U.S. patent application number 13/193107 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-02 for rotary head cleaner.
This patent application is currently assigned to HARRIS RESEARCH, INC.. Invention is credited to Craig L. Donaldson, Edward E. Durrant, Dale S. Jensen, Monte G. Taylor.
Application Number | 20120023698 13/193107 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45525211 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120023698 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Durrant; Edward E. ; et
al. |
February 2, 2012 |
ROTARY HEAD CLEANER
Abstract
An apparatus is disclosed for a rotary head cleaner. The
apparatus includes a plurality of liquid extraction devices
positioned radially on a floor-facing surface of a rotary head, a
driveshaft disposed between a rotary motor configured to rotate the
rotary head, and a housing disposed between the rotary motor and
the rotary head for supporting a wheel, and a handle. The apparatus
also includes an evacuation tank having a capacity sensor in
communication with an evacuation pump, the capacity sensor
configured to detect when a maximum desired capacity of evacuated
liquids is reached, a vacuum motor connected with the housing and
configured to provide a suction force to the liquid extraction
devices to extract liquid from a floor to the evacuation tank, and
wherein a weight of the rotary motor, housing, handle, retractable
wheel, and vacuum motor is supported by the liquid extraction
devices.
Inventors: |
Durrant; Edward E.;
(Paradise, UT) ; Jensen; Dale S.; (Smithfield,
UT) ; Donaldson; Craig L.; (Logan, UT) ;
Taylor; Monte G.; (Logan, UT) |
Assignee: |
HARRIS RESEARCH, INC.
Logan
UT
|
Family ID: |
45525211 |
Appl. No.: |
13/193107 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61368525 |
Jul 28, 2010 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/319 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/4088 20130101;
A47L 11/34 20130101; A47L 11/4019 20130101; A47L 11/4044
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/319 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/00 20060101
A47L005/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a plurality of liquid extraction
devices positioned radially on a floor-facing surface of a rotary
head; a driveshaft disposed between a rotary motor and the rotary
head, the rotary motor configured to rotate the rotary head; a
housing disposed between the rotary motor and the rotary head, the
housing supporting a wheel, and a handle; an evacuation tank having
a capacity sensor in communication with an evacuation pump, the
capacity sensor configured to detect when a maximum desired
capacity of evacuated liquids is reached; a vacuum motor connected
with the housing and configured to provide a suction force to the
liquid extraction devices to extract liquid from a floor to the
evacuation tank; and wherein a weight of the rotary motor, housing,
handle, retractable wheel, and vacuum motor is supported by the
liquid extraction devices.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one spray
nozzle coupled with the rotary head, the spray nozzle in fluid
communication with a pressurized cleaning solution source and
configured to spray cleaning solution on the floor.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pressurized cleaning
solution source further comprises a compressor configured to
maintain the cleaning solution at a pressure in the range of
between about 50 and 150 psi.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pressurized cleaning
solution source further comprises a compressor configured to
maintain the cleaning solution at a pressure in the range of
between about 80 and 120 psi.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pressurized cleaning
solution source further comprises a compressor configured to
maintain the cleaning solution at a pressure of about 100 psi.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the liquid extraction
devices includes a floor engaging base plate formed of
polytetraflouroethylene.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an exhaust hose
coupled on a first end with the vacuum motor and on a second end
with the housing and configured to direct exhaust from the vacuum
motor into the housing.
8. A modular floor cleaning system comprising: a rotary head
cleaning device comprising: a plurality of liquid extraction
devices positioned radially on a floor-facing surface of a rotary
head; a rotary motor coupled with a top surface of the rotary head
and configured to rotate the rotary head; a housing disposed
between the rotary motor and the rotary head; a vacuum motor
connected with the housing and configured to provide a suction
force to the liquid extraction devices such that the liquid
extraction devices remove liquid from a floor; an evacuation tank
having a capacity sensor in communication with an evacuation pump,
the capacity sensor configured to detect when a maximum desired
capacity of evacuated liquids is reached; a remote cleaning
solution tank having a pump for pushing a cleaning liquid through a
flexible hose to the rotary head cleaning device; and a remote
secondary evacuation tank.
9. The modular floor cleaning system of claim 8, wherein the
evacuation pump is disposed within the evacuation tank and
configured to activate upon receiving a notification from the
capacity sensor and push evacuated liquids through a hose to the
remote secondary evacuation tank.
10. The modular floor cleaning system of claim 8, wherein the
evacuation pump is coupled to an outer surface of the evacuation
tank and configured to activate upon receiving a notification from
the capacity sensor and push evacuated liquids through a hose to
the remote secondary evacuation tank.
11. The modular floor cleaning system of claim 8, further
comprising at least one spray nozzle coupled with the rotary head,
the spray nozzle in fluid communication with the remote cleaning
solution tank and configured to spray cleaning liquid on the
floor.
12. The modular floor cleaning system of claim 8, further
comprising an exhaust hose coupled on a first end with the vacuum
motor and on a second end with the housing and configured to direct
exhaust from the vacuum motor into the housing.
13. A system comprising: liquid extraction devices positioned
radially on a floor-facing surface of a rotary head; a protective
housing disposed between the rotary head and a rotary motor; a
hollow drive channel coupled on a first end with the center of the
rotary head, the hollow drive channel extending through the housing
and coupled on a second end with the rotary motor such that a
rotating force from the rotary motor turns the rotary head; a
liquid conduit coupling liquid sprayers with a cleaning solution
tank, the liquid conduit passing through the hollow drive channel;
a vacuum conduit disposed around the hollow drive channel and
fluidly coupling the liquid extraction devices with vacuum motor;
and wherein the rotary motor and the vacuum motor are positioned on
the protective housing to laterally balance the protective
housing.
14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of
wheels and a handle attached to the protective housing.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the rotary motor is positioned
on the housing opposite the handle such that the rotary motor and
the handle are longitudinally balanced with reference to the rotary
head and the protective housing.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein a combined weight of the rotary
motor, protective housing, and vacuum motor is supported by rotary
head and the liquid extraction devices.
17. The system of claim 16, further comprising an evacuation tank
coupled with the protective housing and disposed around the rotary
motor and vacuum motor such that as the evacuation tank fills with
extracted fluid, a weight of the extracted fluid is distributed
evenly across the protective housing.
18. The system of claim 17, further comprising an evacuation pump
disposed within the evacuation tank and configured to push the
extracted fluid through a flexible hose to a remote storage
tank.
19. The system of claim 18, further comprising a capacity sensor
configured to detect a quantity of the extracted fluid and actuate
the evacuation pump when the quantity of extracted fluid reaches a
predetermined level.
20. The system of claim 13, further comprising an exhaust hose
coupled on a first end with the vacuum motor and on a second end
with the protective housing and configured to direct exhaust from
the vacuum motor into the housing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/368,525 entitled "APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD
FOR A ROTARY HEAD CLEANER" and filed on Jul. 28, 2010 for Edward E.
Durrant et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] This disclosure relates to floor cleaning devices and more
particularly relates to rotary head cleaners for extracting fluid
from a floor.
BACKGROUND
[0003] 1. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The cleaning of carpet, to remove stains, dirt, etc., is
achieved using various different methods, including dry-cleaning
techniques, wet-cleaning techniques, and vacuuming. Wet-cleaning,
or steam cleaning as it is commonly known, is a technique that
involves spraying heated water onto carpet, agitation of the
carpet, and extraction of the heated water. The extraction step may
require several passes with a cleaning tool to extract water from
the carpet. Finally, the carpet is allowed to dry.
[0005] Unfortunately, many of the cleaning tools used to extract
water from the carpet are bulky, cumbersome, and/or poorly
balanced. Furthermore, motors that provide suction to the cleaning
tool are often located remotely, and therefore suffer from a loss
of suction power over the length of the suction hose.
SUMMARY
[0006] From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a
need exists for an apparatus and system for a rotary head cleaner.
The present disclosure has been developed in response to the
present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the
problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved
by currently available floor cleaners. Accordingly, the present
disclosure has been developed to provide an apparatus and system
for a rotary head cleaner that overcome many or all of the
above-discussed shortcomings in the art.
[0007] The apparatus is provided with a plurality of liquid
extraction devices positioned radially on a floor-facing surface of
a rotary head, a driveshaft disposed between a rotary motor and the
rotary head, the rotary motor configured to rotate the rotary head,
and a housing disposed between the rotary motor and the rotary
head, the housing supporting a wheel, and a handle. The apparatus
also includes an evacuation tank having a capacity sensor in
communication with an evacuation pump. The capacity sensor detects
when a maximum desired capacity of evacuated liquids is
reached.
[0008] In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a vacuum motor
connected with the housing and configured to provide a suction
force to the liquid extraction devices to extract liquid from a
floor to the evacuation tank. The weight of the rotary motor,
housing, handle, retractable wheel, and vacuum motor is supported
by the liquid extraction devices. In a further embodiment, the
apparatus includes at least one spray nozzle coupled with the
rotary head and in communication with a pressurized cleaning
solution source and configured to spray cleaning solution on the
floor. The pressurized cleaning solution may include a compressor
configured to maintain the cleaning solution at a pressure in the
range of between about 50 and 150 psi, 80 and 120 psi, or about 100
psi.
[0009] Each of the liquid extraction devices includes a floor
engaging base plate formed of polytetraflouroethylene. In another
embodiment, the apparatus includes an exhaust hose coupled on a
first end with the vacuum motor and on a second end with the
housing and configured to direct exhaust from the vacuum motor into
the housing.
[0010] A system is also provided, and includes the apparatus, a
remote cleaning solution tank having a pump for pushing a cleaning
liquid through a flexible hose to the rotary head cleaning device,
and a remote secondary evacuation tank. The evacuation pump may be
disposed within the evacuation tank and configured to activate upon
receiving a notification from the capacity sensor and push
evacuated liquids through a hose to the remote secondary evacuation
tank. Alternatively, the evacuation pump is coupled to an outer
surface of the evacuation tank and configured to activate upon
receiving a notification from the capacity sensor and push
evacuated liquids through a hose to the remote secondary evacuation
tank.
[0011] In a different embodiment, the system includes liquid
extraction devices positioned radially on a floor-facing surface of
a rotary head, a protective housing disposed between the rotary
head and a rotary motor, and a hollow drive channel coupled on a
first end with the center of the rotary head. The hollow drive
channel extends through the housing and couples on a second end
with the rotary motor so that a rotating force from the rotary
motor turns the rotary head. The system also includes a liquid
conduit coupling liquid sprayers with a cleaning solution tank. The
liquid conduit passes through the hollow drive channel.
[0012] In a further embodiment, the system includes a vacuum
conduit disposed around the hollow drive channel and fluidly
coupling the liquid extraction devices with vacuum motor. The
rotary motor and the vacuum motor are positioned on the protective
housing to laterally balance the protective housing. The system may
include wheels and a handle attached to the protective housing. The
rotary motor may be positioned on the housing opposite the handle
such that the rotary motor and the handle are longitudinally
balanced with reference to the rotary head and the protective
housing.
[0013] In one embodiment, the system includes an evacuation tank
coupled with the protective housing and disposed around the rotary
motor and vacuum motor such that as the evacuation tank fills with
extracted fluid, a weight of the extracted fluid is distributed
evenly across the protective housing. The system also includes an
evacuation pump disposed within the evacuation tank and configured
to push the extracted fluid through a flexible hose to a remote
storage tank.
[0014] Reference throughout this specification to features,
advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the
features and advantages that may be realized with the present
disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment of the
disclosure. Rather, language referring to the features and
advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,
advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and
similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not
necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
[0015] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and
characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art
will recognize that the disclosure may be practiced without one or
more of the specific features or advantages of a particular
embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages
may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in
all embodiments of the disclosure.
[0016] These features and advantages of the present disclosure will
become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the
disclosure as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In order that the advantages of the disclosure will be
readily understood, a more particular description of the disclosure
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a rotary
head cleaning machine;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another
embodiment of the machine;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one
embodiment of the rotary head;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one
embodiment of the extraction head;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another
embodiment of the rotary head;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another
embodiment of the rotary head;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of
the machine;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another
embodiment of the machine;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of
the machine;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a side view diagram illustrating yet another
embodiment of the machine;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system
for a rotary head cleaner;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a control module;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a machine;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of
the machine;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a vacuum path of the machine;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a side view diagram illustrating another
embodiment of the vacuum path; and
[0034] FIG. 17 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another
embodiment of the machine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,"
"an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one
embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language throughout
this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the
same embodiment.
[0036] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or
characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description,
numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of
programming, software modules, user selections, network
transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware
modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a
thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. One
skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the
disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific
details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so
forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or
operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring
aspects of the disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a rotary
head cleaning machine 100 (hereinafter "machine 100"). The machine
100, in one embodiment, includes a housing 102 that forms a
supportive base for a rotary motor 104, a vacuum motor 106, an
evacuation tank 108, and an evacuation pump 109. A pair of wheels
110 and a handle 112 may also be connected to the housing 102. The
housing 102, in a further embodiment, is configured having a bell
shape to form a protective cover around a rotary head which will be
described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 3-5.
[0038] Coupled with the rotary head are extraction heads 114. In
one embodiment, at least three extraction heads 114 are connected
with the rotary head. Alternatively, the number of extraction heads
114 connected with the rotary head is selected according to the
type of flooring. For example, a high-density short-pile commercial
style carpet may benefit from additional extraction heads 114.
Alternatively, the number of extraction heads 114 may be selected
according to different criteria. For example, the determination may
not be the type of flooring, but rather the ability of the machine
100 to smoothly traverse a carpeted surface. In other words, more
extraction heads 114 supporting the machine 100 result in a more
stable machine 100. The extraction heads 114 are in fluid
communication with the evacuation tank 108. As such, a vacuum force
applied by the vacuum motor 106 to the evacuation tank 108 results
in a vacuum force on the extraction heads 114.
[0039] The housing 102 is formed of a rigid material capable of
supporting the rotary motor 104, vacuum motor 106, evacuation tank
108, wheels 110, and handle 112. Examples of a rigid material
capable of use in the present disclosure include, but are not
limited to, aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel alloys, other metal
alloys, and rigid plastics. The rotary motor, in one embodiment, is
an electrical motor capable of generating a force sufficient to
turn the rotary head. In one embodiment, the rotary motor 104 is a
1/2 hp motor. The rotary motor 104 may be connected with a gearbox
116 that transfers the rotary force of the rotary motor 104 through
a driveshaft to the rotary head. In the depicted embodiment, the
driveshaft is disposed within a driveshaft housing 118 and extends
from the gearbox 116 to the rotary head which is disposed within
the housing 102
[0040] The evacuation tank 108 is a storage tank for holding liquid
that is extracted from flooring via the extraction heads 114. The
evacuation tank 108 may be formed as an integral piece of the
housing 102, or alternatively as a separate component that is
attached to the housing 102. The evacuation tank 108, in one
embodiment, includes a capacity sensor for indicating when the
evacuation tank 108 is nearly full of liquid that has been
extracted from the floor. The capacity sensor may comprise a
pressure or weight sensor disposed between the evacuation tank 108
and the housing 102 configured to indicate when the evacuation tank
108 is nearly full.
[0041] Alternatively, the capacity sensor may comprise a float
sensor inside the evacuation tank 108 indicating when the fluid
level is approaching a "full line." In one embodiment, the liquid
in the evacuation tank 108 is then drawn to a drain or secondary
storage tank. This will be discussed in greater detail below with
reference to FIG. 11. The evacuation pump 109 is configured to push
liquid in the evacuation tank 108 through a hose (not shown) to a
drain or secondary evacuation tank. The evacuation pump 109, in one
embodiment, is submersible in liquid in the evacuation tank 108.
Alternatively, the evacuation pump 109 is coupled with an exterior
surface of the evacuation tank 108.
[0042] The evacuation pump 109, in one embodiment, is configured to
operate in short spurts to minimize the electrical load of the
machine 100. In other words, when the capacity sensor determines
that the evacuation tank 108 is nearing capacity, the evacuation
pump 109 pumps out the extracted liquids in, for example, 20 second
cycles. In this example, the evacuation pump 109 pumps for 20
seconds then pauses for 20 seconds, and repeats this cycle until
evacuation tank 108 is nearly empty.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another
embodiment of the machine 100. In one embodiment, the handle 112 is
pivotally coupled with the housing 102. The handle 112 includes a
locking lever 202 configured to lock the angular position of the
lever 112 with respect to the housing 102. This beneficially allows
the handle 112 to be positioned at different heights to accommodate
users of different heights. The handle 112 can pivot from a
perpendicular "storage" position to a horizontal position.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one
embodiment of the rotary head 300. As described above, the rotary
head 300 is coupled with extraction heads 114. The depicted
embodiment demonstrates a rotary head 300 having five extraction
heads 114. Alternatively, the rotary head 300 may include more or
less extraction heads 114 depending on the type of flooring to be
cleaned.
[0045] The rotary head 300, in one embodiment, includes at least
one spray nozzle 302. Alternatively, the rotary head 300 may be
configured with multiple spray nozzles 302, each fluidly coupled
with a cleaning solution source. The cleaning solution may be a
pressurized liquid such as water or a mixture of water and a
cleaning agent. The cleaning solution is delivered via a conduit
that passes through a hollow driveshaft that connects the gearbox
116 (of FIG. 1) with rotary head 300. The hollow driveshaft will be
discussed in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 5.
[0046] Concentric with the hollow driveshaft 304 is a vacuum
chamber 306 having a plurality of inlets 308. The vacuum chamber
306, in one embodiment, may be sub-divided into smaller chambers.
The smaller chambers are each fluidly coupled with the inlets 308.
Alternatively, the vacuum chamber 306 may be configured as a single
chamber having multiple inlets 308. Each inlet 308 is connected via
a hose (not shown) with an outlet 310 of an extraction head 114.
The hoses are not depicted here so as to not obstruct the
perspective view of the rotary head 300.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one
embodiment of the extraction head 114. The extraction head 114, or
vacuum head, is shown here for removing liquid from fabric such as
carpet. The extraction head includes a base plate 402 with one or
more openings which function as extraction nozzles 404 to remove
the liquid from the fabric. The base plate 402 is elongated and may
be coated with an anti-friction coating to more easily move through
a carpeted surface. Examples of coatings suitable for use in the
present disclosure include, but are not limited to,
polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE). In a further embodiment, various
components of the extraction head 114 may be formed of PTFE. For
example, the base plate 402 may be formed of PTFE.
[0048] Extending from the base plate 402 is a guide bar 406. The
guide bar 406 extends "forward" from the base plate 402 to guide
the extraction head 114 over objects in the carpeted surface. For
example, because the guide bar 406 extends outward in front of the
base plate 402, the guide bar will make contact with objects in the
carpeted surface before the base plate 402 as the extraction head
114 moves through a carpeted surface. As depicted, the guide bar
406 is configured with a leading bar 408 positioned above the plane
of the base plate 402. As such, as the leading bar 408 encounters a
carpet transition bar, for example, the incline of the guide bar
406 will "ride" up the carpet transition bar and consequently lift
the base plate 402 over the carpet transition bar. In other words,
the guide bar 406 protects the base plate 402 and prevents the
extraction head 114 from catching on objects in the carpeted
surface.
[0049] As discussed above, the extraction head 114 also includes
the outlet 310. The outlet 310 is fluidly coupled with the
plurality of extraction nozzles 404, and configured to attach with
a hose that connects with the vacuum chamber described above with
reference to FIG. 3. Also depicted here is a mounting point 410 for
connecting the extraction head 114 with the rotary head of FIG. 3.
The mounting point 410, in one embodiment, is an aperture through
which a bolt or other fastening device may pass to secure the
extraction head 114 to the rotary head.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another
embodiment of the rotary head 500. The rotary head 500 is driven by
a hollow driveshaft disposed between the gearbox 116 of FIG. 1 and
the rotary head 500. The driveshaft transfers the rotary force from
the rotary motor 104, via the gearbox 116, to the rotary head 500
so that the rotary head 500 rotates about the driveshaft. The
driveshaft connects to the rotary head 500 at the center of the hub
502.
[0051] The hub 502 includes, in this embodiment, multiple vacuum
chambers 504 positioned radially around a center channel 506. Each
of the vacuum chambers 504 is fluidly coupled with an inlet 508 and
the evacuation tank 108 of FIG. 1. As such, a partial vacuum
applied to the evacuation tank 108 causes a partial vacuum in the
vacuum chambers 504 which thereby draws liquid through a hose
connecting the inlet 508 to the outlet 510 of an extraction head
512.
[0052] FIG. 6 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another
embodiment of the rotary head 500 without the hub 502. The rotary
head 500, in one embodiment, includes multiple liquid conduits 602
extending outward radially from the center channel 506. The liquid
conduits 602 transport a cleaning solution from a cleaning solution
source to the spray nozzles 604. In one embodiment, the center
channel 506 itself is a liquid conduit together with the hollow
driveshaft that connects the gearbox 116 with the center channel
506 of the rotary head 500. Alternatively, a separate conduit may
pass through the hollow driveshaft and center channel 506 to
deliver the cleaning solution to the liquid conduits 602. The
cleaning solution, as described above, may be water or,
alternatively, a mixture of water and a cleaning agent.
[0053] The present disclosure, beneficially, is capable of
dispensing a pressurized cleaning solution. In other words, the
spray nozzles 604, liquid conduits 602, and the center channel 506
are capable of transporting a pressurized cleaning solution. This
beneficially better distributes the cleaning solution onto a
carpeted or fabric surface. In a further embodiment, the above
described liquid distribution system is also capable of
distributing a gaseous cleaning solution, such as an atomized
mixture of water and cleaning agent via an atomizer nozzle.
[0054] FIG. 7 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of
the machine 100. As described previously, the machine 100, in one
embodiment, includes two motors: the rotary motor 104 and the
vacuum motor 106. The rotary motor 104 is coupled to the gearbox
116 and provides a rotary force that drives the gearbox 116, the
driveshaft, and the rotary head. The vacuum motor 106 creates a
region of low pressure in the evacuation tank 108 and thereby
causes the flow of liquid, from a region of higher pressure (the
carpeted surface), into the tank.
[0055] The vacuum motor 106 includes an exhaust port 602 through
which exhaust is expelled. In the depicted embodiment, the exhaust
port 602 directs the exhaust to the side of the machine 100.
Alternatively, the exhaust port 602 may extend downward toward the
carpeted surface so that the exhaust from the vacuum motor 106
aides in drying the carpeted surface.
[0056] FIG. 8 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another
embodiment of the machine 100. The depicted embodiment illustrates
the rotary motor 104. The rotary motor 104 is mounted to the
housing 102, and in one embodiment, the output shaft of the rotary
motor 104 extends out of the rotary motor 104 away from the
housing. The output shaft of the rotary motor engages the gearbox
116 to provide a rotary force to the rotary head as described
above. In another embodiment, that will be described in greater
detail below with reference to FIG. 10, the output shaft of the
rotary motor may extend downward toward the housing. In other
words, the orientation of the motor may be reversed.
[0057] FIG. 9 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of
the machine 900. In the depicted embodiment, the vacuum motor 106
and the evacuation tank 108 are positioned on the housing 102
opposite the rotary motor 104. However, as described above with
reference to FIG. 1, the vacuum motor 106 and the evacuation tank
108 may be positioned adjacent the rotary motor 104. The
arrangement of FIG. 9 positions the rotary motor 104, vacuum motor
106, and evacuation tank 108 along a longitudinal plane 902 of the
machine 900. The longitudinal plane 902, as used herein, refers to
an imaginary plane bisecting the machine along a lateral center of
gravity. In other words, the longitudinal plane 902 is positioned
along a line defined at each point of the line as the lateral, or
side-to-side, center of gravity. By centering the rotary motor 104,
vacuum motor 106, and evacuation tank 108 along the longitudinal
plane 902, the machine 900 is balanced and does not lean to one
side or the other during operation.
[0058] If the rotary motor 104, vacuum motor 106, or evacuation
tank 108 are symmetrical, then the rotary motor 104, vacuum motor
106, or evacuation tank 108 may be centered along the longitudinal
plane 902. Alternatively, the center of gravity of each of the
rotary motor 104, vacuum motor 106, or evacuation tank 108 may be
positioned along the longitudinal plane 902 to balance the machine
900.
[0059] In a different embodiment, the rotary motor 104, vacuum
motor 106, and evacuation tank 108 are positioned in any
configuration that balances the motors 104, 106, and the evacuation
tank 108 laterally. In other terms, the motors 104, 106, and tank
108 may be positioned on the machine in positions that are not
necessarily on the longitudinal axis 902 but still balance the
machine laterally.
[0060] FIG. 10 is a side view diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a rotary head cleaning machine 1000. In one
embodiment, the evacuation tank 1002 is configured as a bell-shaped
tank configured with a profile similar to that of the housing 102.
As such, the evacuation tank 1002 appears to be integral to the
housing. Such a configuration also accomplishes a balanced
evacuation tank 1002 because it has a symmetrical and circular
shape that is centered over the housing 102. In fact, the
evacuation tank 1002 may be integrally formed with the housing
102.
[0061] The depicted embodiment also illustrates a "reversed"
orientation rotary motor 1004 as discussed previously. The gearbox
1006 may be disposed directly above the housing 102, or
alternatively the evacuation tank 1002. As such, a much shorter
driveshaft is required to connect the rotary head to the gearbox
1006. With the gearbox 1006 closer to the housing 102, the rotary
motor 1004 is positioned with the output shaft extending towards
the housing 102, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 1, for example.
[0062] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system
1100 for a rotary head cleaner. In one embodiment, the system
includes the machine 100 as described above with reference to FIGS.
1-9, or alternatively the machine 1000 described above in FIG. 10.
The system also includes a cart 1102 having tanks 1104, 1106. Tank
1104, in one embodiment, is a pressurized tank for storing a
cleaning solution. The cart 1102, in one embodiment, includes a
compressor for maintaining the pressure of the cleaning solution in
the tank 1104. For example, the compressor might maintain the
cleaning solution at a pressure of in the range of between about 50
and 150 psi. In a different embodiment, the compressor maintains
the pressure in the tank 1104 in a range of between about 80 to 120
psi. In a further embodiment, the pressure is 100 psi. The tank
1104 supplies the cleaning solution to the machine 100 via a hose
1108 that is in fluid communication with the liquid conduits 602
described above in FIG. 6.
[0063] In a further embodiment, a heater is connected with the tank
1104 to heat the cleaning solution. In a further example, the tank
1104 may be replaced with a stationary liquid source such as a
faucet. Tank 1106 is a secondary evacuation tank. Tank 1106 is in
fluid communication with evacuation tank 108 and receives evacuated
liquid when the evacuation tank 108 nears capacity. As discussed
previously, the evacuation tank 108 includes a capacity sensor
that, for example, may trigger a pump (such as the evacuation pump
109 of FIG. 1) located on the cart 1102 to remove the liquid from
the evacuation tank 108 to the tank 1106. In a further embodiment,
the evacuation tank 108 may be removed and evacuated liquid
extracted from a carpeted surface may be sent directly to the tank
1106.
[0064] In a further embodiment, the tank 1106 may be replaced with
a stationary evacuation point, such as a drain. In this embodiment,
hose 1110 may be connected with a pump located at a remote drain.
Alternatively, the evacuation pump 109 is configured to push
extracted liquid to the remote drain. The evacuation pump 109 may
be located on the machine 100 or on the cart 1102. In one
embodiment, the evacuation pump 109 is removable and may be placed
on either the machine 100 or the cart 1102. Additionally, an
evacuation pump 109 may be placed on each of the machine 100 and
the cart 1102 and one or both evacuation pumps 109 may be
selectively activated according to liquid volumes and available
power.
[0065] Additionally, the cart 1102 may be carried removably on a
truck. In this embodiment, the user may use his/her discretion to
work with the cart remaining on the truck or to wheel the cart to
the premises being cleaned, closer to the machine 100.
Additionally, one or more components of the cart 1102, such as the
heater 1114 may be removed from the cart and relocated on the
premises, closer to the machine 100.
[0066] The cart 1102, in one embodiment, is a modular cart 1102. In
other words, the cart 1102 may be configured as a framework capable
of receiving modular components such as the tanks 1104, 1106. As
desired, tanks 1104, 1106 may be removed from the cart and replaced
with a different modular component. For example, the secondary
evacuation tank 1106 may be removed from the cart 1102 and
positioned near a drain or toilet so that extracted liquids are
disposed of. The cart 1102 then is capable of accepting, for
example, an additional cleaning solution heater 1114. In a further
embodiment, the cart 1102 is configured with sufficient "slots," or
openings, for accommodating the tanks 1104, 1106, multiple heaters
1114, additional pumps, and other accessories. In yet another
embodiment, the heater 1114 may be positioned in-line with the hose
1108. The multiple components on the cart 1102 may be removable,
and in one embodiment are also separately powered and capable of
being bypassed such that they may be deactivated while still
remaining on the cart if desired.
[0067] The cart 1102 and or machine 100 may be powered with an
electrical cord for accessing 110 V or 220 V electricity on the
premises. Additionally, the cart 1102 and or machine 100 may be
powered by a generator that may be relocateable to the premises or
which may be located on the truck.
[0068] In one embodiment, the electrical characteristics of both
the cart 1102 and the machine 100 are selected to keep the
electricity usage from exceeding an amount that might exceed the
capacity of the power supply. For instance, the rotary motor 104
and the vacuum motor 106 are preferably selected to have a combined
current usage within a selected threshold level. In a further
embodiment, the evacuation pump 109 is also selected to combine
with the rotary motor 104 and the vacuum motor 106 to maintain a
current usage within the selected threshold.
[0069] In one embodiment, the selected threshold is within the
range of between about 10 and about 22 amps. In a further
embodiment, the selected threshold is within the range of between
about 12 and about 18 amps. In a more specific embodiment, the
selected threshold is about 15 amps.
[0070] In order to stay within the threshold current usage, power
saving configurations may be used. For instance, the heads 114 may
be made of a low friction material. In one embodiment, the friction
reducing material is polytetraflouroethylene.
[0071] FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a control module 1202. The control module 1202, in
one embodiment, includes a rotary module 1204, a vacuum module
1206, a capacity module 1208, an evacuation module 1210, and a
heater module 1212. The control module 1202 is configured to
control the amperage usage of the rotary head cleaner. The control
module 1202 ensures that the rotary head cleaner does not use
excessive amperage that might trip an electrical circuit breaker.
In one example, the control module 1202 is configured to prevent
usage of more than 15 amps. Alternatively, the control module 1202
may be configured to accept a user defined maximum amperage.
[0072] The rotary module 1204 is configured to monitor the amperage
usage of the rotary motor described above with reference to FIG. 1
Likewise, the vacuum module 1206 is configured to monitor the
amperage usage of the vacuum motor. Alternatively, a single module
may be configured to monitor both motors. The capacity module 1208
is configured to monitor the capacity sensor and detect when the
evacuation tank is nearing capacity. When such an event is
detected, the capacity module 1208 notifies the evacuation module
1210 which begins an evacuation event. In other words, extracted
liquid stored in the evacuation tank is moved to the secondary
evacuation tank. This beneficially reduces the weight riding on the
machine which in turn reduces the load on the rotary motor.
[0073] The heater module 1212 is configured to monitor the usage of
cleaning solution heaters. If the control module 1202 detects that
a maximum amperage threshold is about to be crossed, the control
module 1202 can notify the heater module 1212 which either turns
off the heater, or reduces electricity usage of the heater.
Alternatively, however, if the control module 1202 detects that the
entire system is within the maximum threshold, the control module
1202 may request that the heater module 1212 activates additional
heaters.
[0074] FIG. 13 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a machine 1300. The machine 1300 generally includes
the components and features described above with reference to FIGS.
1-12. The components and features, as is also described above with
reference to FIG. 9, may be arranged in different orientations as
long as the machine 1300 remains balanced laterally. The depicted
embodiment illustrates a machine 1300 having an evacuation tank
1304 that surrounds the various motors, pumps, and other components
depicted in the preceding and following figures. These components
and features include a housing 1302 that supports an evacuation
tank 1304, and various motors. The housing 1302 is disposed between
the rotary head and the evacuation tank 1304. In one embodiment,
the machine 1300 includes a base 1306 disposed between the housing
1304 and the evacuation tank. The base 1304 couples the evacuation
tank 1304 to the housing 1302, and includes mounting areas for
various motors and sensors as will be described below. The
evacuation tank 1304 surrounds the vacuum motor, rotary motor, and
other components. This type of arrangement allows the weight of
evacuated fluid to be evenly distributed across the base 1306 and
housing 1302, and thereby maintains lateral balance of the machine
1300.
[0075] The machine 1300 also includes an inlet port 1308 and an
outlet port 1310. The inlet port 1308 is for receiving a supply
line of cleaning solution. Similarly, the outlet port 1310 is for
expelling extracted dirt and fluid from a floor surface. The
machine 1300 is configured to "push" the extracted fluid from the
evacuation tank 1304 to a secondary storage tank or drain. In other
words, unlike other cleaning systems, the machine 1300 does not
utilize vacuum to draw the extracted fluid to the secondary storage
tank, the extracted fluid is pumped. Likewise, cleaning solution
delivered through the inlet port 1308 is also pumped to the machine
1300 instead of using a vacuum to draw the cleaning solution from a
cleaning solution tank.
[0076] FIG. 14 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of
the machine 1300. As with FIG. 9, FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment of
a laterally balanced machine 1400. For the sake of clarity, many
components depicted in above in FIG. 13 are not illustrated; rather
the components that most affect lateral balance are illustrated,
those components being the vacuum motor 1402, the rotary motor
1404, the evacuation pump 1406, and vacuum riser 1408. The
arrangement depicted here illustrates a configuration that
laterally balances the components along a longitudinal plane 1410
of the machine 1400. The longitudinal plane 1410, as used herein,
refers to an imaginary plane bisecting the machine along a lateral
center of gravity. In other words, the longitudinal plane 1410 is
positioned along a line defined at each point of the line as the
lateral, or side-to-side, center of gravity. By centering the
rotary motor 1404, and balancing the evacuation pump 1406, vacuum
motor 1402, and vacuum riser 1408 along the longitudinal plane
1410, the machine 1400 is balanced and does not lean to one side or
the other during operation. The evacuation tank is not depicted
here, because as described above, the evacuation tank evenly
distributes the weight of extracted fluid across the base 1412.
[0077] In a different embodiment, the rotary motor 1404, vacuum
motor 1402, and evacuation pump 1406 are positioned in any
configuration that balances the machine 1400 laterally. In other
terms, the motors and pump may be positioned on the machine in
positions that are not necessarily on the longitudinal axis 1410
but still balance the machine laterally.
[0078] In a further embodiment, the rotary motor 1404 is selected
and positioned to balance the machine 1300 longitudinally. As used
herein, balancing the machine longitudinally refers to a
substantially even weight distribution from one side of an
imaginary plane 1414 bisecting the machine along a longitudinal, or
front-to-back, center of gravity. The rotary motor 1404, in one
embodiment, is positioned in a forward position, as depicted, to
balance the weight of the handle 1416 and the wheels 1418. Such a
balanced configuration enables the machine 1300, when in operation,
to be supported entirely by the rotary head, as depicted in FIG. 1,
without the need to utilize the wheels 1418.
[0079] Referring jointly now to FIGS. 15 and 16, FIG. 15 is a
perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a vacuum
path of the machine 1300, and FIG. 16 is a side view diagram
illustrating another embodiment of the vacuum path. As used herein,
the term "vacuum path" refers to the pathway along which air and
extracted fluid move under when a partial vacuum is introduced in
the evacuation tank. The vacuum path, as described above with
reference to the rotary head, starts at the extraction heads which
are coupled with vacuum chambers 1501 in the rotary head. FIG. 15
illustrates a plenum 1502 coupled with the top of the rotary head
and the vacuum riser 1408. The plenum 1502 forms a channel through
which air and extracted fluid may pass. The plenum 1502 is formed
having smooth surfaces and rounded edges to minimize disruptions to
the flow of air and extracted fluid.
[0080] The vacuum path 1602, as depicted in FIG. 16, rises from the
extraction heads 114 to the vacuum chambers, up through the plenum
1502, over to the vacuum riser 1408, and then to the evacuation
tank. In one embodiment, the length of the vacuum path 1504 is in
the range of between about 0.25 and 3 feet. In a further
embodiment, the length of the vacuum path 1504 is in the range of
between about 0.75 and 2 feet. In yet another embodiment, the
length of the vacuum path is in the range of between about 0.8 feet
and 1 foot. The total height the extracted fluid is lifted,
therefore, is minimized and therefore less power is required to
extract fluid from the floor, and extracted fluid performance
increases.
[0081] The extraction capability of the machine 1300 is increased
by minimizing the length of the vacuum path 1504, and the number of
turns or obstacles in the vacuum path 1504. As depicted, starting
at the vacuum chamber 1501, the vacuum path 1504 includes two
"turns" 1506. As used herein, the term "turn" refers to a change in
direction of the vacuum path 1504. Therefore, the depicted vacuum
path has a turn from a vertical to a horizontal path when entering
the plenum 1502, and a turn 1506 from the plenum 1502 to the vacuum
riser 1408. Beveled or sloped edges at the turns 1506 will further
reduce obstructions and improve air and extracted fluid flow. In
other words, smoothing out the vacuum path 1504 improves air and
extracted fluid flow. As such the machine 1300 is capable of
extracting substantial amounts of cleaning solution from the floor.
For example, a machine 1300, as depicted in FIG. 13, is capable of
extracting all but 0.26 gallons from a 100 square foot area in a
single pass. This greatly reduces the drying time of the floor from
almost 24 hours when 0.40 to 0.60 gallons per 100 square feet is
left in the flooring, to 2-3 hours when the amount is in the range
of about 0.20 to 0.30 gallons per 100 square feet.
[0082] FIG. 17 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another
embodiment of the machine 1700. The machine 1700 may include an
exhaust hose 1702 extending from the vacuum motor. The exhaust
created by the vacuum motor may be directed through the exhaust
hose 1702 through an opening in the housing 1704. As such, the air
blown from the vacuum motor is directed away from a person
operating the machine which in turn reduces the noise as perceived
by the person. Furthermore, the air directed through the exhaust
hose 1702 aids in drying the flooring.
[0083] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
[0084] What is claimed is:
* * * * *