JP7742264B2 - cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning device.

One conventional technique for cleaning the windows of high-rise buildings involves pressing a pair of squeegees and a thick sponge placed between them against the window glass, supplying cleaning liquid from a water supply pipe through the sponge while sliding the pair of squeegees and sponge horizontally, and sucking up dirty water scraped up by the pair of squeegees through the sponge and into a suction pipe (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-329067

However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, as mentioned above, cleaning liquid is supplied from the water supply pipe via the sponge, and wastewater is sucked up by the suction pipe via the sponge. This means that the sponge can hinder the absorption of cleaning liquid or the suction of wastewater, making it difficult to effectively absorb cleaning liquid or suction wastewater. Specifically, there is a risk that cleaning liquid or wastewater will drip down the window glass from the lower ends of the pair of squeegees, leaving areas of cleaning liquid or wastewater unwiped. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of improving the cleanability of surfaces to be cleaned, such as window glass.

The present invention aims to solve the problems of the conventional technology described above and provide a cleaning device that can improve the cleaning performance of the surface to be cleaned.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the cleaning device described in claim 1 is a cleaning device for cleaning a surface to be cleaned that is at least approximately along a vertical direction, and includes a sprinkler means for sprinkling cleaning water onto the surface to be cleaned, the sprinkler means having a sprinkler-side water channel that is provided so as to extend from the side of the surface to be cleaned to the opposite side, a first squeegee rubber for wiping off the cleaning water that has adhered to the surface to be cleaned, and a second squeegee rubber that is provided at an interval from the first squeegee rubber and connected to the first squeegee rubber via a spacer, and the cleaning water that has been wiped off by the first squeegee rubber is circulated while preventing the cleaning water sprinkled by the sprinkler means from scattering. a second squeegee rubber for collecting the cleaning water collected by the second squeegee rubber; a suction means for sucking up the cleaning water collected by the second squeegee rubber, the suction means being located below the water spray means and having a suction side water channel extending from the side of the surface to be cleaned to the opposite side; and a hollow space portion provided between the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber so as to communicate with each of the water spray side water channel and the suction side water channel, the hollow space portion assisting the water spraying of the cleaning water by the water spray means and/or the suction of the cleaning water by the suction means , wherein the width of the water spray side water channel and/or the width of the suction side water channel are narrowed from the end side of the cleaning device in the vertical direction toward the center.

The cleaning device according to claim 2 is a cleaning device for cleaning a surface to be cleaned that is at least approximately along a vertical direction, and includes a sprinkler means for sprinkling cleaning water onto the surface to be cleaned, the sprinkler means having a sprinkler-side water channel that is provided so as to extend from the side of the surface to be cleaned to the opposite side, a first squeegee rubber for wiping off the cleaning water that has adhered to the surface to be cleaned, and a second squeegee rubber that is provided at an interval from the first squeegee rubber and connected to the first squeegee rubber via a spacer, the second squeegee rubber for collecting the cleaning water that has been wiped off by the first squeegee rubber while preventing the cleaning water sprinkled by the sprinkler means from scattering, and a vacuum cleaner for suctioning the cleaning water that has been collected by the second squeegee rubber. the cleaning device is provided with a suction means for spraying the cleaning water by the sprinkler means and/or a hollow space portion provided between the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber so as to communicate with each of the spray side water channel and the suction side water channel, the hollow space portion assisting the spraying of the cleaning water by the sprinkler means and/or the suction of the cleaning water by the suction means, the suction means being one or more first suction ports provided on the side of the surface to be cleaned of the second squeegee rubber, the first suction port for sucking in the cleaning water, and/or a second suction port provided at least at the lower end of the cleaning device, the hollow space portion being provided with a second suction port for sucking in the cleaning water.

The cleaning device described in claim 3 is the cleaning device described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the second squeegee rubber is thinner than the thickness of the first squeegee rubber.

The cleaning device described in claim 4 is the cleaning device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a suppression means for suppressing bending of the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber when they are pressed against the surface to be cleaned.

The cleaning device described in claim 5 is a cleaning device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the sprinkler means and the suction means are configured so that when the cleaning device is used upside down, the sprinkler means functions as the suction means and the suction means functions as the sprinkler means.

According to the cleaning device described in claim 1, there is provided a hollow space portion between the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber that is connected to each of the sprinkler side water channel and the suction side water channel, and which assists in the sprinkling of cleaning water by the sprinkler means and/or the suction of cleaning water by the suction means.Therefore, compared to conventional technology (technology in which cleaning liquid is supplied or dirty water is sucked up through a thick sponge placed between a pair of squeegees), the sprinkling of cleaning water by the sprinkler means and/or the suction of cleaning water by the suction means can be performed more effectively, and the cleaning ability of the cleaning device (for example, by reducing the amount of cleaning water left behind by wiping) can be improved.
In addition, the width of the spray side water channel and/or the width of the suction side water channel are narrowed from the vertical end side of the cleaning device toward the center, thereby increasing the spray power and suction power of the cleaning water and further improving the cleaning ability of the cleaning device.

According to the cleaning device described in claim 2, there is provided a hollow space portion between the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber that is connected to each of the sprinkler side water channel and the suction side water channel, and which assists in the sprinkling of cleaning water by the sprinkler means and/or the suction of cleaning water by the suction means.Therefore, compared to conventional technology (technology in which cleaning liquid is supplied or dirty water is sucked up through a thick sponge placed between a pair of squeegees), the sprinkling of cleaning water by the sprinkler means and/or the suction of cleaning water can be performed more effectively, and the cleaning ability of the cleaning device (for example, by reducing the amount of cleaning water left behind by wiping) can be improved.
In addition, the suction means is a first suction port provided at least one on the side of the second squeegee rubber facing the surface to be cleaned, the first suction port being for sucking up cleaning water, or/and a second suction port provided at least at the lower end of the cleaning device, the second suction port being for sucking up cleaning water, so that the cleaning water collected by the second squeegee rubber can be effectively sucked up and leakage of cleaning water can be suppressed.

According to the cleaning device described in claim 3, the thickness of the second squeegee rubber is thinner than the thickness of the first squeegee rubber. Therefore, compared to when the second squeegee rubber is thicker than the first squeegee rubber, it is easier to ensure the width of the hollow space when the first and second squeegee rubbers are pressed against the surface to be cleaned. This makes it easier to assist the suction of cleaning water by the suction means, and therefore makes it easier to ensure the suction force of the cleaning water. Furthermore, the load on the surface to be cleaned when the second squeegee rubber is pressed against it can be relatively reduced, making it easier to avoid damage to the surface to be cleaned by the second squeegee rubber.

The cleaning device described in claim 4 is provided with a suppression means for suppressing bending of the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber when they are pressed against the surface to be cleaned. This makes it possible to suppress bending of the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber when they are pressed against the surface to be cleaned, making it easier to ensure the usability of the cleaning device.

According to the cleaning device described in claim 5, the sprinkler means and the suction means are configured so that when the cleaning device is used upside down, the sprinkler means functions as the suction means and the suction means functions as the sprinkler means, so the cleaning device can be used even when upside down, thereby improving the usability of the cleaning device.

1 is a front view of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. 1 (partially omitted); 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1 (partially omitted). 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 1 (partially omitted). 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 2. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the cleaning device is used.

Embodiments of a cleaning device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, [I] the basic concept of the embodiment will be explained, followed by [II] specific details of the embodiment, and finally, [III] modifications to the embodiment will be explained. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[I] Basic Concept of the Embodiment First, the basic concept of the embodiment will be described. The embodiment generally relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a surface to be cleaned that is at least substantially along the vertical direction.

Here, "surface to be cleaned" refers to the surface of a structure (e.g., a wall surface, glass surface, etc.) that is to be cleaned. It is a concept that includes, for example, the outer or inner surfaces of a structure that are roughly aligned in the vertical direction, or inclined outer or inner surfaces, but in this embodiment, it will be described as a glass surface of the outer surface of a structure that is roughly aligned in the vertical direction.

Furthermore, the specific structure and type of "structure" are arbitrary, but the concept includes, for example, architectural structures such as office buildings, commercial facilities, public facilities, and apartment complexes such as condominiums and apartment buildings, as well as civil engineering structures such as bridges, tunnels, and dams. However, in this embodiment, we will explain it as an office building.

[II] Specific Contents of the Embodiment Next, specific contents of the embodiment will be described.

(composition)
First, the configuration of the cleaning device according to the embodiment will be described.

In the following description, the X direction in Figure 1 is referred to as the left-right direction of the cleaning device (the -X direction is the left direction of the cleaning device, and the +X direction is the right direction of the cleaning device), the Y direction in Figure 2 is referred to as the front-to-back direction of the cleaning device (the +Y direction is the front direction of the cleaning device, and the -Y direction is the rear direction of the cleaning device), and the Z direction in Figure 1 is referred to as the up-down direction of the cleaning device (the +Z direction is the top direction of the cleaning device, and the -Z direction is the bottom direction of the cleaning device).

The cleaning device 1 is a device for cleaning the cleaning target surface SC (specifically, the glass surface of a structure) shown in Figure 7. This cleaning device 1 is attached to a moving unit (not shown) provided on a cleaning gondola (not shown), and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, it includes a water spray unit 10, a first squeegee rubber 20, a second squeegee rubber 30, a spacer 40, a suction unit 50, a suppression unit 60, and a cover unit 70.

Here, the "moving unit" refers to a moving means that moves the cleaning device 1 approximately horizontally relative to a frame unit (not shown) provided on the cleaning gondola. It is configured using, for example, a known articulated robot or a known moving device, and is installed so that it can move approximately horizontally (specifically, approximately horizontally along the surface to be cleaned SC) relative to the frame unit via a sliding member (not shown).

(Configuration - Watering section)
1, the sprinkler unit 10 is a sprinkler means for sprinkling cleaning water (not shown) onto the cleaning target surface SC. As shown in FIG. 1, the sprinkler unit 10 is provided on the upper side of the cleaning device 1 and includes a sprinkler-side water channel 11 and a sprinkler-side connection part 12.

Here, "cleaning water" refers to water used to clean the surface SC to be cleaned, and includes, for example, tap water or tap water mixed with detergent.

(Configuration - Sprinkler section - Sprinkler side channel)
The water spray-side channel 11 is a channel for flowing cleaning water toward the surface to be cleaned SC. This water spray-side channel 11 is a space formed by a water spray-side spacer 41 (described later) and a central spacer 43 (described later), and is provided so as to extend from the surface to be cleaned SC to the opposite side. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the water spray-side channel 11 is provided so as to slope downward toward the surface to be cleaned SC (the right side in Figure 1).

(Configuration - Sprinkler section - Sprinkler side connection section)
The sprinkler side connector 12 is a sprinkler side connector for connecting the sprinkler side channel 11 and the sprinkler hose 13 (shown by phantom lines in FIG. 1). This sprinkler side connector 12 is configured using, for example, a known, substantially cylindrical hose connector, and is provided on the opposite side of the sprinkler side channel 11 from the surface SC to be cleaned (on the left side in FIG. 1), as shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the sprinkler side connector 12 is provided adjacent to the sprinkler side connector 12 so that the sprinkler side channel 11 and the sprinkler side connector 12 are in communication with each other.

Here, the "watering hose 13" refers to a hose for sending cleaning water supplied from a supply device (not shown) to the watering channel 11, and is constructed using, for example, a known hose.

Details of the configuration of the sprinkler unit 10 will be described later.

(Configuration - First Squeegee Rubber)
2, the first squeegee rubber 20 is a squeegee rubber for wiping off cleaning water adhering to the cleaning target surface SC. This first squeegee rubber 20 is, for example, a long, well-known cleaning squeegee rubber, and as shown in Figures 2 and 3, is disposed forward of the spray-side water channel 11 so that the longitudinal direction of the first squeegee rubber 20 is substantially aligned with the up-down direction.

Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the first squeegee rubber 20 are optional, but in this embodiment they are set as follows:

That is, the front shape of the first squeegee rubber 20 is set to be approximately rectangular. However, this is not limited to this, and it may be set to, for example, an approximately oval shape.

In addition, the left-right length of the first squeegee rubber 20 is set to be longer than the left-right length of the spray side water channel 11.

The vertical length of the first squeegee rubber 20 is set to a length that corresponds to the size of the surface SC to be cleaned, and may be set to, for example, approximately the same as the vertical length of the cleaning device 1.

The thickness of the first squeegee rubber 20 (length in the front-to-rear direction in Figure 2) is set to a thickness that provides the desired pressure resistance.

Details of the configuration of the first squeegee rubber 20 will be described later.

(Configuration - Second Squeegee Rubber)
The second squeegee rubber 30 is a squeegee rubber that collects the cleaning water wiped up by the first squeegee rubber 20 while preventing the cleaning water sprayed by the spray unit 10 from scattering. The second squeegee rubber 30 is configured, for example, by a long, well-known cleaning squeegee rubber, and is provided at a distance from the first squeegee rubber 20. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 , the second squeegee rubber 30 is provided rearward of the spray-side water channel 11 so that the longitudinal direction of the second squeegee rubber 30 is approximately aligned with the up-down direction.

Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the second squeegee rubber 30 are optional, but in this embodiment they are set as follows:

That is, the front shape of the second squeegee rubber 30 is set to be approximately rectangular. However, this is not limited to this, and it may be set to, for example, an approximately oval shape.

Furthermore, the left-right length of the second squeegee rubber 30 is set to be longer than the left-right length of the sprinkler side water channel 11, and may be set, for example, to be shorter than the left-right length of the first squeegee rubber 20 (or to be longer than the left-right length of the first squeegee rubber 20).

In addition, the vertical length of the second squeegee rubber 30 is set to a length that corresponds to the size of the surface SC to be cleaned, and may, for example, be set to be approximately the same as the vertical length of the second squeegee rubber 30.

The thickness of the second squeegee rubber 30 (length in the front-to-rear direction in Figure 2) is set to a thickness that provides the desired pressure resistance.

Details of the configuration of the second squeegee rubber 30 will be described later.

(Configuration - Spacer)
1, the spacer 40 supports the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30, and is used to form the spray-side water channel 11, the suction-side water channel 51, and the hollow space 80 described below. This spacer 40 is made of, for example, a rubber spacer material, and as shown in Figures 1 and 3, is provided so as to abut against each of the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30 in the gap G between the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30 (for example, a gap G of about 1 mm to 2 mm), and is connected to the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30 with an adhesive or the like.

Also, as shown in Figure 1, the spacer 40 includes a spray side spacer 41, a suction side spacer 42, and a central spacer 43.

(Configuration - Spacer - Watering side spacer)
The water-spraying side spacer 41 is provided on the water-spraying section 10 side, and specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, it is provided at the upper end of the gap G.

Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the spray side spacer 41 are optional, but in this embodiment they are set as follows:

In other words, the front shape of the spray side spacer 41 is set to be approximately rectangular.

In addition, the left-right length of the sprinkler side spacer 41 is set to be approximately the same as the left-right length of the sprinkler side channel 11.

In addition, the vertical length of the sprinkler side spacer 41 is set to be shorter than the vertical length of the sprinkler side channel 11.

In addition, the thickness of the water spray side spacer 41 (length in the front-to-rear direction in Figure 4) is set to a thickness that is capable of supporting the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30 and that prevents cleaning water from being left behind on the surface SC to be cleaned.

(Configuration - Spacer - Suction side spacer)
Returning to FIG. 1, the suction-side spacer 42 is provided on the suction section 50 side, and more specifically, is provided at the lower end of the gap G as shown in FIG.

Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the suction side spacer 42 are optional, but in this embodiment, they are set to be approximately the same as the shape and size of the spray side spacer 41.

(Configuration - Spacer - Center Spacer)
The central spacer 43 is arranged between the sprinkler side spacer 41 and the suction side spacer 42, and specifically, as shown in Figure 1, it is arranged so as to extend from near the upper end of the gap G to near the lower end.

The specific shape and size of the central spacer 43 are optional, but in this embodiment they are set as follows:

In other words, the front shape of the central spacer 43 is set to be approximately rectangular.

In addition, the left-right length of the central spacer 43 is set to be approximately the same as the left-right length of the spray side channel 11.

In addition, the vertical length of the central spacer 43 is set to be longer than the vertical length of the sprinkler side channel 11; specifically, it is set to be longer than the vertical length of the sprinkler side spacer 41 (or suction side spacer 42) and shorter than the vertical length of the first squeegee rubber 20 (or second squeegee rubber 30).

The thickness of the central spacer 43 (the length in the front-to-rear direction in Figure 4) is set to a thickness that is capable of supporting the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30 and that prevents cleaning water from being left behind on the surface SC to be cleaned.

(Configuration - suction part)
Returning to Fig. 1, the suction unit 50 is a suction means for sucking up the cleaning water collected by the second squeegee rubber 30. As shown in Fig. 1, the suction unit 50 is provided on the lower side of the cleaning device 1, and includes a suction-side water channel 51 and a suction-side connection part 52.

(Configuration - Suction part - Suction side waterway)
The suction-side water channel 51 is a water channel for flowing cleaning water in a direction opposite to the cleaning target surface SC. This suction-side water channel 51 is a space formed by the suction-side spacer 42 and the central spacer 43, and is provided so as to extend from the cleaning target surface SC to the opposite side. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 6, the suction-side water channel 51 is provided so as to slope upward toward the cleaning target surface SC (the right side in Figure 1).

(Configuration - Suction part - Suction side connection part)
The suction-side connector 52 is a suction-side connector for connecting the suction-side water channel 51 and the suction hose 53 (shown by imaginary lines in Fig. 1 ). This suction-side connector 52 is configured using, for example, a known, substantially cylindrical hose connector, and is provided on the opposite side of the suction-side water channel 51 from the cleaning target surface SC (the left side in Fig. 1 ), as shown in Fig. 1 . Specifically, the suction-side connector 52 is provided adjacent to the suction-side connector 52 so that the suction-side water channel 51 and the suction-side connector 52 communicate with each other.

Here, the "suction hose 53" refers to a hose used to send the cleaning water collected by the suction water channel 51 to a collection device (not shown), and may be constructed using, for example, a known hose.

Details of the configuration of the suction unit 50 will be described later.

(Configuration - Suppression part)
The suppression section 60 is a suppression means for suppressing bending of the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30 when the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30 are pressed against the surface SC to be cleaned, and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, it is provided with a first suppression section 61 and a second suppression section 62.

(Configuration - Suppressing part - First suppressing part)
The first suppression portion 61 is intended to suppress bending of the first squeegee rubber 20. This first suppression portion 61 is formed, for example, from a long resin plate, and is provided so as to directly abut against the front surface of the first squeegee rubber 20. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 , the first suppression portion 61 is provided forward of the first squeegee rubber 20 so that the longitudinal direction of the first suppression portion 61 is approximately aligned with the up-down direction.

Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the first suppression unit 61 are arbitrary, but in this embodiment they are set as follows:

That is, the front shape of the first suppression section 61 is set to be approximately rectangular. However, this is not limited to this, and it may be set to, for example, an approximately elliptical shape.

In addition, the left-right length of the first suppression portion 61 is set to be shorter than the left-right length of the first squeegee rubber 20.

Furthermore, the vertical length of the first suppression portion 61 may be set to be approximately the same as the vertical length of the first squeegee rubber 20.

The thickness of the first suppression section 61 (the length in the front-to-rear direction in Figure 2) is set to a thickness that can suppress bending of the first squeegee rubber 20, and may be set to, for example, approximately 2 mm.

(Configuration - Suppressing part - Second suppressing part)
The second suppression portion 62 is intended to suppress bending of the second squeegee rubber 30. This second suppression portion 62 is formed, for example, from a long resin plate, and may be provided so as to directly abut the front surface of the second squeegee rubber 30. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second suppression portion 62 is provided rearward of the second squeegee rubber 30, with the longitudinal direction of the second suppression portion 62 roughly aligned with the up-down direction.

Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the second suppression unit 62 are arbitrary, but in this embodiment, they are set to be approximately the same as the shape and size of the first suppression unit 61.

This suppression section 60 can suppress bending of the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30 when they are pressed against the surface SC to be cleaned, making it easier to ensure the usability of the cleaning device 1.

(Configuration - Cover)
Returning to Figure 1, the cover portion 70 is a cover means for supporting and covering the first squeegee rubber 20, the second squeegee rubber 30, and the suppression portion 60, and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, it has a first cover portion 71 and a second cover portion 72.

(Configuration—Cover Part—First Cover Part)
The first cover portion 71 is intended to cover the front surfaces of the first squeegee rubber 20 and the first suppression portion 61. The first cover portion 71 is formed, for example, from a long steel plate (for example, a stainless steel plate) and is provided so as to indirectly abut against the front surface of the first suppression portion 61 via a packing material 75 (alternatively, the first cover portion 71 may be provided so as to directly abut against the front surface of the first suppression portion 61). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first cover portion 71 is provided forward of the first suppression portion 61 so that the longitudinal direction of the first cover portion 71 is substantially aligned with the up-down direction.

Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the first cover portion 71 are optional, but in this embodiment they are set as follows:

That is, the front shape of the first cover part 71 is set to be approximately rectangular. However, this is not limited to this, and it may be set to, for example, an approximately oval shape.

In addition, the left-right length of the first cover portion 71 is set to be shorter than the left-right length of the first suppression portion 61.

Furthermore, the vertical length of the first cover portion 71 may be set to be approximately the same as the vertical length of the first suppression portion 61.

The thickness of the first cover portion 71 (length in the front-to-rear direction in Figure 2) is set to a thickness that can support the first squeegee rubber 20, the second squeegee rubber 30, and the suppression portion 60, and may be set to, for example, approximately 1 mm.

(Configuration—Cover Part—Second Cover Part)
The second cover portion 72 is intended to cover the second squeegee rubber 30 and the second suppression portion 62. The second cover portion 72 is formed, for example, from a long steel plate (for example, a stainless steel plate) and is provided so as to directly abut against the rear surface of the second suppression portion 62 (alternatively, the second cover portion 72 may be provided so as to indirectly abut against the rear surface of the second suppression portion 62 via a packing material 75). Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 , the second cover portion 72 is provided rearward of the second suppression portion 62 so that the longitudinal direction of the second cover portion 72 is approximately aligned with the up-down direction.

Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the second cover portion 72 are arbitrary, but in this embodiment, they are set to be approximately the same as the shape and size of the second suppression portion 62.

Furthermore, the method for supporting the first squeegee rubber 20, second squeegee rubber 30, and suppression unit 60 by the cover unit 70 is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, support is achieved by connecting the first cover unit 71, first suppression unit 61, first squeegee rubber 20, central spacer 43, second squeegee rubber 30, second suppression unit 62, and second cover unit 72 using the connection unit 73.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, the connection portion 73 includes a first connection portion 73a (e.g., a known clamp bolt, etc.) that passes through insertion holes 73c formed in the first cover portion 71, first suppression portion 61, first squeegee rubber 20, central spacer 43, second squeegee rubber 30, second suppression portion 62, and second cover portion 72, and a second connection portion 73b (e.g., a known nut, etc.) that maintains the first connection portion 73a inserted through the insertion hole 73c. Support is provided by connecting the second connection portion 73b (e.g., a known nut, etc.) to the first connection portion 73a in this inserted state (i.e., support is provided by connecting the first squeegee rubber 20 and second squeegee rubber 30 via the spacer 40).

(Configuration - Details of the configuration of the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber)
1 , we will now explain in detail the configuration of the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30. However, unless otherwise specified, the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30 can be manufactured in any shape, by any method, and from any material.

First, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, a hollow space 80 is provided between the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30.

(Configuration—Details of the Configuration of the First Squeegee Rubber and the Second Squeegee Rubber 30—Hollow Space Portion)
The hollow space 80 assists the spraying of cleaning water by the spray unit 10 and/or the suction of cleaning water by the suction unit 50 .

Here, "assisting the spraying of cleaning water and/or the suction of cleaning water" refers to, for example, making it easier to guide the cleaning water so that it directly hits the surface SC to be cleaned when spraying cleaning water, and/or making it easier to guide the cleaning water collected by the second squeegee rubber 30 to the suction-side water channel 51 when suctioning cleaning water.

This hollow space 80 is a long space that is arranged within the gap G so as to communicate with each of the sprinkler side channel 11 and the suction side channel 51. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the hollow space 80 is arranged on the cleaning surface SC side (the right side in FIG. 1) of the sprinkler side channel 11 and the suction side channel 51, with the longitudinal direction of the hollow space 80 roughly aligned vertically. Furthermore, the upper end of the hollow space 80 is connected to the end of the sprinkler side channel 11 on the cleaning surface SC side, and the lower end of the hollow space 80 is connected to the end of the suction side channel 51 on the cleaning surface SC side.

Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the hollow space 80 are arbitrary, but in this embodiment they are set as follows.

In other words, the front shape of the hollow space 80 is set to be approximately rectangular.

Furthermore, the left-right length of the hollow space 80 is set to be shorter than the left-right length of the sprinkler side water channel 11 (or suction side water channel 51), and may be set to, for example, approximately 9 mm.

The length of the hollow space 80 in the front-to-rear direction is set to a length that can assist the spraying of cleaning water by the spray unit 10 and the suction of cleaning water by the suction unit 50. Specifically, it is set to be approximately the same as (or longer than) the length of the spray side water channel 11 (or suction side water channel 51) in the front-to-rear direction, and may be set to, for example, approximately 1 mm to 2 mm.

In addition, the vertical length of the hollow space 80 is set to be approximately the same as the vertical length of the first squeegee rubber 20 (or second squeegee rubber 30).

This hollow space 80 allows the spray unit 10 to spray cleaning water and the suction unit 50 to suck up cleaning water more effectively than conventional technology (technologies that supply cleaning liquid and suck up dirty water via thick sponges placed between a pair of squeegees), improving the cleaning performance of the cleaning device 1 (for example, reducing the amount of cleaning water left behind).

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the thickness of the second squeegee rubber 30 is set to be thinner than the thickness of the first squeegee rubber 20.

For example, if the thickness of the first squeegee rubber 20 is set to approximately 2 mm, the thickness of the second squeegee rubber 30 may be set to approximately 1 mm.

As a result, compared to when the second squeegee rubber 30 is made thicker than the first squeegee rubber 20, it is easier to ensure the width of the hollow space 80 (the length in the front-to-rear direction in Figure 2) when the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30 are pressed against the surface to be cleaned SC, which makes it easier to assist the suction of cleaning water by the suction section 50 and ensure the suction force of the cleaning water. In addition, the load on the surface to be cleaned SC when the second squeegee rubber 30 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned SC can be relatively reduced, making it easier to avoid damage to the surface to be cleaned SC caused by the second squeegee rubber 30.

(Configuration - Details of the configuration of the water spray unit and suction unit)
Next, we will explain the details of the configuration of the sprinkler unit 10 and the suction unit 50. However, unless otherwise specified, the sprinkler unit 10 and the suction unit 50 can be manufactured in any shape, by any method, and with any material.

First, in this embodiment, the width of the spray side water channel 11 (length in the front-to-rear direction in Figure 4) and the width of the suction side water channel 51 (length in the front-to-rear direction in Figure 4) are set to become narrower from the ends toward the center in the vertical direction of the cleaning device 1.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the width of the sprinkler side channel 11 is set so that the width at the upper end of the sprinkler side channel 11 is shorter than the width at the lower end of the sprinkler side channel 11. For example, the width at the upper end of the sprinkler side channel 11 may be set to 2 mm, and the width at the lower end of the sprinkler side channel 11 may be set to 1 mm. Furthermore, the width of the suction side channel 51 is set so that the width at the lower end of the suction side channel 51 is shorter than the width at the upper end of the sprinkler side channel 11. For example, the width at the upper end of the suction side channel 51 may be set to 1 mm, and the width at the lower end of the suction side channel 51 may be set to 2 mm.

In this case, as shown in Figure 4, the thickness of the sprinkler side spacer 41 (front-to-back length in Figure 4) is set to be thicker than the thickness of the central spacer 43 (front-to-back length in Figure 4), and the thickness of the suction side spacer 42 (front-to-back length in Figure 2) is set to be thicker than the thickness of the central spacer 43.

This setting increases the spray power and suction power of the cleaning water, further improving the cleaning performance of the cleaning device 1.

Returning to FIG. 1, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the suction unit 50 has a first suction port 54 and a second suction port 55.

Of these, the first suction port 54 is an opening for sucking in cleaning water, and one or more first suction ports 54 are provided on the side of the second squeegee rubber 30 facing the surface to be cleaned SC (the right side in Figure 6). Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, multiple first suction ports 54 are provided by cutting out the lower end portion and its surrounding area of the end of the second squeegee rubber 30 facing the surface to be cleaned SC (in Figure 6, multiple first suction ports 54 are arranged vertically at intervals from each other).

The second suction port 55 is an opening for sucking in cleaning water and is provided at least at the lower end of the cleaning device 1. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, it is provided by cutting out a portion of the lower end of the suction side spacer 42 that faces the surface to be cleaned SC.

These first suction ports 54 and second suction ports 55 allow the cleaning water collected by the second squeegee rubber 30 to be effectively sucked in, preventing cleaning water from leaking.

Returning to Figure 1, in this embodiment, the sprinkler unit 10 and the suction unit 50 are configured so that when the cleaning device 1 is used upside down, the sprinkler unit 10 functions as the suction unit 50 and the suction unit 50 functions as the sprinkler unit 10.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6, the sprinkler side channel 11 is configured so that when the sprinkler side channel 11 is rotated around the axis of symmetry AS in Figure 1, its position, shape, and size approximately match those of the suction side channel 51. Furthermore, the suction side channel 51 is configured so that when the sprinkler side channel 11 is rotated around the axis of symmetry AS in Figure 1, its position, shape, and size approximately match those of the sprinkler side channel 11. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the sprinkler unit 10 includes a plurality of first suction ports 54 formed by cutting out the upper end and nearby portions of the end of the second squeegee rubber 30 facing the surface to be cleaned SC, and second suction ports 55 formed by cutting out the portion of the upper end of the sprinkler side spacer 41 facing the surface to be cleaned SC.

In the embodiment, the "axis of symmetry AS" is described as a horizontal axis (a horizontal axis along the left-right direction in FIG. 1) that is positioned so as to overlap the vertical center point of the first squeegee rubber 20 (or the second squeegee rubber 30) as shown in FIG. 1.

This configuration allows the cleaning device 1 to be used upside down, improving the usability of the cleaning device 1.

(About the operation of the cleaning device)
Next, the operation of the cleaning device 1 attached to the moving part provided on the cleaning gondola will be described.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the ends of the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30 of the cleaning device 1 facing the surface SC to be cleaned are pressed against the surface SC to be cleaned, and while the spray unit 10 sprays cleaning water and the suction unit 50 sucks up cleaning water, the moving unit moves substantially horizontally (front-to-back in FIG. 7), thereby cleaning the surface SC to be cleaned.

In this case, the hollow space 80 assists the spraying of cleaning water by the spray unit 10 and assists the suction of cleaning water by the suction unit 50, allowing for effective spraying and suction of the cleaning water.

In addition, the thickness of the second squeegee rubber 30 is set to be thinner than the thickness of the first squeegee rubber 20, and the suction unit 50 is equipped with a first suction port 54 and a second suction port 55, which makes it easier to assist the suction unit 50 in suctioning cleaning water.

Furthermore, the width of the spray-side water channel 11 and the suction-side water channel 51 are set to become narrower from the ends toward the center in the vertical direction of the cleaning device 1, thereby increasing the spray power and suction power of the cleaning water.

As a result of the above, the cleaning performance of the cleaning device 1 can be improved, and, for example, it is possible to prevent cleaning water from being left behind on the surface SC to be cleaned.

(Effects of the embodiment)
According to this embodiment, a hollow space 80 is provided between the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30 so as to communicate with each of the spray side water channel 11 and the suction side water channel 51, and the hollow space 80 assists the spraying of cleaning water by the spray unit 10 and the suction of cleaning water by the suction unit 50.Therefore, compared to conventional technology (technology in which cleaning liquid is supplied and dirty water is sucked up through a thick sponge provided between a pair of squeegees), the spraying of cleaning water by the spray unit 10 and the suction of cleaning water by the suction unit 50 can be performed more effectively, and the cleaning ability of the cleaning device 1 can be improved (for example, by reducing the amount of cleaning water left behind).

In addition, the width of the spray-side water channel 11 and the suction-side water channel 51 narrows from the ends toward the center in the vertical direction of the cleaning device 1, which increases the spray power and suction power of the cleaning water, further improving the cleaning ability of the cleaning device 1.

Furthermore, because the thickness of the second squeegee rubber 30 is thinner than the thickness of the first squeegee rubber 20, it is easier to ensure the width of the hollow space 80 when the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30 are pressed against the surface to be cleaned SC, compared to when the thickness of the second squeegee rubber 30 is thicker than the first squeegee rubber 20. This makes it easier to assist the suction of cleaning water by the suction section 50, making it easier to ensure the suction force of the cleaning water. Furthermore, the load on the surface to be cleaned SC when the second squeegee rubber 30 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned SC can be relatively reduced, making it easier to avoid damage to the surface to be cleaned SC caused by the second squeegee rubber 30.

In addition, the cleaning device 1 is provided with a suppression section 60 for suppressing bending of the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30 when they are pressed against the surface SC to be cleaned. This makes it possible to suppress bending of the first squeegee rubber 20 and the second squeegee rubber 30 when they are pressed against the surface SC to be cleaned, making it easier to ensure usability of the cleaning device 1.

The suction unit 50 is provided with one or more first suction ports 54 on the side of the second squeegee rubber 30 facing the surface SC to be cleaned, and is equipped with a first suction port 54 for sucking in cleaning water, and a second suction port 55 provided at least at the lower end of the cleaning device 1, and is equipped with a second suction port 55 for sucking in cleaning water. This allows for effective sucking in of cleaning water collected by the second squeegee rubber 30, and prevents cleaning water from leaking.

Furthermore, the water spray unit 10 and the suction unit 50 are configured so that when the cleaning device 1 is used upside down, the water spray unit 10 functions as the suction unit 50 and the suction unit 50 functions as the water spray unit 10. This means that the cleaning device 1 can be used even when upside down, improving the usability of the cleaning device 1.

[III] Modifications to the Embodiments The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the specific configurations and means of the present invention can be modified and improved as desired within the scope of the technical ideas of each invention as set forth in the claims. Such modifications will be described below.

(About the problem to be solved and the effects of the invention)
First, the problems that the invention aims to solve and the effects of the invention are not limited to those described above, and the present invention may solve problems that are not described above or achieve effects that are not described above, or may solve only some of the problems that are described or achieve only some of the effects that are described.

(shape, numbers, structure, time series)
The components illustrated in the embodiments and drawings may be modified and improved as desired within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention in terms of shape, numerical value, or the structure or chronological relationship of multiple components.

(Regarding cleaning equipment)
In the above embodiment, the cleaning device 1 is described as being equipped with a suppression unit 60, a cover unit 70, and a gasket material 75, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the suppression unit 60, the cover unit 70, and/or the gasket material 75 may be omitted.

(About the water spray part and suction part)
In the above embodiment, it was explained that the width of the sprinkler side water channel 11 and the width of the suction side water channel 51 are set to become narrower as they move from the end side to the center side in the vertical direction of the cleaning device 1, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the width of the sprinkler side water channel 11 and/or the width of the suction side water channel 51 may be set uniformly.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sprinkler unit 10 and the suction unit 50 are each described as having a first suction port 54 and a second suction port 55, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, the first suction port 54 and/or the second suction port 55 may be omitted.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the sprinkler unit 10 and the suction unit 50 are configured so that the sprinkler unit 10 functions as the suction unit 50 and the suction unit 50 functions as the sprinkler unit 10 when the cleaning device 1 is used upside down. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the sprinkler unit 10 and the suction unit 50 may be configured so that the sprinkler unit 10 does not function as the suction unit 50 and the suction unit 50 does not function as the sprinkler unit 10 when the cleaning device 1 is used upside down. As an example, the sprinkler side channel 11 and the suction side channel 51 may be configured so that when the sprinkler side channel 11 (or the suction side channel 51) is rotated around the axis of symmetry AS in FIG. 1, the position, shape, and size of the sprinkler side channel 11 do not substantially match the position, shape, and size of the suction side channel 51 (or the sprinkler side channel 11).

(Regarding the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber)
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the thickness of the second squeegee rubber 30 is set to be thinner than the thickness of the first squeegee rubber 20, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the thickness of the second squeegee rubber 30 may be set to be approximately the same as or thicker than the thickness of the first squeegee rubber 20.

(Regarding the hollow space)
In the above embodiment, it has been described that hollow space 80 assists in the sprinkling of cleaning water by sprinkler unit 10 and the suction of cleaning water by suction unit 50, but this is not limited thereto. For example, it may assist in only one of the sprinkling of cleaning water by sprinkler unit 10 or the suction of cleaning water by suction unit 50. As an example, when assisting only the sprinkling of cleaning water by sprinkler unit 10, the length in the front-to-rear direction of the upper end of hollow space 80 may be set to be approximately the same as (or longer than) the length in the front-to-rear direction of sprinkler-side water channel 11, and the length in the front-to-rear direction of the lower end of hollow space 80 may be set to be shorter than the length in the front-to-rear direction of suction-side water channel 51.

(Additional Note)
The cleaning device of Supplementary Note 1 is a cleaning device for cleaning a surface to be cleaned that is at least approximately along a vertical direction, and includes a sprinkler means for sprinkling cleaning water onto the surface to be cleaned, the sprinkler means having a sprinkler-side water channel that is provided so as to extend from the side of the surface to be cleaned to the opposite side, a first squeegee rubber for wiping off the cleaning water that has adhered to the surface to be cleaned, and a second squeegee rubber that is provided at an interval from the first squeegee rubber and connected to the first squeegee rubber via a spacer, and the cleaning water sprinkled by the sprinkler means is sprayed onto the first squeegee rubber while preventing it from scattering. a second squeegee rubber for collecting the cleaning water wiped off by the water spray means; a suction means for sucking up the cleaning water collected by the second squeegee rubber, the suction means being located below the water spray means and having a suction side water channel arranged from the side of the surface to be cleaned to the opposite side; and a hollow space portion arranged between the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber so as to communicate with each of the water spray side water channel and the suction side water channel, and assisting the water spray means in spraying the cleaning water and/or the suction means in suctioning the cleaning water.

The cleaning device of Appendix 2 is the cleaning device described in Appendix 1, in which the width of the sprinkler-side water channel and/or the width of the suction-side water channel narrows from the ends toward the center in the vertical direction of the cleaning device.

The cleaning device of Appendix 3 is the cleaning device described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the second squeegee rubber is thinner than the thickness of the first squeegee rubber.

The cleaning device of Supplementary Note 4 is the cleaning device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, further comprising a suppression means for suppressing bending of the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber when they are pressed against the surface to be cleaned.

The cleaning device of Appendix 5 is the cleaning device described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 4, wherein the suction means is one or more first suction ports provided on the second squeegee rubber on the side of the surface to be cleaned, the first suction ports being for sucking in the cleaning water, and/or at least a second suction port provided at the lower end of the cleaning device, the second suction port being for sucking in the cleaning water.

The cleaning device of Appendix 6 is the cleaning device described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 5, wherein the water spray means and the suction means are configured so that when the cleaning device is used upside down, the water spray means functions as the suction means and the suction means functions as the water spray means.

(Effect of supplementary notes)
According to the cleaning device described in Appendix 1, there is provided a hollow space portion between the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber that is connected to each of the sprinkler side water channel and the suction side water channel, and the hollow space portion assists in the sprinkling of cleaning water by the sprinkler means and/or the suction of cleaning water by the suction means.Therefore, compared to conventional technology (technology in which cleaning liquid is supplied or dirty water is sucked up through a thick sponge placed between a pair of squeegees), the sprinkling of cleaning water by the sprinkler means and/or the suction of cleaning water can be performed more effectively, and the cleaning ability of the cleaning device (for example, by reducing the amount of cleaning water left behind by wiping) can be improved.

In the cleaning device described in Appendix 2, the width of the water spray channel and/or the suction channel narrows from the vertical end toward the center of the cleaning device, thereby increasing the spray power and suction power of the cleaning water and further improving the cleaning performance of the cleaning device.

In the cleaning device described in Appendix 3, the thickness of the second squeegee rubber is thinner than the thickness of the first squeegee rubber. This makes it easier to ensure the width of the hollow space when the first and second squeegee rubbers are pressed against the surface to be cleaned, compared to when the second squeegee rubber is thicker than the first squeegee rubber. This makes it easier to assist the suction of cleaning water by the suction means, making it easier to ensure the suction force of the cleaning water. Furthermore, the load on the surface to be cleaned when the second squeegee rubber is pressed against it can be relatively reduced, making it easier to avoid damage to the surface to be cleaned by the second squeegee rubber.

The cleaning device described in Appendix 4 is equipped with a suppression means for suppressing bending of the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber when they are pressed against the surface to be cleaned. This makes it possible to suppress bending of the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber when they are pressed against the surface to be cleaned, making it easier to ensure the usability of the cleaning device.

In the cleaning device described in Appendix 5, the suction means is one or more first suction ports provided on the second squeegee rubber on the side of the surface to be cleaned, for sucking in cleaning water, and/or a second suction port provided at least at the lower end of the cleaning device, for sucking in cleaning water. This allows for effective suction of cleaning water collected by the second squeegee rubber, and prevents cleaning water from leaking.

In the cleaning device described in Appendix 6, the sprinkler means and suction means are configured so that when the cleaning device is used upside down, the sprinkler means functions as the suction means and the suction means functions as the sprinkler means. This allows the cleaning device to be used upside down, improving usability of the cleaning device.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Cleaning device 10 Sprinkler section 11 Sprinkler side water channel 12 Sprinkler side connection section 13 Sprinkler hose 20 First squeegee rubber 30 Second squeegee rubber 40 Spacer 41 Sprinkler side spacer 42 Suction side spacer 43 Central spacer 50 Suction section 51 Suction side water channel 52 Suction side connection section 53 Suction hose 54 First suction port 55 Second suction port 60 Suppression section 61 First suppression section 62 Second suppression section 70 Cover section 71 First cover section 72 Second cover section 73 Connection section 73a First connection section 73b Second connection section 73c Insertion hole 75 Gasket material 80 Hollow space section AS Axis of symmetry G Gap SC Surface to be cleaned

Claims (5)

A cleaning device for cleaning a surface to be cleaned at least substantially along a vertical direction,
A sprinkler means for sprinkling cleaning water onto the surface to be cleaned, the sprinkler means having a sprinkler-side water channel provided so as to extend from the surface to be cleaned to the opposite side;
a first squeegee rubber for wiping off the cleaning water adhering to the surface to be cleaned;
a second squeegee rubber provided at a distance from the first squeegee rubber and connected to the first squeegee rubber via a spacer, the second squeegee rubber collecting the cleaning water wiped away by the first squeegee rubber while suppressing scattering of the cleaning water sprayed by the water spraying means;
a suction means for sucking the cleaning water collected by the second squeegee rubber, the suction means being located below the water spray means and having a suction-side water channel extending from the cleaning target surface side to the opposite side;
a hollow space provided between the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber so as to communicate with each of the spray-side water channel and the suction-side water channel, the hollow space assisting the spraying of the cleaning water by the spray means and/or the suction of the cleaning water by the suction means ,
The width of the sprinkler side channel or / and the width of the suction side channel are narrowed from the end side to the center side in the vertical direction of the cleaning device,
Cleaning equipment. A cleaning device for cleaning a surface to be cleaned at least substantially along a vertical direction,
A sprinkler means for sprinkling cleaning water onto the surface to be cleaned, the sprinkler means having a sprinkler-side water channel provided so as to extend from the surface to be cleaned to the opposite side;
a first squeegee rubber for wiping off the cleaning water adhering to the surface to be cleaned;
a second squeegee rubber provided at a distance from the first squeegee rubber and connected to the first squeegee rubber via a spacer, the second squeegee rubber collecting the cleaning water wiped away by the first squeegee rubber while suppressing scattering of the cleaning water sprayed by the water spraying means;
a suction means for sucking the cleaning water collected by the second squeegee rubber, the suction means being located below the water spray means and having a suction-side water channel extending from the cleaning target surface side to the opposite side;
a hollow space provided between the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber so as to communicate with each of the spray-side water channel and the suction-side water channel, the hollow space assisting the spraying of the cleaning water by the spray means and/or the suction of the cleaning water by the suction means,
The suction means
one or more first suction ports provided on the second squeegee rubber on the side of the surface to be cleaned, the first suction port being for sucking in the cleaning water; and/or
a second suction port provided at least at a lower end of the cleaning device, the second suction port being for sucking in the cleaning water;
Cleaning equipment. The thickness of the second squeegee rubber is thinner than the thickness of the first squeegee rubber.
3. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2. a suppression means for suppressing bending of the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber when the first squeegee rubber and the second squeegee rubber are pressed against the surface to be cleaned,
A cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The water sprinkling means and the suction means are configured so that, when the cleaning device is used upside down, the water sprinkling means functions as the suction means, and the suction means functions as the water sprinkling means.
A cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.