Claims:1. A robotic cleaning device (100) comprising:
a base plate (4) movably coupled to a frame (33) of the device (100), the base plate (4) comprising an inner bush (2) and a first pivot bush (3) configured concentric to each other; and
a squeegee assembly (31) comprising a first mounting plate (7) adapted to hold and support a squeegee blade (28) that facilitates cleaning of a surface in contact with the squeegee blade (28) upon movement of the device (100) in a predefined direction, wherein a first pin (8) having internal tap is inserted from bottom of the first mounting plate (7) and secured over top of the base plate (4) through a first bolt (13) such that the first pin (8) extends through the concentric inner bush (2) and first pivot bush (3), and
wherein the concentric configuration of the inner bush (2) and the first pivot bush (3) facilitates smooth turning of the squeegee assembly (31) and recovering the squeegee assembly (31) at a center position when the device (100) travels in a straight line after turning.
2. The robotic cleaning device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (33) is configured with a set of traction wheels (35) to facilitate movement of the device (100) over the surface, and wherein ratio of a length from center of the traction wheel (35) to center of the first pivot bush (3) to a length from the center of the first pivot bush (3) to center of the squeegee blade (28) when the squeegee blade (28) is at center is maintained at a value of ‘2’, which enhances the cleaning and without leaving any leftover water on the surface when the device (100) continues moving in the straight line after recovering from a turn.
3. The robotic cleaning device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base plate (4) comprises two arms (1), each having a first end coupled to the base plate (4) and a second end comprising a hole adapted to accommodate a second bolt (14), and wherein the two arms (1) of the base plate (4) are pivoted to the frame (33) through a second pivot bush (18) and a third pivot bush (20).
4. The robotic cleaning device (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second pivot bush (18) comprises a second pin (19) having one end coupled to an outer cylindrical portion of the second pivot bush (18) to form a T-joint, wherein the second bolt (14) associated with the two arms (1) is configured with the second pivot bush (18), and another end of the second pin (19) is pivoted using the third pivot bush (20).
5. The robotic cleaning device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a second mounting plate (21) is coupled to an outer surface of the third pivot bush (20) and the second mounting plate (21) is mounted on the frame (33) of the device (100), and wherein the second pivot bush (18) and the third pivot bush (20) configuration facilitates efficient turning of the squeegee assembly (31) by compensating for the lateral movement of squeegee assembly (31) through the lateral movement of the third pivot bush (20).
6. The robotic cleaning device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (100) comprises a vertical lifting assembly configured between the frame (33) and the squeegee assembly (31) to enable vertical movement of the squeegee assembly (31) between a cleaning position and a lifted position, wherein in the cleaning position, the squeegee blade remains in contact with the surface, and in the lifted position the squeegee blade remains above the surface.
7. The robotic cleaning device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the vertical lifting assembly comprises a linear actuator (25) coupled to the frame (33) and operably coupled to the squeegee assembly (31) using a flexible link (10) having a predefined length, such that the flexible link (10) facilitates lateral steering of the squeegee blade (28) between left and right direction, and wherein upon activation of the linear actuator (25), the flexible link (10) is lifted towards the linear actuator, which results in movement of the squeegee assembly (31) to the lifted position.

8. The robotic cleaning device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the device (100) comprises a triangular re-centered plate (9) mounted on the base plate (4), wherein the flexible link (10) and the re-centered plate (9) keeps the squeegee assembly (31) in the center position when the squeegee assembly (31) is at the lifted position.
9. The robotic cleaning device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the device (100) comprises a holding bracket (22) comprising a vertical plate adapted to be mounted on the frame (33) and a horizontal plate adapted to hold a bottom portion of the linear actuator (25), which restricts the movement of the linear actuator (25) while lifting the squeegee assembly (31), and wherein the linear actuator (25) is held such that the linear actuator (25) makes a predefined angle with the frame (33), which facilitates lifting of the squeegee assembly (31).
10. The robotic cleaning device (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the linear actuator is (25) mounted on a rear portion of the frame (33) using a third mounting plate (26), wherein a cup (23) is attached to an end portion of the linear actuator (25) using a shoulder bolt (32), the cup (23) comprises two holes on cylindrical portion and opposite to each other, and one hole at bottom portion.
11. The robotic cleaning device (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the shoulder bolt (32) passes from a slot of a first connecting link (11-1), one of the two side holes of the cup (23), a hole of rod (24) associated with the linear actuator (25), another side hole of the cup (23), and finally through a slot of a second connecting link (11-2), wherein the shoulder bolt (32) is fixed such that the two free ends of the shoulder bolt (32) translate in the slots of first connecting link (11-1) and the second connecting link (11-2), and wherein one end of the first connecting link (11-1) and the second connecting link (11-2) are fixed on hooks (5) provided on the base plate (4).
12. The robotic cleaning device (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein one end of the flexible link (10) is anchored to the bottom portion of the cup (23), which is connected to an end portion of the rod (24) of the linear actuator (25), and another end of the flexible link (10) passes through a slot of the re-centered plate (9), a slot of the base plate (4), and a slot of the first mounting plate (7).
13. The robotic cleaning device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the linear actuator (25) is in communication with a mobile device associated with user of the device (100), and a control unit, wherein the mobile device (100) and the control unit are configured to transmit a first set of control signals to the linear actuator (25) to enable movement of the squeegee assembly (31) between the cleaning position and the lifted position.
14. The robotic cleaning device (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the mobile device is configured to transmit a second set of control signals to a driving mechanism associated with the device (100) to enable automated movement of the device (100) in a predefined pattern over the surface.
15. The robotic cleaning device (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein upon completion of a cleaning cycle, the control unit enables the driving mechanism to move the device (100) to a predefined home position and further enables the linear actuator to move the squeegee assembly (31) to the lifted position.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of cleaning machines. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a robust, cost-effective, efficient, and automated cleaning device that restricts the tilting of squeegee blades in the lifted position, leaves no water or water patches on the surface, especially when the device recovers from turn and continues in a straight motion, and which automatically goes back to a homing position and lifts the squeegee assembly, to reduce the effort of squeegee lifting and eliminating any human intervention.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Floor cleaning machines available in the prior art utilize scrubbing units and squeegee assembly for cleaning floor surfaces. The scrubbing unit typically includes brushes that are located at the front of the cleaning machine. After the cleaning step involving the scrubbing brushes, it is required to wipe up liquid that is leftover on the surface, as well as to remove the imprint of cleaning machine wheel tracks. These operations are commonly performed by a squeegee assembly that is provided at the backside of the cleaning machine.
[0004] A typical squeegee assembly includes squeegee blades that remain in contact with the floor surface in a wiping action to assist in picking up liquid on the floor. Once the cleaning is completed, the squeegee assembly is manually lifted by users or workers and the cleaning machine is moved to another location so that the squeegee blades do not get dragged over the undesired surface, which may leave undesired marks as well as wear and tear of the squeegee blades. Further, the squeegee assembly is again required to be manually lowered when cleaning is to be done. Overall manual raising and lifting of the squeegee blade are very inefficient and difficult processes for the users. To overcome this manual raising and lifting issue, some of the cleaning machines now come with a linking unit or lifting mechanism that helps raise or lift the squeegee assembly as desired.
[0005] Prior art document number US5377382A discloses a cleaning machine for cleaning floor surfaces that utilizes a number of connectors for dual functions. The disclosed machine includes a squeegee blade assembly including a holding subassembly for maintaining the squeegee blades in place. A plurality of connectors is used to connect the squeegee blades to the squeegee holding subassembly. Further, a first set of these connectors also connects the squeegee holding subassembly to a squeegee mounting assembly, which is attached to the body of the cleaning machine. A second set of these connectors is also used to connect rollers to the holding subassembly. A third set of these connectors also attaches a caster assembly to the holding subassembly. Each squeegee blade is an integral, one-piece member but with an upper section having a greater hardness than the lower section. Furthermore, a lifting mechanism helps lift the squeegee blades. The lifting mechanism includes a spring-based system involving an additional pulley and wires to lift the squeegee blade.
[0006] Prior art document number WO2009127836A1 discloses a floor treatment machine that includes a vacuum-induced airflow system configured with the squeegee assembly for lifting the squeegee blades from the floor surface.
[0007] Prior art document number CN107149442A discloses a floor-cleaning machine scraper plate that includes an arc wiper, a support for fixing the arc wiper and a hoisting mechanism being installed on the support. The hoisting mechanism is fixed on the vehicle frame of the floor-cleaning machine. The floor-cleaning machine scraper plate carries out hanging dry to the ground cleaned and accelerates the speed of drying the ground. The hoisting mechanism includes an edge canned paragraph and raising section that is sequentially connected from top to bottom.
[0008] Prior art document number CN210121106U discloses a manual/automatic switchable type floor washing machine scraper bar lifting mechanism and floor washing machine. The wiping strip lifting mechanism comprises a mounting plate, an automatic rotating part and a manual control part, wherein the mounting plate comprises a first shaft hole. The automatic rotating part comprises a motor and a transmission shaft. The manual control part comprises a tray frame and a switching knob, wherein the tray frame comprises a second shaft hole and a spring. The spring is released or compressed by rotating the switching knob so that the second shaft hole is separated from or clamped with the transmission shaft.
[0009] The above-cited prior art documents provide a cleaning machine with a lifting mechanism for the squeegee assembly, making it easier for the user to lift the squeegee assembly when cleaning is not required and lowering the squeegee assembly when cleaning is to be done. However, one of the major drawbacks or limitations or shortcomings associated with the existing machines is the rough turning of the squeegee assembly while turning the cleaning machine. The existing cleaning machines fail to recover the squeegee assembly at the center position when the cleaning machine travels in a straight line after turning, which leads to water leftover on the floor surface and leaving water patches at the turn, making the overall cleaning improper and inefficient, as well as requiring human intervention.
[0010] Moreover, when the squeegee blade is in a lifted position in the existing cleaning machines, the squeegee blades tend to tilt to the left or right, causing the blade to touch the floor when cleaning is not required. As a result, when such a cleaning machine moves, the tilted blade may leave water patches, and the blades may go through wear and tear due to contact with the floor surface, thereby decreasing the life of the blade and also leaving water patches. Besides, improper positioning and orientation (angle) of the squeegee assembly with the frame and/or traction wheels of the existing cleaning machine, restrict them to achieve their maximum cleaning capability. Further, this also causes water leftover and water patches when the cleaning machine recovers from the turn and continues in a straight motion.
[0011] There is, therefore, a need to overcome the above drawback, limitations, and shortcomings associated with the existing cleaning machines and squeegee assemblies, and provide a robust, cost-effective, and efficient cleaning device that restricts the tilting of squeegee blades in the lifted position, leaves no water or water patches on the surface, especially when the machine recovers from a turn and continues in a straight motion.
[0012] Further, there is a requirement for an automation system in the existing cleaning machine such that when the cleaning cycle is completed, the cleaning device may automatically go back to a homing position and lift the squeegee assembly, to reduce the effort of squeegee lifting and eliminate any human intervention.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0013] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to overcome the above drawback, limitations, and shortcomings associated with the existing cleaning machines and squeegee assembly.
[0015] It is an object of the present disclosure to facilitate efficient cleaning of floor surface, without leaving water patches or leftover water on the surface.
[0016] It is an object of the present disclosure to facilitate efficient cleaning of floor surface, without leaving water patches or leftover water on the surface, especially when the machine recovers from a turn and continues in a straight motion.
[0017] It is an object of the present disclosure to restrict tilting of the squeegee blades in the left or right direction and keep the blades in a center position when the squeegee blade is in a lifted position, thereby preventing the blade to touch the floor when cleaning is not required.
[0018] It is an object of the present disclosure to reduce the effort of squeegee blade lifting and eliminate any human intervention requirement during floor cleaning.
[0019] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an automation system that automatically goes back to a homing position and lifts the squeegee assembly when the cleaning cycle is completed.
[0020] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a robust, cost-effective, efficient, and automated cleaning device that restricts the tilting of squeegee blades in the lifted position, leaves no water or water patches on the surface, especially when the device recovers from a turn and continues in a straight motion, and which automatically goes back to a homing position and lifts the squeegee assembly, to reduce the effort of squeegee lifting and eliminating any human intervention.

SUMMARY
[0021] The present disclosure relates to the field of cleaning machines. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a robust, cost-effective, efficient, and automated cleaning device that restricts the tilting of squeegee blades in the lifted position, leaves no water or water patches on the surface, especially when the device recovers from a turn and continues in a straight motion, and which automatically goes back to a homing position and lifts the squeegee assembly, to reduce the effort of squeegee lifting and eliminating any human intervention.
[0022] The proposed robotic cleaning device (device) may comprise a frame configured with a set of traction wheels and a set of castor wheels. The device may further comprise a base plate movably coupled to the rear side of the frame. The base plate may comprise an inner bush and a first pivot bush configured concentrically to each other. Further, the device may comprise a squeegee assembly comprising a first mounting plate adapted to hold and support a squeegee blade that facilitates cleaning of a surface in contact with the squeegee blade upon movement of the device. The squeegee assembly may be configured with the base plate such that a first pin having an internal tap is inserted from the bottom of the first mounting plate and secured over the top of the base plate through a first bolt such that the first pin extends through the concentric inner bush and first pivot bush. A washer may be provided between the base plate and the mounting plate to avoid friction and wearing. The squeegee blade may be removably coupled to the first mounting plate using removable knobs, and a set of support wheels may also be configured with the squeegee blade.
[0023] Accordingly, the concentric configuration of the inner bush and the first pivot bush facilitate smooth turning of the squeegee assembly and recovering of the squeegee assembly at a center position when the device travels in a straight line after turning.
[0024] In addition, the ratio of the length from the center of the traction wheel to the center of the first pivot bush to the length from the center of the first pivot bush to the center of the squeegee blade when the squeegee blade is at the center may be maintained at a value of ‘2’, which may enhance the cleaning and without leaving any leftover water on the surface when the device continues moving in the straight line after recovering from a turn.
[0025] The base plate may further comprise two arms, each having a first end coupled to the base plate and a second end comprising a hole adapted to accommodate a second bolt. The two arms of the base plate may be pivoted to the frame through a second pivot bush and a third pivot bush. Further, the second pivot bush may comprise a second pin having one end coupled to an outer cylindrical portion of the second pivot bush to form a T-joint. The second bolt associated with the two arms may be configured with the second pivot bush, and another end of the second pin may be pivoted using the third pivot bush. Furthermore, a second mounting plate may be coupled to an outer surface of the third pivot bush and the second mounting plate may be mounted on the frame of the device. Accordingly, the third pivot bush and the second pivot bush configuration may facilitate efficient turning of the squeegee assembly by compensating for the lateral movement of the squeegee assembly through the lateral movement of the third pivot bush.
[0026] In an aspect, the device may comprise a vertical lifting assembly configured between the frame and the squeegee assembly to enable vertical movement of the squeegee assembly between a cleaning position and a lifted position. In the cleaning position, the squeegee blade remains in contact with the surface, and in the lifted position, the squeegee blade remains above the surface. The vertical lifting assembly may comprise a linear actuator coupled to the frame and operably coupled to the squeegee assembly using a flexible link having a predefined length, such that the link facilitates lateral steering of the squeegee blade between left and right direction. Upon activation of the linear actuator, the link may be lifted towards the linear actuator, which may result in the movement of the squeegee assembly to the lifted position.
[0027] Further, the device may comprise a triangular re-centered plate mounted on the base plate. The flexible link and the re-centered plate may keep the squeegee assembly in the center position when the squeegee assembly is at the lifted position. This may restrict tilting of the squeegee blades in the left or right direction and may keep the blades in a center position when the squeegee blade is in a lifted position, thereby preventing the blade to touch the floor when cleaning is not required.
[0028] The device may comprise a holding bracket comprising a vertical plate adapted to be mounted on the frame and a horizontal plate adapted to hold a bottom portion of the linear actuator, which may restrict the movement of the linear actuator while lifting the squeegee assembly. The linear actuator may be held such that the linear actuator makes a predefined angle with the frame, which facilitates the lifting of the squeegee assembly.
[0029] The linear actuator may be mounted on a rear portion of the frame using a third mounting plate, and a cup may be attached to an end portion of the linear actuator using a shoulder bolt. The cup may comprise two holes on the cylindrical portion and opposite to each other, and one hole at the bottom portion. The shoulder bolt may pass from a slot of a first connecting link, one of the two side holes of the cup, a hole of rod associated with the linear actuator, another side hole of the cup, and finally through a slot of a second connecting link. The shoulder bolt may be fixed such that the two free ends of the shoulder bolt translate into the slots of the first connecting link and the second connecting link, and one end of the first connecting link and the second connecting link may be fixed on hooks provided on the base plate. One end of the flexible link may be anchored to the bottom portion of the cup, which is connected to an end portion of the rod of the linear actuator, and another end of the flexible link may pass through a slot of the re-centered plate, a slot of the base plate, and a slot of the first mounting plate.
[0030] In an aspect, the linear actuator may be in communication with a mobile device associated with the user of the device and/or a control unit (controller). The mobile device and/or the control unit may be configured to transmit a first set of control signals, upon receiving instructions from the user, to the linear actuator to enable movement of the squeegee assembly between the cleaning position and the lifted position. Further, the mobile device may be configured to transmit a second set of control signals to a driving mechanism associated with the device to enable automated movement of the device in a predefined pattern over the surface. Furthermore, upon completion of a cleaning cycle, the control unit may enable the driving mechanism to move the device to a predefined home position and may further enable the linear actuator to move the squeegee assembly to the lifted position.
[0031] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an automation system for the proposed cleaning device such that when the cleaning cycle is completed, the proposed device may go back to a homing position and automatically lift the squeegee assembly, thereby reducing the effort of squeegee lifting and eliminating any human intervention.
[0032] Thus, the present disclosure provides a robust, cost-effective, efficient, and automated cleaning device that restricts the tilting of squeegee blades in the lifted position, leaves no water or water patches on the surface, especially when the device recovers from a turn and continues in a straight motion, and which automatically goes to a homing position and lifts the squeegee assembly, to reduce the effort of squeegee lifting and eliminating any human intervention.
[0033] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0034] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.
[0035] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0036] FIGs. 1 to 3 illustrate exemplary exploded view of the proposed robotic cleaning device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIGs. 4 and 5 illustrates an exemplary view of the vertical lifting assembly of the proposed device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary view of the squeegee assembly in the lifted position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary view of the squeegee assembly in the cleaning position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary 3D view of the squeegee assembly attached to a robot/frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary view of the device when the squeegee assembly is in the extreme left corner, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary view of the device when the squeegee assembly is in the middle position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary view of the device when the squeegee assembly is in the extreme right corner, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary condition depicting orientation of the squeegee blade during turning of the device when the third pivot bush is not provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0046] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some.
[0047] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a robust, cost-effective, efficient, and automated cleaning device that restricts tilting of squeegee blades in the lifted position, leaves no water or water patches on the surface, especially when the device recovers from turn and continues in a straight motion, and which automatically goes back to a homing position and lifts the squeegee assembly, to reduce the effort of squeegee lifting and eliminating any human intervention.
[0048] According to an aspect, the present disclosure elaborates upon a robotic cleaning device including a base plate movably coupled to a frame of the device. The base plate can include an inner bush and a first pivot bush configured concentric to each other. The device can include a squeegee assembly comprising a first mounting plate adapted to hold and support a squeegee blade that facilitates cleaning of a surface in contact with the squeegee blade upon movement of the device in a predefined direction. A first pin having internal tap can be inserted from bottom of the first mounting plate and secured over top of the base plate through a first bolt such that the first pin extends through the concentric inner bush and first pivot bush. The concentric configuration of the inner bush and the first pivot bush can facilitate smooth turning of the squeegee assembly and recovering the squeegee assembly at a center position when the device travels in a straight line after turning.
[0049] In an embodiment. the frame can be configured with a set of traction wheels to facilitate movement of the device over the surface, and the ratio of a length from the center of the traction wheel to the center of the first pivot bush to the length from the center of the first pivot bush to the center of the squeegee blade when the squeegee blade is at center can be maintained at a value of ‘2’, which can enhance the cleaning and without leaving any leftover water on the surface when the device continues moving in the straight line after recovering from a turn.
[0050] In an embodiment. the base plate can include two arms, each having a first end coupled to the base plate and a second end comprising a hole adapted to accommodate a second bolt. The two arms of the base plate can be pivoted to the frame through a second pivot bush and a third pivot bush.
[0051] In an embodiment. the second pivot bush can include a second pin having one end coupled to an outer cylindrical portion of the second pivot bush to form a T-joint. The second bolt associated with the two arms can be configured with the second pivot bush, and another end of the second pin can be pivoted using the third pivot bush.
[0052] In an embodiment. a second mounting plate can be coupled to an outer surface of the third pivot bush and the second mounting plate can be mounted on the frame of the device. The third pivot bush and the pivot bush configuration can facilitate efficient turning of the squeegee assembly by compensating for the lateral movement of squeegee assembly through the lateral movement of the third pivot bush.
[0053] In an embodiment. the device can include a vertical lifting assembly configured between the frame and the squeegee assembly to enable vertical movement of the squeegee assembly between a cleaning position and a lifted position. In the cleaning position, the squeegee blade can remain in contact with the surface, and in the lifted position, the squeegee blade can remain above the surface.
[0054] In an embodiment. the vertical lifting assembly can include a linear actuator coupled to the frame and operably coupled to the squeegee assembly using a flexible link having a predefined length, such that the link facilitates lateral steering of the squeegee blade between left and right direction. Upon activation of the linear actuator, the link can be lifted towards the linear actuator, which can result in the movement of the squeegee assembly to the lifted position.
[0055] In an embodiment. the device can include a triangular re-centered plate mounted on the base plate. The flexible link and the re-centered plate can keep the squeegee assembly in the center position when the squeegee assembly is at the lifted position. This restricts tilting of the squeegee blades in the left or right direction and keeps the blades in a center position when the squeegee blade is in a lifted position, thereby preventing the blade to touch the floor when cleaning is not required.
[0056] In an embodiment. the device can include a holding bracket comprising a vertical plate adapted to be mounted on the frame and a horizontal plate adapted to hold a bottom portion of the linear actuator, which can restrict the movement of the linear actuator while lifting the squeegee assembly. The linear actuator can be held such that the linear actuator makes a predefined angle with the frame, which can facilitate lifting of the squeegee assembly.
[0057] In an embodiment. linear actuator can be mounted on a rear portion of the frame using a third mounting plate. A cup can be attached to an end portion of the linear actuator using a shoulder bolt. The cup can include two holes on cylindrical portion and opposite to each other, and one hole at bottom portion.
[0058] In an embodiment. the shoulder bolt can pass from a slot of a first connecting link, one of the two side holes of the cup, a hole of rod associated with the linear actuator, another side hole of the cup, and finally through a slot of a second connecting link. The shoulder bolt can be fixed such that the two free ends of the shoulder bolt translate in the slots of first connecting link and the second connecting link, and one end of the first connecting link and the second connecting link can be fixed on hooks provided on the base plate.
[0059] In an embodiment. one end of the flexible link can be anchored to the bottom portion of the cup, which can be connected to an end portion of the rod of the linear actuator, and another end of the flexible link can pass through a slot of the re-centered plate, a slot of the base plate, and a slot of the first mounting plate.
[0060] In an embodiment. the linear actuator can be in communication with a mobile device associated with user of the device, and a control unit. The mobile device and the control unit can be configured to transmit a first set of control signals to the linear actuator to enable movement of the squeegee assembly between the cleaning position and the lifted position.
[0061] In an embodiment. the mobile device can be configured to transmit a second set of control signals to a driving mechanism associated with the device to enable automated movement of the device in a predefined pattern over the surface.
[0062] In an embodiment. upon completion of a cleaning cycle, the control unit can enable the driving mechanism to move the device to a predefined home position and can further enable the linear actuator to move the squeegee assembly to the lifted position.
[0063] Referring to FIGs. 1-11, the proposed robotic cleaning device 100 (also referred to as device 100, herein) can include a squeegee assembly 31 including a squeegee mounting plate 7 (also referred to as the first mounting plate 7, herein) screwed on a squeegee bracket 30 using removable knobs 27. The squeegee assembly 31 can include one or more squeegee blades 28 (collectively referred to as squeegee blade 28, or blade 28, herein), and a set of support wheels 29. The squeegee blade 28 can facilitate the cleaning of a surface in contact with the squeegee blade 28 upon movement of the device 100 over the surface. The first mounting plate 7 can be pivoted to a base plate 4 having two bushes, namely an inner bush 2 and base plate 4 pivot bush (also referred to as first pivot bush 3, herein) which can be concentric to each other and can be held using a first pin 8 having internal tap which can be inserted from the bottom of the first mounting plate 7 and a first bolt 13 can be screwed in the pin 8 from the top of the base plate 4. Accordingly, the two concentric bushes 2, 3 can ensure the smooth turning of the squeegee assembly 31 and recover the squeegee assembly 31 at the center position when the cleaning device 100 travels in a straight line after turning. Further, a washer 6 can be inserted between the base plate 4 and the first mounting plate 7 to avoid friction between them.
[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of length from the center of traction wheels 35 to the center of the first pivot bush 3 to the length from the center of the first pivot bush 3 to the center of the squeegee blade 28 (when the squeegee blade 28 is at center) can be maintained at a numeric value of ‘2’, which can enhance the cleaning and without leaving any leftover water on the surface when the device 100 continues moving in the straight line after recovering from a turn.
[0065] In an embodiment, the base plate 4 can have two central arms 1. One end of the arms 1 can be welded to the base plate 4 and the other ends can have holes to accommodate a second bolt 14. The central arms 1 can be pivoted using a second pivot bush 18 and an outer cylindrical portion of the second pivot bush 18 can be welded to one end of a second pin, thereby forming a T-Joint. The other end of the second pin 19 can be pivoted using a third pivot bush 20. Further, the outer cylindrical surface of the third pivot bush 20 can be welded to a second mounting plate 21 of the third pivot bush 20. The second mounting plate 21 can be mounted on the rear side of a frame 33 of the cleaning device 100 as shown in FIG. 4 and 6. In an exemplary condition, when the third pivot bush 20 is not provided, then during turning one end of the squeegee blade 28 can go slightly upward and the other end slightly downward (lateral movement) which can create a gap between the surface and the squeegee blade 28, leaving water gets leftover the surface as shown in FIG. 12, however, the third pivot bush 20 and the second pivot bush 18 used in the present invention can help in the efficient turning of the squeegee assembly 31 by compensating for the lateral movement of squeegee assembly 31 through the lateral movement of the third pivot bush 20.
[0066] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a vertical lifting assembly configured between the frame 33 and the squeegee assembly 31 to enable vertical movement of the squeegee assembly 31 between a cleaning position as shown in FIG. 7 and a lifted position as shown in FIG. 6. In the cleaning position, the squeegee blade 28 remains in contact with the surface, and in the lifted position, the squeegee blade 28 remains above the surface.
[0067] The vertical lifting assembly can include a linear actuator 25 coupled to the frame 33 and operably coupled to the squeegee assembly 31 using a flexible link 10 having a predefined length, such that the flexible link 10 can facilitate lateral steering of the squeegee blade 28 between left and right direction. Further, upon activation of the linear actuator 25, the flexible link 10 can be lifted towards the linear actuator 25, which can result in the movement of the squeegee assembly 31 to the lifted position
[0068] The linear actuator 25 can be mounted on a rear portion of the frame 33 using a third mounting plate 26. The device 100 can include a holding bracket 22 comprising a vertical plate adapted to be mounted on the frame 33 and a horizontal plate adapted to tightly hold a bottom portion of the linear actuator 25, which can restrict the movement of the linear actuator 25 while lifting the squeegee assembly 31, which is necessary to achieve the complete lifting of the squeegee assembly 31 as shown in FIG. 6. In an embodiment, the linear actuator 25 can be held such that the linear actuator 25 makes a predefined angle with the frame 33, which can facilitate the lifting of the squeegee assembly 31.
[0069] Further, the device 100 can include a triangular re-centered plate 9 mounted on base plate 4. The flexible link 10 and the re-centered plate 9 can keep the squeegee assembly 31 in the center position when the squeegee assembly 31 is at the lifted position.
[0070] The lifting assembly can include a cup 23 attached to an end portion of the linear actuator 25 using a shoulder bolt 32, wherein the cup 23 can include two opposite holes on the cylindrical portion of the cup 23 and one hole at the bottom portion of the cup23. Further, the lifting assembly can include a first connecting link 11-1 and a second connecting link 11-2, wherein one end of the first connecting link 11-1 and the second connecting link 11-2 are fixed on hooks 5 provided on the base plate 4. Further, the shoulder bolt 32 can pass from a slot of the first connecting link 11-1, one of the two side holes of the cup 23, a hole of the actuator rod 24 associated with the linear actuator 25, another side hole of the cup 23, and finally through a slot of the second connecting link 11-2. Further, the shoulder bolt 32 can be fixed such that the two free ends of the shoulder bolt 32 translate into the slots of the first connecting link 11-1 and the second connecting link 11-2. Furthermore, one end of the flexible link 10 can be anchored to the bottom portion of the cup 23, which can be connected to an end portion of the rod 24 of the linear actuator 25, and another end of the flexible link 10 can pass through a slot of the re-centered plate 9, a slot of the base plate 4, and a slot of the first mounting plate 7.
WORKING
Lifting of squeegee assembly when squeegee blade is at center.
[0071] In an implementation, the initial traverse of the linear actuator rod 24 and the cup 23 can lift a certain length of the flexible link 10 alone. Further, upon further traverse of the linear actuator 24 and the cup 23, the shoulder bolt 32 gets locked in the slots of connecting links 11-1, 11-2 (when the shoulder bolt 32 reaches the extreme position of the corresponding slots) and the squeegee lifting load gets transferred to the connecting link 11-1, 11-2 and as connecting link starts to lift, causing the first mounting plate 7 attached to the connecting link to lift, thereby lifting the squeegee assembly 31 or squeegee blade 28.
Lifting of the squeegee blade when squeegee assembly is at extreme left or right.
[0072] In another implementation, the initial traverse of the linear actuator rod 24 and the cup 23 pulls the flexible link 10 till the squeegee assembly 31 reaches to center position and in the further traverse of the linear actuator 24 and the cup 23, (when the shoulder bolt 32 reaches the extreme position of the corresponding slot) shoulder bolt 32 gets locked in the slots of the connecting link 11-1, 11-2 and the squeegee lifting load gets transfer to the connecting link 11-1, 11-2. Further, as the connecting link starts to lift, the first mounting plate 7 attached to connecting link starts to lift, thereby lifting the squeegee assembly 31 or squeegee blade 28.
[0073] In an embodiment, the proposed cleaning device 100 can include a control unit or controller in communication with the linear actuator 25 of the device 100 and a mobile device associated with the user of the device 100. The control unit can be configured to transmit a first set of control signals, upon receiving instructions from the user using the mobile device, to the linear actuator 25 to enable movement of the squeegee assembly 31 between the cleaning position and the lifted position. Further, the control unit can be configured to transmit a second set of control signals, upon receiving instructions from the user using the mobile device, to a driving mechanism associated with the device 100 to enable automated movement of the device in a predefined pattern over the surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the driving mechanism can include an engine coupled to traction wheels 35 of the frame 33, battery-powered motor coupled to the traction wheels 35, and the likes.
[0074] In an embodiment, the control unit can include one or more processors coupled to a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to transmit the set of control signals to the linear actuator and the driving mechanism, which can enable the proposed device to perform one or more operations. Further, the control unit can be configured with a communication module to communicatively couple the device to the mobile device of the user, which allows the user to operate the device remotely or on-site. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication module can include Wi-Fi Module, Bluetooth Module, Transceiver, wired or wireless media, but not limited to the likes. The mobile device can be selected from any or a combination of mobile phones, laptops, tablets, computers, handheld devices, and the like.
[0075] Furthermore, upon completion of a cleaning cycle, the control unit can enable the driving mechanism to move the device 100 to a predefined home position, and can further enable the linear actuator 25 to move the squeegee assembly to the lifted position. Accordingly, the control unit makes the proposed cleaning device 100 automated such that when the cleaning cycle is completed, the proposed device 100 can automatically go back to a homing position and lift the squeegee assembly, thereby reducing the effort of squeegee lifting and eliminating any human intervention.
[0076] Thus, the present disclosure provides a robust, cost-effective, efficient, and automated cleaning device that restricts the tilting of squeegee blades in the lifted position, leaves no water or water patches on the surface, especially when the device recovers from a turn and continues in a straight motion, and which automatically goes back to a homing position and lifts the squeegee assembly, to reduce the effort of squeegee lifting and eliminating any human intervention.
[0077] It is to be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that while various embodiments and drawings of the present disclosure have been elaborated for the given design of the frame of the device for the sake of simplicity, however, any other design of frame may also be used by attaching the lifting assembly and squeegee assembly on the rear side of the frame, and all such embodiments are well within the scope of the present disclosure, without any limitations.
[0078] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.
[0079] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0080] The proposed invention overcomes the above drawback, limitations, and shortcomings associated with the existing cleaning machines and squeegee assembly.
[0081] The proposed invention facilitates efficient cleaning of floor surfaces, without leaving water patches or leftover water on the surface.
[0082] The proposed invention facilitates efficient cleaning of the floor surfaces, without leaving water patches or leftover water on the surface, especially when the machine recovers from a turn and continues in a straight motion.
[0083] The proposed invention restricts tilting of the squeegee blades in the left or right direction and keeps the blades in a center position when the squeegee blade is in a lifted position, thereby preventing the blade to touch the floor when cleaning is not required.
[0084] The proposed invention reduces the effort of squeegee blade lifting and eliminates any human intervention requirement during floor cleaning.
[0085] The proposed invention provides an automation system that automatically goes back to a homing position and lifts the squeegee assembly when the cleaning cycle is completed.
[0086] The proposed invention provides a robust, cost-effective, efficient, and automated cleaning device that restricts the tilting of squeegee blades in the lifted position, leaves no water or water patches on the surface, especially when the device recovers from a turn and continues in a straight motion, and which automatically goes back to a homing position and lifts the squeegee assembly, to reduce the effort of squeegee lifting and eliminating any human intervention.