 22. A cleaning sheet 22a is arranged on the cleaning operation surface 22. The cleaning operation surface 22 is essentially flat. However, in order to prevent the cleaning sheet 22a from sliding with respect to the cleaning operation surface 22, a plurality of small protrusions may integrally be formed with the cleaning operation surface 22.
Referring to FIG. 4, the universal joint 21 is coupled to the top face of the holder 24 between the right end face 2c and the left end face 2d. Sheet retaining mechanisms 26 are arranged on the top face of the holder 24 in the inner position of four corners. The cleaning sheet 22a is mounted to the sheet retaining mechanisms 26. A hole 26a is formed in each sheet retaining mechanism 26 on the top face of the holder 24. The hole 26a is covered with a deformable sheet 26c formed out of PE, PP, PET or the like. The cuts 26b are formed on each sheet 26c. Referring to FIG. 5, the cleaning sheet 22a is retained to the holder 24 by squeezing parts of the cleaning sheet 22a into the cuts 26b.
Referring to FIG. 4, a liquid ejecting portion 20 is mounted on the holder 24. The liquid ejecting portion 20 is arranged between the right end face 2c and the left end face 2d of the holder 24 and in front of the universal joint 21. The liquid ejecting portion 20 includes a base 27 and a first ejection nozzle 23 arranged on the base 27. The base 27 and the first ejection nozzle 23 are injection molded out of a synthetic resin such as ABS, PP, PET or the like. The first ejection nozzle 23 is fixed on the base 27 by fixing means such as fitting, bonding or screwing. The base 27 and the first ejection nozzle 23 of the liquid ejecting portion 20 may be formed integrally.
Referring to FIG. 4, a recess 24a that opens toward the front face 2a is formed in the top face of the holder 24 between the right end face 2c and the left end face 2d. The universal joint 21 is engaged in the recess 24a. The liquid ejecting portion 20 is arranged in the recess 24a. At a position reasonably distant from the cleaning operation surface 22 toward the height direction, the liquid ejecting portion 20 can eject a first fluid as will be described later from a spout 23 of the first ejection nozzle 23 forward outward of the cleaning head 2.
Referring to FIG. 6, the holding portion 7 is provided to the pipe 8 on the opposite side of the cleaning head 2, and is formed by assembling two holding casings 7b. The holding portion 7 is coupled to the valve opening and closing device 3, and includes a lever 71 for opening and closing a first valve 93 (refer to FIG. 10) of the first container 61 or a second valve 62a (refer to FIG. 21) of a second container 62 as will be described later.
Referring to FIG. 6 or 7, the lever 71 is supported to the holding portion 7 to be rotatable about a pivot 7c formed with the holding portion 7. Referring to FIG. 8, in order to allow an user to pull the lever 71 by an angle γ, part of the lever 71 protrudes outward from the inside of the holding portion 7 by a biasing force of a torsion coil spring 75 arranged in the holding portion 7.
A gear 71a having the pivot 7c as center of a pitch circle is partly formed with the lever 71. A pulley 74 is assembled to be rotatable about a pivot 7d formed with the holding portion 7. A gear 74a having the pivot 7d as center of rotation is assembled to the pulley 74. When the lever 71 is pulled, the gear 71a meshes with the gear 74a. Normally, the gear 71a does not mesh with the gear 74a. A spiral coil spring (not shown) is built in the pulley 74. Referring to FIG. 6 or 7, the spiral coil spring operates to rotate the pulley 74 having one end of a belt 73 wound thereon in the direction of winding the belt 73.
Referring to FIG. 7 or 8, when the user does not pull the lever 71, the pulley 74 winds the belt 73 by a winding force of the spiral coil spring, always providing a predetermined tension to the belt 73. When the user pulls the lever 71, the gear 71a meshes with the gear 74a so that the pulley 74 can wind the belt 73 by a force produced by pulling the lever 71 and a tension of the spiral coil spring.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the pipe 8 is provided with the valve opening and closing device 3 between the cleaning head 2 and the holding portion 7 and on the side that the user is situated. Referring to FIG. 9 or 10, the valve opening and closing device 3 includes a connection mechanism 31 and a cam device 33. The connection mechanism 31 renders the first container 61 detachable. The connection mechanism 31 is covered with a cover 31c for facilitating attachment and detachment of the first container 61. The cam device 33 is composed of a rocker arm 34 forming a dynamic articulation that reciprocates angularly and a pusher 35 following the rocker arm 34 to reciprocate linearly. The pusher 35 is formed out of a synthetic resin and is mounted in a pump 36.
The pump 36 has a shape having a U-shaped section with one end opened. An opening 36a at one end of the pump 36 is hermetically connected to a frame 31a of the connection mechanism 31. A hole 36b is formed at the other end (bottom) of the pump 36. The hole 36b is hermetically connected to one end of a hose 4 that defines a first circulation path. The other end of the hose 4 is hermetically connected to the first ejection nozzle 23 through the inside of the pipe 8.
Referring to FIG. 9 or 10, the pusher 35 includes a distal end 35a that abuts the first valve 93 and a collar 35b that closes the hole 36b of the bottom of the pump 36. A ring 35c mounted to the bottom of the pump 36 makes sliding contact with a convex 34b of the rocker arm 34. The distal end 35a and the collar 35b are both positioned inside the pump 36, whereas the ring 35c is positioned outside the pump 36. The collar 35b and the ring 35c hold the pump 36 therebetween. The collar 35b closes the hole 36b by a resilient force of the pump 36 toward the hole 36b. The distal end 35a protrudes toward the opening 36a.
The rocker arm 34 reciprocates angularly with a pivot 31b provided to the frame 31a as center of rotation. The other end 73a of the belt 73 is caught at a moving end 34a of the rocker arm 34. Therefore, the belt 73 extending from the pulley 74 passes through the inside of the pipe members 8b to 8d to be caught at the moving end 34. The convex 34b (refer to FIG. 9) is formed with the rocker arm 34. The convex 34 protrudes from the middle of the rocker arm 34 toward the ring 35c so as to be capable of making sliding contact with the ring 35c.
Referring to FIG. 10, the first container 61 includes a tank 61b for receiving the first fluid and a cap 90 mounted to an opening of the tank 61b. A valve hole 91a is formed at a distal end of the cap 90.
The internal structure of the cap 90 will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, the cap 90 includes a cap main body 91, a first ring member 92, a first valve 93, a compression coil spring 94, a second ring member 95, a valve housing 96, a seal member 97, a tube member 98, a valve protection member 99, and a valve member 100.
As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the cap main body 91 includes a distal end 91b, a mesh portion 91c, and an air hole 91d. The valve hole 91a is arranged at one end of the distal end 91b. The distal end 91b accommodates the first ring member 92, the first valve 93, the compression coil spring 94, the second ring member 95, the valve housing 96, and the seal member 97. The mesh portion 91c is formed with a mesh groove that meshes with the opening of the tank 61b. The air hole 91d is arranged in a substantially flat surface arranged on the top of the mesh portion 91c.
The first ring member 92 includes a circular ring packing. The first ring member 92 seals the first fluid charged in the first container 61. The first valve 93 includes a head 93a and a leg 93b. The head 93a includes a cylindrical head main body and a pair of flanges arranged on both sides of the head main body. The first ring member 92 is arranged between the flanges, i.e., on the peripheral face of the head main body. One end of the head 93a is formed with an insertion hole into which one end of the pusher 35 is inserted. The other end of the head 93a is formed with the leg 93b. The leg 93b includes four blades. Each blade is formed with a convex for catching the compression coil spring 94. One end of the compression coil spring 94 is caught in a catch groove 96e as will be described later. On the other hand, the other end of the compression coil spring 94 is caught at the convex.
As shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, the valve housing 96 includes a valve housing main body 96h, a slide hole 96a through which the first valve 93 slides, a flange 96b, and a long tube 96c engaged with the tube member 98. The slide hole 96a includes a first slide hole 96a′ and a second slide hole 96a″ that have different diameters. The catch groove 96e is arranged between the first and second slide holes 96′ and 96″. An opening 96f forming the first slide hole 96a′ is engaged with the cap main body 91. The second ring member 95 is arranged between the opening 96f and the flange 96b. The second ring member 95 includes a circular ring packing. The long tube 96c is arranged at the side of the other opening 96g forming the second slide hole 96a″ and on the flange 96b. The long tube 96c includes an air hole 96d. Two convexes 96i are arranged on the flange 96b on the side having the long tube 96c.
The seal member 97 includes a flange 97a as shown in FIG. 11. The flange 97a has a diameter greater than that of the flange 96b of the valve housing 96. The seal member 97 includes in substantially the center a through hole 97b through which the opening 96g is arranged. The long tube 96c and the convexes 96i are arranged through the seal member 97. The seal member 97 is formed out of a silicone resin.
The tube member 98 has a columnar shape. The section of the tube member 98 is shaped like a ring to allow air from the air hole 91d to flow into the tank 61b. One end of the tube member 98 is engaged with the long tube 96c. The tube member 98 is formed out of polyurethane (PU) resin. The valve protection member 99 is shaped like a bell. A horn portion 99a having an apex as engaged is arranged at an upper end of the valve protection member 99. The horn portion 99a is engaged with the other end of the tube member 98. The top of the valve protection member 99 includes a pair of recesses 99b. A convex (not shown) having a through hole engaging with the valve member 100 is arranged in the valve protection member 99. The valve member 100 is arranged in the valve protection member 99.
The valve member 100 includes a valve main body 100a and a flange 100b. The valve main body 100a is shaped substantially cylindrically. The valve main body 100a is formed out of a resilient member. A distal end 100c of the valve main body 100a has a cut shape obtained by cutting the cylindrical shape from both side faces thereof. It is noted that the cut shape is such that two plate-shaped valves are arranged to be superimposed one upon another at the distal end, and are constructed to open or close in substantially the center of the distal end. With such a construction, the distal end 100c allows the valves to open in substantially the center so that air from the air hole 91d is fed to the tank 61b through the tube member 98. A flange 100b is arranged at the other end of the valve main body 100a.
With the above structure, the first valve 93 is biased by the compression coil spring 94 from the inside of the cap 90, thereby obtaining the closed state of the valve hole 91a.
When the first container 61 is mounted to the connection mechanism 31, the outer periphery of the cap 90 makes close contact with the pump 36 hermetically, whereas the first valve 93 of the first container 61 is pressed to the distal end 35a against a biasing force of the compression coil spring 94. At this time, the first valve 93 of the first container 61 is slightly moved toward the tank 61b. However, no clearance allowing part of the first fluid received in the first container 61 to flow out toward a space defined by the pump 36 and the first valve 93 is formed between the first valve 93 and the valve hole 91a.
As a result, part of the first fluid received in the first container 61 does not flow out toward a space defined by the pump 36 and the first valve 93. Moreover, since the hole 36b is closed by the pump 36 and the pusher 35, the first fluid within the first container 61 is not moved into the hose 4 in this state.
On the other hand, when the user pulls the lever 71, the belt 73 is moved to the holding portion 7 so that the rocker arm 34 is rotated by a pulling force of the belt 73. Furthermore, since the pusher 35 is linearly moved to the holding portion 7, the first valve 93 of the first container 61 is moved in the direction of the tank 61b, and the collar 35b is moved in the direction of separating from the hole 36b of the pump 36. Therefore, concurrently with a clearance being produced between the collar 35b and the hole 36b, air taken in from the air hole 91d is supplied into the tank 61b through the tube member 98 and the valve member 100. With this, the first fluid within the first container 61 is supplied to the first ejection nozzle 23 through this clearance and the hose 4. The supplied first fluid is ejected forward of the cleaning head 2 from the first ejection nozzle 23. That is, the first fluid passes through the first circulation path.
Referring to FIG. 14, the valve opening and closing device 3 allows mounting of the second container 62 through an adaptor 32 in place of the first container 61. The adaptor 32 includes a cylindrical adaptor main body 32a, a cylinder 32b axially movably held in the adaptor main body 32a, and a second ejection nozzle 51 coupled to the cylinder 32b. The second ejection nozzle 51 serves as a second circulation path through which a second fluid flows.
Referring to FIG. 15, the adaptor main body 32a includes at one end a convex 321 of substantially the same shape as that of the cap 90 of the first container 61. Referring to FIG. 14, a first connection port 32c having a size that allows non-contact entry and retraction of the distal end 35a of the pusher 35 is formed in the center of the convex 321. Referring to FIG. 20, the other end of the adaptor main body 32a is formed with a second connection port 32d that holds detachably the second container 62. An opening 32g (refer to FIG. 19) is formed in the side face of the adaptor main body 32a on the side of the second connection port 32d so as to arrange a spout 51c of the second ejection nozzle 51 outside the adaptor main body 32a. Referring to FIG. 24, the spout 51c is positioned, preferably, at a distance in the range between about 50 cm and 80 cm from the cleaning operation surface 22 (refer to FIG. 3), and more preferably, at a distance of about 70 cm from the cleaning operation surface 22. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24, in the state in which the cleaning implement 10 is used by being inclined at an angle of about 45 degrees, for example, a height H of the spout 51c from a floor surface F can be in the range between 40 cm and 60 cm from the floor surface, and more preferably, about 50 cm.
Referring to FIG. 18, a collar 323 extending in the direction orthogonal to an axis of the cylinder 32b is formed at one end of the cylinder 32b. Referring to FIG. 21, the other end of the cylinder 32b includes an inclined portion 32e that intersects the axial direction at an acute angle toward the second connection port 32d. An intersection angle of the axial direction and the inclined portion 32e is, preferably, in the range between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. The cylinder includes a pair of side walls 32f arranged on both sides of the inclined portion 32e with a space. Referring to FIG. 20, a collar 324 that can abut on a step 325 from inside is integrally formed with the center of the cylinder 32b.
Referring to FIG. 16 or 17, the second ejection nozzle 51 includes a main-body portion 511 and a nozzle portion 512. The second ejection nozzle 51 is formed in T-shape by assembling the main-body portion 511 and the nozzle portion 512. Referring to FIG. 16 or 21, one end 51a of the main-body portion 511 makes contact with the inclined portion 32e. The other end 51b of the main-body portion 511 is connected to the second valve 62a. A connection end 51e of the main-body portion 511 is connected to the nozzle portion 512. Referring to FIG. 17, the spout 51c for ejecting the second fluid is arranged at a T-shaped end of the T-shaped second ejection valve 51 in a position outside the adaptor main body 32a. Part of the second valve 62a is arranged in the space of the pair of side walls 32f.
Referring to FIG. 14, the cylinder 32b and the second ejection nozzle 51 are accommodated in the adaptor main body 32a from the second connection port 32d. Since one end of the adaptor main body 32a has substantially the same shape as that of the cap 90 of the first container 61, one end of the adaptor main body 32a is engaged with the pump 36 of the connection mechanism 31 so that the adaptor main body 32a is held by the connection mechanism 31. At this time, the spout 51c protrudes from the opening 32g (refer to FIG. 19). The spout 51c protrudes from the opening 32g so as to allow ejection backward or opposite of the first ejection nozzle 23 in the front and back direction of the cleaning head 2.
The second container 62 is mounted to the adaptor main body 32a on the side of the second connection port 32d. The second container 32 is a spray can including a tilt-type valve that is tilted in the direction orthogonal to an axis of the second valve 62a so as to eject the second fluid received in the second container 62. Therefore, when the second ejection nozzle 51 is tilted, the second fluid is ejected from the spout 51c. Moreover, since the spout 51c is positioned at the height H from the floor surface F, the second fluid ejected from the spout 51c may be a fluid of lower viscosity such water as well as a fluid of higher viscosity such as foam.
By way of example, the first container 61 may be of a type of a bottle that is moved in the direction parallel to an axis of the first valve 93 so as to drop the first fluid naturally. By way of example, the first fluid includes water, a liquid detergent or a liquid wax. The second fluid includes a polish such as a synthetic wax that becomes solid at room temperatures after drying such as acryl resin wax or polyethylene wax or a natural wax such as Carnauba wax. Adoption of such a wax or polish facilitates coating or wiping on the floor surface.
When the user pulls the lever 71, the lever 71 is pushed into the holding portion 7 against a biasing force of the torsion coil spring 75, rotating the gear 71a. With this, the gear 74a is rotated together with the pulley 74 to wind the belt 73. When the belt 73 is wound on the pulley 74, the pusher 35 moves the cylinder 32b to the second container 62.
When the cylinder 32b is moved to the second container 62, the inclined portion 32e tilts the second ejection nozzle 51 in the direction of orthogonal to the moving direction of the cylinder 32b. With this, referring to FIG. 24, the second fluid within the second container 62 can be ejected backward of the cleaning head 2 from the spout 51c of the second ejection nozzle 51.
When the user stops pulling the lever 71, the lever 71 rotates the pulley 74 in the direction of loosing the belt 73 by a biasing force of the torsion coil spring 75. With this, the pusher 35 is moved in the direction away from the cylinder 32b, providing no force of pushing the cylinder 32b. Furthermore, a returning force of the second valve 62a of the second container 62 acts on the inclined portion 32e of the cylinder 32b. Then, the cylinder 32b is moved in the direction away from the second container 62. Thus, the inclination of the second valve 62a with respect to the second container 62 returns to the vertical state, stopping ejection of the second fluid from the second ejection nozzle 51.
In another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the second ejection nozzle 51 includes an L-shaped portion 51h and a collar 51f formed with the L-shaped portion 51h and extending in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the second valve 62a. The other end of the cylinder 32b includes a protrusion 32h that can push the collar 51f in the position away from the second valve 62a. The L-shaped portion 51h has one end coupled to the second valve 62a, and the other end formed with the spout 51c for ejecting the second fluid to the outside position of the adaptor main body 32a.
The surface with which the protrusion 32h makes contact is separated from a center P of rotation on which the second valve 62a tilts by a distance h in the axial direction. The protrusion 32h makes contact with the collar 51f spaced with respect to the second valve 62a in the direction away from the axial direction. As a result, reciprocation of the cylinder 32b is converted into rotation with the center P of rotation as center so that the second valve 62a is tilted by this rotation by an angle α.
In still another embodiment as shown in FIG. 25, the valve opening and closing device 3 allows mounting of a third container 63 through an adaptor 120 in place of the first container 61. The third container 63 is a spray can including a tilt-type valve that is tilted in the direction orthogonal to an axis of a third valve 63a so as to eject a third fluid received in the third container 63. In this embodiment, the third container 63 contains the third fluid such as wax.
The adaptor 120 includes a cylindrical adaptor main body 130, a cylinder 140 axially movably held in the adaptor main body 130, and a third ejection nozzle 150 coupled to the cylinder 140. The third ejection nozzle 150 serves as a third circulation path through which the third fluid flows.
Referring to FIG. 25, 26 or 27, the adaptor main body 130 includes a cylindrical main-body portion 131, a convex 132 arranged at one end of the main-body portion 131 and having substantially the same shape as that of the cap 90 of the first container 61, a third connection port 133 arranged at the other end of the main-body portion 131 and for holding detachably the third container 63, and an opening 134 arranged in the vicinity of the third connection port 133 and for leading a third ejection nozzle 150 from the cylindrical inside to the outside of the adaptor main body 130.
A fourth connection port 135 having a size that allows non-contact entry and retraction of the distal end 35a of the pusher 35 is formed in the center of the convex 132. The fourth connection port 135 is connected to a cylindrical inner surface 136 of the main-body portion 131. The cylindrical inner surface 136 is connected to the opening 134. A groove is formed in the cylindrical inner surface 136 that extends axially.
Referring to FIG. 27, 28 or 29, the cylinder 140 includes a cylinder main body 141 obtained by combining plate-shaped members 141a in the shape of a cross, a collar 142 formed at one end of the cylinder main body 141, a collar 144 formed through a support 143 formed with the collar 142 and having a smaller diameter than the collar 142, a collar 146 formed through a support 145 formed with the collar 144, a collar 147 formed at the other end of the cylinder main body 141, and a pair of pressing portions 148a and 148b.
The pair of pressing portions 148a and 148b each have a substantially triangular shape with an apex positioned offset with respect to the center, and are formed with the collar 147 with a clearance therebetween that allows arrangement of the third ejection nozzle 150 (refer to FIG. 26). The collar 144 has a shape that allows contact with the step 137 of the adaptor main body 130 from inside. The collar 142 has a shape that allows sliding on the cylindrical inner surface 136 of the adaptor main body 130.
Referring to FIG. 30, 31 or 32, the third ejection nozzle 150 includes a main body 151, an arm 152, and a nozzle portion 153. The main body 151 is formed in T-shape obtained by two pipe-shaped portions 151a and 151b intersecting each other substantially orthogonally. Collars 154a and 145b extend from one end of the pipe-shaped portion 151b. A groove 151d extending axially is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the pipe-shaped portion 151a.
A fit hole 151f that can fit with the third valve 63a of the third container 63 is formed at an end of pipe-shaped portion 151b. The fit hole 151f is connected to a through hole 151e that passes through the main body 151. One opening of the through hole 151e is formed with a fit portion 151c that can fit with a fit portion 152h of the arm 152. The arm 152 is formed in roughly L-shape obtained by two pipe-shaped portions 152a and 152b intersecting each other, and has a through hole 152g. A convex 152e (refer to FIG. 30) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe-shaped portion 152a. An end of the pipe-shaped portion 152a includes fit portion 152h that fits with the pipe-shaped portion 151a so that the convex 152e fits in the groove 151d. With this, the pipe-shaped portion 152a and the pipe-shaped portion 151a ensures a relative positional relationship, and allow hermetic connection between the through hole 151e and the through hole 152g.
A ring-shaped convex 152f is formed on the circumference of an end of the pipe-shaped portion 152b. A concave 152d is formed in the pipe-shaped portion 152a on the side of the pipe-shaped portion 152b.
Referring to FIG. 33, the nozzle portion 153 includes a nozzle main body 153a having a hollow pipe-shaped through hole 153e and a spout 153d formed at one end thereof and connected to the through hole 153e. The other end of the nozzle main body 153a is open to form a fit opening 153b. A convex 153c that can fit in the concave 152d is formed on part of the circumference of the fit opening 153b. A groove 153c that can fit with the convex 152f is formed in the center of the fit opening 153b. With this, the nozzle portion 153 ensures a relative positional relationship with respect to the arm 152, and allows hermetic connection between the through holes 152g and 153e of the arm 152.
Referring to FIG. 31, the third ejection nozzle 150 provides hermetic connection from the third valve 63a of the third container 63 to the spout 153d, forming a third circulation path. Therefore, liquid, such as wax, which is ejected from the third valve 63a, can be ejected from the spout 153d.
Referring to FIG. 25 or 26, the cylinder 140 is accommodated into the adaptor main body 130 from the third connection port 133. The cylinder 140 is maintained in the state that the collars 142 and the collar 147 are slidable axially on the cylindrical inner surface 136. The cylinder 140 includes plate-shaped member 141a extending axially, and is slidably arranged in a groove (not shown) formed in the cylindrical inner surface 136. With this, the cylinder 140 is placed on the cylindrical inner surface 136 in the state of being movable axially, but not rotatable with the axial direction as center of rotation. The collar 146 of the cylinder 140 is positioned in the vicinity of the connection port 135 (refer to FIG. 27).
The fit hole 151f of the third ejection nozzle 150 assembled by the main body 151, arm 152, and nozzle portion 153 is hermetically fitted with the third valve 63a of the third container 63 (refer to FIG. 31).
Referring to FIG. 31, the third container 63 is fitted and held in the third connection port 133 of the adaptor main body 130. At this time, the spout 153d of the third ejection nozzle 150 protrudes from the opening 134. The third ejection nozzle 150 protrudes from the opening 134 so as to allows ejection backward or opposite of the first ejection nozzle 23 in the front and back direction of the cleaning head 2.
Since one end of the adaptor main body 130 has substantially the same shape as that of the cap 90 of the first container 61, it can be fitted in the pump 36 of the connection mechanism 31 so that the adaptor main body 130 is held by the connection mechanism 31.
Referring to FIG. 34, the apexes of the pair of pressing parts 148a and 148b of the cylinder 140 are arranged in the position where they can push the collars 154a and 154b (refer to FIG. 25 or 26).
When the user pulls the lever 71, the lever 71 is pushed into the holding portion 7 against a biasing force of the torsion coil spring 75, rotating the gear 71a. With this, the gear 74a is rotated together with the pulley 74 to wind the belt 73. When the belt 73 is wound on the pulley 74, the pusher 35 pushes the convex 146a formed in the collar 146 of the cylinder 140, moving the cylinder 140 to the third container 63.
Referring to FIG. 34, when the cylinder 149 moves to the third container 63, each of the pair of pressing parts 148a and 149b presses the collar 154a and 154b respectively. Then, the pair of pressing parts inclines the third valve 63a. With this, the third liquid which is in the third container 63 can be ejected from the spout 153d of the third ejection nozzle 150 backward of the cleaning head 2.
Therefore, referring to FIG. 33, when the third ejection nozzle 51 is tilted, the third fluid is ejected from the spout 153d. Moreover, since the spout 153d is positioned at the height H from the floor surface F, the third fluid ejected from the spout 153d may be a fluid of lower viscosity such as water as well as a fluid of higher viscosity such as foam. Specifically, the spout 153d is positioned, preferably, at a distance in the range between about 50 cm and 80 cm from the cleaning operation surface 22 (refer to FIG. 35), and more preferably, at a distance of about 70 cm from the cleaning operation surface 22. Therefore, in the state in which the cleaning implement 10 is used by being inclined at an angle of about 45 degrees, for example, the height H of the spout 153d from the floor surface F can be in the range between 40 cm and 60 cm from the floor surface F, and more preferably, about 50 cm.
Referring to FIG. 35, when adopting the pipe 8 of 1145 mm length, an angle of 60 degrees between the pipe 8 and the floor surface F, and the third container 63 with a tilt-type valve, trial calculation is made about the minimum ejection area and maximum ejection area of a wax ejected from the spout 153d of the third ejection nozzle 150. The results of trial calculation are given by points P3 and P4. In this case, the minimum designates a state that the third valve 63a of the aerosol can (third container 63) with a tilt-type valve just begins to open when a force of pulling the lever is 20 N, whereas the maximum designates a state that the third valve 63a opens maximally when a force of pulling the lever 71 is 24 N.
In the drawing, points P1 and P2 correspond to the case in which an angle between the floor F and the pipe 8 is 45 degrees. The point P1 designates a content landing point when pulling the lever 71 slightly so that the third valve 63a just begins to open, whereas the point P2 designates a content landing point when pulling the lever 71 maximally so that the third valve 63a opens to the maximum extent.
When the user stops pulling the lever 71, the lever 71 rotates the pulley 74 in the direction of loosening the belt 73 by a biasing force of the torsion coil spring 75. With this, the pusher 35 is moved in the direction away from the cylinder 140, providing no force of pushing the cylinder 140. Furthermore, a returning force of the third valve 63a of the third container 63 acts on the pair of pressing portions 148a and 148b of the cylinder 140. Then, the cylinder 140 is moved in the direction away from the third container 63. Thus, the inclination of the third valve 63a with respect to the third container 63 returns to the vertical state, stopping ejection of the third fluid from the third ejection nozzle 150.
In still another embodiment as shown in FIG. 36, a fourth ejection nozzle 160 is provided to the third container 63 in place of the third ejection nozzle 150. The fourth ejection nozzle 160 has a shape roughly like a hammer, and is composed of a support 162 and a nozzle portion 163 in place of the arm 152 and nozzle portion 153 of the third ejection nozzle 150.
Referring to FIGS. 37A to 37C, the support 162 is formed by making a cylindrical portion 162a with a through hole 162b and a head portion 162f intersect each other. A convex 162e extending axially is formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 162a. The convex 162e engages in a groove 151d, and one end 162h of the head portion 162f fits in the fit portion 151c. A wedge-shaped inner surface 162j is formed on the head portion 162f, and has a bottom formed with an opening 162k. A thorough hole 162b is connected to the inner surface 162j.
Referring to FIGS. 38A to 38C, a nozzle portion 163 of a wedge shape includes a wedge portion 163a and a plate portion 163b. A groove 163c is formed in one surface of the wedge portion 163a, which is linked with an end face of the wedge portion 163a. A concave 163d is formed in the other surface of the wedge portion 163a.
Referring to FIG. 39, the fourth ejection nozzle 160 is formed by press fitting the wedge portion 163a of the nozzle portion 163 into the inner surface 162j of the head portion 162f. With this, the groove 163c and the inner surface 162j of the head portion 162f cooperate to define part of a fourth circulation path that communicates with the through hole 152g. Specifically, fluid flowing through the through hole 162b strikes the bottom of the groove 163c and turns to the opening 162k for ejection therefrom.
Referring to FIG. 40, the adaptor 121 uses a fourth container 64 provided with a press-down-type valve in place of the third container 63 provided with a tilt-type valve. A cylinder 140′ includes a convex 149 in the center of the collar 147. When the cylinder 140′ is moved axially (direction of an arrow), the convex 149 pushes the third ejection nozzle 150, so that the content of the fourth container 64 is ejected from the spout 153d of the third ejection nozzle 150. Therefore, the cleaning implement 10 using the fourth container 64 provided with a press-down-type valve can carry out ejection in a given range even if pulling conditions of the lever 71 change during cleaning, since an angle of the third ejection nozzle does not change.
While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated above, it is to be understood that they are exemplary of the invention and are not to be considered to be limiting. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered to be limited by the foregoing description and is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
Patent Grant
7708484
