U.S. patent application number 16/162557 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-23 for wheel propelled steerable floor cleaning machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Karcher North America, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Karcher North America, Inc.. Invention is credited to ANTHONY KING, NICHOLAS BRIAN O'KANE, JOE WHITE.
Application Number | 20200121150 16/162557 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68281319 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200121150 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'KANE; NICHOLAS BRIAN ; et
al. |
April 23, 2020 |
WHEEL PROPELLED STEERABLE FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE
Abstract
The present disclosure relates generally to floor surface
cleaning or treatment machines. In various embodiments, powered
floor cleaning devices are provided with improved deck assemblies.
The deck assemblies are operable to control at least one of the
direction and velocity of a floor cleaning device and provide
improved handling and cleaning abilities.
Inventors: |
O'KANE; NICHOLAS BRIAN;
(CENTENNIAL, CO) ; WHITE; JOE; (Colorado Springs,
CO) ; KING; ANTHONY; (Colorado Springs, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Karcher North America, Inc. |
Denver |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Karcher North America, Inc.
Denver
CO
|
Family ID: |
68281319 |
Appl. No.: |
16/162557 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/24 20130101;
A47L 11/4036 20130101; A47L 11/10 20130101; A47L 11/28 20130101;
A47L 11/20 20130101; A47L 11/4061 20130101; A47L 11/4038 20130101;
A47L 11/4066 20130101; A47L 11/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/24 20060101
A47L011/24; A47L 11/40 20060101 A47L011/40 |
Claims
1. A floor cleaning device comprising: a chassis; a steerable
cleaning deck rotatable about a vertical axis; a steering mechanism
in communication with the cleaning deck and having a portion
accessible to an operator, wherein the cleaning deck is steerable
with the steering mechanism; the cleaning deck comprising a drive
assembly that is operable to convey the device and regulate a speed
of the device; the drive assembly comprising a propel wheel and an
electric motor in communication with the propel wheel to control a
speed of the propel wheel; a recess operable to receive a cleaning
device located proximate the at least one propel wheel; and a
vacuum assembly operable to collect at least one of debris and
fluid, the vacuum assembly in fluid communication with the cleaning
deck.
2. The floor cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning
device comprises a rotatable brush.
3. The floor cleaning device of claim 1, further comprising support
wheels provided proximal to a rearward portion of the device, the
support wheels comprising non-driven wheels for supporting a weight
of the device.
4. The floor cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning
device recess comprises a cleaning device drive element in
communication with a second electric motor.
5. The floor cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning deck
further comprises at least one solution nozzle for dispensing a
cleaning fluid.
6. The floor cleaning device of claim 1, further comprising a
controller for regulating a current supplied to the motor and
controlling a speed of the propel wheel.
7. A floor cleaning apparatus comprising: a chassis providing an
envelope and comprising a forward portion, a rearward portion, and
left and right side portions; a steerable cleaning deck provided
proximal to the forward portion of the chassis; the steerable
cleaning deck provided in communication with a steering mechanism
having a portion accessible to an operator; wherein the steerable
cleaning deck comprises a drive assembly comprising: an electric
motor and a propel wheel; wherein the propel wheel is operable to
convey the apparatus and control a velocity of the apparatus; and
wherein the steerable cleaning deck further comprises a floor
cleaning device, and wherein the floor cleaning device is provided
rearward of the propel wheel.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the cleaning device comprises
a cleaning brush.
9. The floor cleaning device of claim 7, wherein the cleaning
device is provided in communication with a second electric
motor.
10. The floor cleaning device of claim 7, wherein the cleaning deck
further comprises at least one solution nozzle for dispensing a
cleaning fluid.
11. The floor cleaning device of claim 8, wherein the cleaning
brush is removably attached to the steerable cleaning deck.
12. The floor cleaning device of claim 7, further comprising a
vacuum assembly and wherein the vacuum assembly comprises a vacuum
shoe proximal to the cleaning device.
13. The floor cleaning device of claim 7, wherein the chassis
comprises a width that is no greater than 24 inches.
14. The floor cleaning device of claim 7, wherein the device
comprises a walk-behind device that is devoid of an area for
accommodating a weight of a user.
15. A floor surface cleaning device comprising: a chassis; a
cleaning deck in communication with and rotatable relative to the
chassis, and wherein the cleaning deck is operable to clean a floor
surface and provide locomotion to the device; the cleaning deck
comprising a drive assembly and a cleaning device; wherein the
drive assembly comprises a first electric motor in communication
with a drive wheel; the chassis comprising at least two wheels
provided rearward of the cleaning deck, the at least two wheels
being operable to support a weight of the chassis; the cleaning
deck comprising a second electric motor in communication with the
cleaning device; a steering mechanism in communication with the
cleaning deck and having a portion accessible to an operator; and
wherein a speed of the drive wheel controls a speed of the device
and the cleaning device is operable to be driven independently of
the drive wheel.
16. The floor surface cleaning device of claim 15, wherein the at
least two wheels comprise passive, non-driven wheels.
17. The floor surface cleaning device of claim 15, wherein the
drive assembly is located within the cleaning deck and is
configured to drive the floor cleaning machine.
18. The floor surface cleaning device of claim 15, wherein the
cleaning deck further comprises at least one nozzle for dispensing
cleaning fluid, and a suction port for picking up fluid from the
cleaning surface.
19. The floor surface cleaning device of claim 15, wherein the
cleaning device comprises a brush.
20. The floor surface cleaning device of claim 19, wherein the
drive wheel is centered between lateral sides of the cleaning deck.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to floor cleaning
devices and machines. More specifically, the present disclosure and
various embodiments disclosed herein relate to carpet extractors
and floor cleaning systems and devices with powered-wheel
propulsion systems.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Floor cleaners, including hard floor cleaners and carpet
extractors are common for home consumers and for business and
commercial use. These floor cleaners are known in the art to
include a handle or steering wheel for maneuvering the floor
cleaner and have wheels to facilitate moving the device. Cleaning
fluid can be dispensed through a nozzle in the device. Often,
cleaners use a spinning brush to agitate and clean a surface.
[0003] Cleaning machines are used extensively for cleaning flooring
surfaces comprised of tile, stone, brick, wood, concrete, carpets
and other common surfaces. Maintaining the cleanliness of these
surfaces, especially in high volume areas in commercial,
industrial, institutional and public buildings is an ongoing and
time-consuming process. Embodiments of the present disclosure
relate to a highly maneuverable floor cleaning or treatment
apparatus. More specifically, some embodiments of the present
invention are adapted to treat (e.g. clean, sweep, vacuum, burnish,
wax, etc.) a floor surface. As used herein, the term "floored
surface," or more generally "surface," encompasses areas comprising
concrete, tile, carpet, wood, plastic, stone, turf or any other
substance known in the art.
[0004] With known devices, users often treat surfaces, such as
tiled hallways or restroom floors, using traditional mop and bucket
techniques. The bucket may include a detachable mop ringer and may
be positioned on caster wheels to facilitate easy movement.
Carpeted surfaces are often cleaned with conventional upright
vacuums that are either relatively easier to maneuver, or that
provide deep cleaning. Conventional devices and methods are
labor-intensive and provide a limited amount of cleaning
efficacy.
[0005] The basic cleaning problems associated with the prior art
mop and bucket approach to cleaning a surface have generally been
addressed in the art, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,980 to
Robinson, entitled Multi-functional Cleaning Machine, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Such devices
generally comprise a manually propelled wheeled body with tanks, a
concentrated chemical receptacle, a vacuum and blower motor and a
fluid pumping system. Typically, such equipment includes only a
single motor used for both vacuuming soiled fluid and blowing air
that can be used to dry a cleaned surface. While such equipment is
generally maneuverable and is an improvement over the earlier mop
and bucket technology, such devices are still labor intensive and
slow. As a result, productivity when using these types of systems
is generally decreased.
[0006] Productivity concerns have been addressed in the art by the
provision of certain walk behind floor treatment devices. These
devices typically have a scrub deck at the machine's front and a
squeegee at its rear. The squeegee has the ability to "swing" or
follow the path of the scrub deck as the machine changes direction.
This type of equipment is generally more efficient in cleaning
large surface areas than either the mop and bucket or the manually
propelled devices.
[0007] Self-propelled cleaning devices are generally also known in
the field and are employed to treat large floored surfaces, such as
tiled, concrete or carpeted floors found in hospitals, department
stores, schools, gyms, etc. These devices are ideal for cleaning
large, open areas because they are capable of containing large
amounts of waste fluids and/or debris without having to repeatedly
perform time consuming fluid replacement or debris removal. Many
self-propelled devices employ manual steering. Known devices in the
art are generally difficult to maneuver and often are not adapted
to operate around tight corners, wherein pre or post cleaning
operations must be performed, thus increasing the time and expense
of the entire task.
[0008] Commercial and consumer floor cleaners come in a variety of
features, providing differing specification and benefits. Some
floor cleaners are smaller and easier to handle, offering fast and
efficient cleaning, while others are larger and offer additional
features like multi-directional cleaning, steerable extractor
heads, and adjustability. The present disclosure is directed to the
latter type of equipment. Self-propelled floor cleaners of the
carpet-extractor type generally use a dual-use brush for both
cleaning and propulsion. In addition, prior art floor cleaners have
a single motor to drive the brush and propulsion. These floor
cleaners often lacked consistent speed, which negatively affects
cleaning.
SUMMARY
[0009] Accordingly, there has been a long-felt and unmet need to
provide a self-propelled floor cleaner with improved cleaning and
handling abilities. There is also a need to provide a walk-behind
cleaning machine with a cleaning brush motor and a separate drive
wheel and having improved user-friendliness, maneuverability, and
control.
[0010] It is one aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure to
provide a floor treatment apparatus that is easy to maneuver. In
various embodiments, a driven or powered wheel is provided in a
cleaning deck assembly that comprises a leading or forward portion
of the device. In such embodiments, a floor cleaning machine
comprises a steerable cleaning deck assembly, and the deck assembly
comprises a floor cleaning device (e.g. a rotatable brush) and a
powered wheel for providing locomotion and controlling a speed of
the cleaning machine. Although various embodiments of the present
disclosure contemplate a driven wheel in or toward a rearward
portion of the machine, preferred embodiments of the present
disclosure provide for a device that is propelled or powered solely
by one or more drive wheels provided in the steerable forward deck
assembly. Such embodiments provide for enhanced handling, turning
and maneuverability.
[0011] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a deck
assembly is provided that comprises a powered floor cleaning device
and a powered wheel. In some embodiments, a dedicated electrical
motor is provided for each of the floor cleaning device and the
wheel. In preferred embodiments, however, a drive wheel comprises a
dedicated electrical motor that is in communication with a drive
shaft to the drive wheel. In such embodiments, speed control and
cleaning abilities are enhanced. Additionally, such embodiments
provide a user with the option to select and specify a brush speed
and a machine speed separately, providing for a more efficient use
of power and providing greater control to user with respect to how
the device is operated. This feature also enables the user to
extend a battery run time if desired in a battery powered
machine.
[0012] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, an
electric motor is provided to power a driven wheel or a drive wheel
that provides a locomotive force to a cleaning device. In some
embodiments, a speed of the propel wheel, and thus a speed of the
cleaning device, is controlled by adjusting a voltage supplied to
the motor. Specifically, in certain embodiments, a device is
provided with a controller to convert an alternating current (such
as that provided by standard wall outlets) to a direct current. The
device and/or controller are provided with pulse-width modulation
to control and modulate the otherwise binary direct current power
supply to the motor. The devices of such embodiments comprise a
propel wheel preferably provided within a cleaning head, and
wherein a speed of the device and propel wheel are selectively
controllable by controlling a power signal. A switch, dial,
touchscreen, or other similar user-interface is preferably provided
at a user-proximal portion of the device to control the speed. Such
devices avoid the need for various mechanical transmission features
including, for example, gearing assemblies and variable speed
transmission features. The overall size and weight of the device is
therefore reduced, and various components and features are capable
of being provided within or mostly within the confines of a
cleaning deck assembly.
[0013] In various embodiments, at least one cleaning device is
provided in a deck assembly. In some embodiments, the cleaning
device comprises a cleaning brush that is rotatable about a
horizontal axis that extends substantially parallel to a ground or
floor surface during normal device operation. The deck assembly of
such embodiments is also contemplated as comprising one or more
spray nozzles for dispensing a cleaning fluid and a suction port
(or a suction bar with a plurality of ports).
[0014] Various embodiments of the present disclosure comprise at
least one electric motor. Preferred embodiments of the present
disclosure comprise a device that is connectable to a source of
electrical power (e.g. 50 or 60 Hz AC power). It is also
contemplated that certain embodiments of the present disclosure
comprise one or more on-board, rechargeable batteries for powering
motors and other features of the devices.
[0015] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a cleaning
machine is provided that comprises at least one wheel that provides
thrust to the device. In some embodiments, at least one wheel is
provided that is substantially centered relative to the chassis
such that the entire apparatus. In such embodiments, handling and
performance is provided and the device is capable of small radius,
or "zero-radius" turning.
[0016] In various embodiments, floor cleaning devices are provided
that comprise a chassis or body portion with a small envelope
operable to pass through various doorways, aisles and elevators,
for example.
[0017] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning
apparatus that is easy to operate and maneuver. In various
embodiments, floor cleaning devices are provided with a steering
mechanism that allows for inputs from the operator to be
efficiently communicated to the steering wheel(s) and/or deck
assembly of the cleaning apparatus. Steering devices and means of
the present disclosure may be used to facilitate maneuverability of
the treatment apparatus and include, for example, steering wheels,
joy sticks, touch screens, buttons, remote control elements,
etc.
[0018] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, floor
cleaning devices are provided that comprise a chassis or main body
portion. Chassis of the present disclosure are contemplated as
comprising and housing various cleaning features including, for
example, clean and dirty fluid storage tanks or receptacles.
Additionally, one or more pumps for dispensing and collecting (i.e.
vacuuming) fluids to and from a floor or ground surface are
provided. The devices are contemplated as storing or housing water
as well as cleaning agents and solutions that may be selectively
dispensed to an area to be cleaned.
[0019] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0340183 to
Pedlar, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety,
discloses various floor cleaning machines, features, and devices
contemplated for use with embodiments of the present disclosure.
Specifically, it is contemplated that locomotive features,
transaxle and drive assembly designs, and cleaning deck concepts
shown and described herein can be provided with various embodiments
and systems shown and described in Pedlar.
[0020] Various aspects of the present disclosure discussed briefly
above combine to provide an effective and efficient tool, useful in
the treatment of numerous areas in and around commercial,
industrial, institutional and public buildings. Moreover, due to
the various aspects of the present invention, one may clean a
particular room or facility more efficiently than previously
possible. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in
various cleaning operations such as burnishing, vacuuming,
scrubbing, sanding, waxing, sweeping, sealing, painting, polishing,
etc. In order to accomplish these tasks, devices of the present
disclosure may be equipped with various combinations of floor
treatment devices. In addition, suction mechanisms may be employed
such that fluids and/or dry particulate matter are transferred into
a container. It is also envisioned that one embodiment of the
present disclosure include at least one solution applicator
positioned adjacent to a scrub brush, wherein solution is injected
onto the surface after, or prior to, agitation by the brush. The
debris-entrained solution is then collected by the squeegee and
subsequently vacuumed into the holding tank or expelled out of the
chassis to an outside reservoir. The brushes and/or solution used
in this embodiment may be adapted to clean, sweep, paint, burnish,
sand, strip, varnish or wax a floor. It will be appreciated by one
skilled in the art that any type of solution adapted to treat any
flooring surface may be employed without departing from the scope
of the present invention(s).
[0021] It is yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides
a floor treatment apparatus that can be used in various floor
maintenance operations. More specifically, one embodiment of the
present disclosure is adapted for interconnection to a plurality of
devices to perform a variety of floor treatment operations. It is
envisioned that one embodiment of the present disclosure be capable
of quick removal of certain treatment devices such that different
devices may be then added to quickly change the scope of the
apparatus, thereby providing a device adapted to scrub, clean
carpets, wax floors, burnish floors, remove wax or varnish from
floors, vacuum, etc. Thus, it is contemplated that this system may
be used for a plurality of cleaning or floor treatment
operations.
[0022] It is still another aspect of the present invention to
provide a floor treatment apparatus that does not require direct
contact with an operator to perform its tasks. More specifically,
certain embodiments of the present disclosure are adapted to be
remote controlled. Such embodiments are equipped with remote
control mechanisms and software currently known in the art, such as
taught by U.S. Pat. No. 6,625,843 to Kim et al., which is
incorporated in its entirety herein. Apparatus of this type are
known in the art, such as the Roomba device by iRobot Corporation,
aspects of which are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,594,844 and
6,535,793, which are both incorporated in their entirety
herein.
[0023] Thus, it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a
floor treatment apparatus which comprises: a chassis comprising a
front, a back, a lower surface, a front surface adjacent the front,
an upper surface, a rear surface located behind a center point of
the chassis, a left surface, and a right surface; a cleaning deck
configured to be steered independently of the chassis; a propel
wheel associated with the cleaning deck and configured to control
the speed of the floor cleaning machine; a steering mechanism
engaged with the cleaning deck and having a portion accessible to
an operator, wherein the cleaning deck is steerable with the
steering mechanism; a transaxle associated with at least one propel
wheel, wherein the speed of an electric motor controls the speed of
the at least one propel wheel; and a cleaning brush located
proximate to the at least one propel wheel. U.S. Pat. No. 8,424,625
to Ishii, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety, discloses transaxle systems contemplated for use with
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] In one embodiment, a floor cleaning device is provided. The
device comprises a chassis and a steerable cleaning deck rotatable
about a vertical axis. A steering mechanism is provided in
communication with the cleaning deck and has a portion accessible
to an operator. The cleaning deck is steerable with the steering
mechanism and the cleaning deck comprises a drive assembly that is
operable to convey the device and regulate a speed of the device.
The drive assembly comprises a propel wheel and an electric motor
in communication with the propel wheel to control a speed of the
propel wheel. A recess is provided that is operable to receive a
cleaning device located proximate the at least one propel wheel. A
vacuum assembly operable to collect at least one of debris and
fluid, the vacuum assembly in fluid communication with the cleaning
deck.
[0025] In one embodiment, a floor cleaning apparatus is provided
that comprises a chassis providing an envelope and comprising a
forward portion, a rearward portion, and left and right side
portions. A steerable cleaning deck is provided proximal to the
forward portion of the chassis. The steerable cleaning deck
provided is in communication with a steering mechanism having a
portion accessible to an operator. The steerable cleaning deck
comprises a drive assembly having an electric motor and a propel
wheel. The propel wheel is operable to convey the apparatus and
control a velocity of the apparatus. The steerable cleaning deck
further comprises a floor cleaning device, and the floor cleaning
device is provided rearward of the propel wheel.
[0026] In one embodiment, a floor surface cleaning device is
provided that comprises a chassis and a cleaning deck in
communication with and rotatable relative to the chassis. The
cleaning deck is operable to clean a floor surface and provide
locomotion to the device. The cleaning deck comprises a drive
assembly and a cleaning device. The drive assembly comprises a
first electric motor in communication with a drive wheel. The
chassis comprises at least two wheels provided rearward of the
cleaning deck, the at least two wheels being operable to support a
weight of the chassis. The cleaning deck comprises a second
electric motor in communication with the cleaning device. A
steering mechanism is provided in communication with the cleaning
deck and has a portion that is accessible to an operator. A speed
of the drive wheel controls a speed of the device and the cleaning
device is operable to be driven independently of the drive
wheel.
[0027] The Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed
as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present
disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels
of detail in the Summary as well as in the attached drawings and
the Detailed Description and no limitation as to the scope of the
present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or
non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary.
Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more
readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following
description is merely illustrative of the principles of the
disclosure, which may be applied in various ways to provide many
different alternative embodiments. This description is made for
illustrating the general principles of the teachings of this
disclosure and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts
disclosed herein.
[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the disclosure and together with the general description of the
disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings
given below, explain some of the principles of the disclosure.
[0030] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not
necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render
other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It
should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not
necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated
herein.
[0031] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cleaning machine
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the cleaning machine
according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a side view of the cleaning machine according to
the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a side view of the cleaning machine according to
the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the cleaning machine
according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the cleaning machine
according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the cleaning machine according
to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the cleaning machine
according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning machine
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a cleaning machine
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0041] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a component of a cleaning
machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1-11, a cleaning machine 2 for cleaning or
otherwise treating a floor surface is shown. The embodiment of FIG.
1 includes a chassis 6 with rear wheels 12 and a cleaning deck 4. A
steering column 10 is provided that extends from the chassis 6 and
comprises a steering mechanism 8, such as a steering wheel.
[0043] In various embodiments, the chassis 6 preferably comprises
at least one plastic member. The chassis is contemplated as being
comprised of a plurality of injected molded parts. The chassis 6
provides an outer structural framework and generally defines an
envelope or area of the cleaning machine 2. In various embodiments,
the device 2 comprises an overall height of between approximately
30 and 60 inches, and more preferably of about 45 inches; an
overall length of between approximately 20 and 50 inches, and more
preferably of about 35 inches; and a width of between approximately
12 and 30 inches, and more preferably of about 18 inches. No
limitation with respect to the size or proportions of the device,
however, are provided herewith. As shown, the chassis 6 includes a
front 22, a rear 24, a front surface 28, an upper surface 30, a
left surface 36, and a right surface 38.
[0044] An upper surface 30 of the device preferably comprises a
selectively removable lid for accessing internal features of the
device 2. In various embodiments, the upper surface of the device 2
comprises a lid that is secured by fasteners and may be completely
removed from a remainder of the device. Additionally, and at least
as shown in FIG. 1, the upper surface 30 comprises first and second
view glasses or observation covers 31, 33. A first observation
cover 31 (right side) is provided as a dirty water conduit
observation cover, and a second observation cover 33 (left side) is
provided as a vacuum conduit observation cover. A solution fill
cover 16 is provided, and the solution fill cover comprises a
removable cap for selectively inserting a clean fluid into the
device 2.
[0045] A recovery drain hose 18 is provided as a drop hose for
selectively emptying dirty fluid(s) from the device. As shown, the
drain hose 18 comprises a removable cap 14, and is generally
recessed within a slot 20 provided in the chassis 6.
[0046] As shown, a pair of rear wheels 12 are operably
interconnected to the cleaning machine 2. In preferred embodiments,
the rear wheels 12 comprise support wheels for accommodating a
weight of the device, but do not comprise powered or drive wheels.
In alternative embodiments, however, it is contemplated that at
least one of the rear wheels 12 comprises a drive or driven wheel.
As shown, the rear wheels 12 are provided behind a center point or
center of mass of the device 2, and forward of the rear 24 of the
machine. The device of FIG. 1 comprises a walk-behind device
wherein a user can steer, control, and/or operate the device while
standing and walking behind the device. It should be recognized,
however, that various features, devices and systems of the present
disclosure are also contemplated for use with other floor cleaning
devices including, for example, ride-on or stand-on floor cleaning
devices. The rear wheels 12 of various embodiments of the present
disclosure comprise solid, molded wheels. In some embodiments,
pressurized rubber tires are provided on the wheels 12.
[0047] A cleaning deck 4 is provided and is generally disposed at a
forward portion of the device 2. The cleaning deck 4 comprises
various features and devices as shown and described herein, and
generally comprises means for at least one of cleaning floor or
ground surfaces and propelling the device 2. The cleaning deck 4 is
operably connected to the steering column 10 and steering mechanism
8, such that an operator may maneuver and/or steer the cleaning
deck 4 by manipulating the steering mechanism 8. The cleaning deck
4 is steerable using the steering mechanism 8, and the remainder of
the cleaning machine 2 trails behind the cleaning deck 4. In
preferred embodiments, and as shown and described in more detail
herein, the cleaning deck comprises a propulsion system for the
cleaning machine. The chassis 6 may be referred to herein as a
"trailer" based on its relationship with a cleaning deck 4 provided
at the forward end of the device 2.
[0048] The cleaning deck 4 is preferably pivot-able about a
vertical axis and relative to a remainder of the machine 2
according to input from the steering mechanism 8. In various
embodiments, steering may be electronically controlled in response
to mechanical movement of the steering mechanism 8.
[0049] FIGS. 2-7 provide various views of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1. Various features are shown in FIGS. 2-7 that have already
been described and disclosed with respect to FIG. 1, and such
description is not reiterated with respect to FIGS. 2-7. A solution
tank drain hose 15 is provided to allow a user to optionally drain
clean fluid from the device. As shown in FIG. 6, a concave recessed
portion 25 is provided to allow space for a user to interact with
the device 2.
[0050] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the cleaning machine 2
according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. As shown, the cleaning
deck 4 comprises a recess 46 for receiving a cleaning device, such
as a brush. The cleaning deck 4 further comprises a drive assembly
100. The drive assembly 100 comprises a motor 40 and a driven wheel
42. The driven wheel 42 is provided at or proximal to a horizontal
midline of the cleaning deck 4 and is operable to convey the device
2 and control the speed of the device. The driven wheel 42 is
preferably provided forward of the cleaning device recess 46, such
that a cleaning device is operable to pick up or clean any debris
left behind by the wheel 42. As further shown in FIG. 8, the device
2 comprises a motor 40 for controlling and powering the driven
wheel 42. The motor 40 is provided substantially adjacent to the
driven wheel 42 and forward of the cleaning device recess 46. As
will be recognized by one of skill in the art, the drive assembly
100 comprises a relatively compact device having an electric motor
40.
[0051] As further shown in FIG. 8, the device 2 comprises a vacuum
shoe 62 with a vacuum hose or conduit 17 in fluid communication
with a spent fluid storage tank provided within the device 2. A
vacuum motor assembly is provided within a vacuum housing.
[0052] In various embodiments, and as shown in more detail in FIG.
11, the drive assembly 100 comprises at least one of an electric
motor 40, a transmission 45, and bearing(s) 44 in one integrated
assembly. The motor 40 is in communication with the driven wheel 42
and is capable of providing power to the wheel 42. Accordingly, the
cleaning machine 2 places the drive components, which include the
drive assembly 100 with a propel wheel 42 within a leading cleaning
deck 4. The chassis 6 is provided as a trailing element relative to
the cleaning deck assembly 4.
[0053] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a cleaning
device 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As
shown, the cleaning device 2 comprises at least one propel wheel 42
in a cleaning deck assembly 4. The propel wheel or driven wheel 42
is powered and driven by an electric motor 40. A port or electrical
connection is provided to receive a plug and power cord to provide
current and electrical power to the device. The depicted embodiment
comprises a device that requires a physical connection to an
external power source. Alternative embodiments, however, comprise
on-board battery units such that a wired, physical connection is
not required to operate various features of the device 2. The
embodiment of FIG. 9 preferably comprises a controller operable to
convert an alternating current to a direct current, and wherein the
controller is further operable to provide pulse-width modulation to
control a speed of the driven wheel 42, and thus control the speed
of the device 2.
[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates a device with a cleaning device recess
that is not provided with a cleaning device. The recess comprises a
connection 47 for a rotatable cleaning device. The connection 47
comprises a cog or similar device for driving a cleaning device in
a rotary manner.
[0055] A vacuum assembly comprising a vacuum housing 49 and a
vacuum motor 51 is provided within the device. The vacuum assembly
is operable to suction fluid from a floor surface behind a cleaning
device in the deck assembly 4. The vacuum assembly comprises
wet-dry vacuum features and comprises an intake line 17 and exhaust
lines 21, 23. Vacuumed fluid is stored or housed in an on-board
collection container 27 that may be selectively emptied via a drain
or drop hose (see FIG. 1, item 18). As further shown in FIG. 9, the
steering column 10 comprise a release member 9 to allow for
selective positioning and adjustment of the steering device 8.
[0056] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a floor cleaning
device 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The
propel wheel 42 is shown in relation to the motor 40. In the
depicted embodiment, the propel wheel 42 is mounted to the cleaning
deck 4 by first and second bracket members 44, and an axle extends
through the propel wheel 42. The drive unit comprises a drive shaft
extending from the motor 40 and which is communication with the
propel wheel 42 to drive the wheel 42 in forward and reverse at
various speeds. As shown, the drive unit and the propel wheel 42
are provided within a recess 39 provided in the deck assembly 4.
The recess 39 comprises a void or hollow space to allow for at
least portions of the drive assembly to be elevated from a ground
surface, and wherein the propel wheel 42 is operable to and capable
of contacting the floor or ground surface.
[0057] As further shown in FIG. 10, the device 2 comprises a vacuum
with a vacuum shoe 62 having at least one vacuum pick-up orifice
trailing the floor cleaning device. In some embodiments, a squeegee
is provided on the deck. The deck assembly 4 of FIG. 10 comprises
guide wheels or rollers 59 to contact walls and similar objects and
guide the direction of the device 2 while minimizing damage to an
environment in which the device 2 is operated.
[0058] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the deck assembly
4 according to the embodiment of FIG. 10. As shown, the deck 4
comprises a plurality of cleaning features and components.
Specifically, the deck 4 comprises a driven wheel 42 that is
rotatably mounted to first and second bracket members 44 provided
on a plate 41. A motor 40 is mounted on the plate and is in
communication with the driven wheel 42. Specifically, a drive shaft
of the drive unit 40 communicates with an axle of the wheel 42 via
a transmission member 45 which is contemplated as comprising a
belt, roller chain, or similar device. The present disclosure also
contemplates a direct-drive assembly between a motor drive shaft
and a wheel. The deck assembly 4 further comprises a motor and
brush mount 52 which is operable to receive and support a cleaning
brush (not shown in FIG. 11) and a dedicated brush motor 50. The
cleaning brush preferably comprises a replaceable, rotary brush
that is operable to removed for cleaning, repair and replacement. A
shroud 54 and a weighted member 56 are also provided and are
stacked when the deck 4 is in an assembled state (see FIG. 10, for
example). At least one of the shroud and the weighted member 54, 56
are operable to receive and house electronics including, but not
limited to, wiring, circuit boards, and controllers. The deck 4
further comprises a debris tray 58, a vacuum glide 60, and a vacuum
shoe 62. The vacuum glide 60 and vacuum shoe 62 preferably comprise
trailing features that are provided behind the cleaning brush
(relative to a forward direction of travel of the device 2). The
debris tray 58 is preferably removable for cleaning.
[0059] As shown in FIGS. 9-11, a motor 40 is provided in
communication with a driven wheel 42 for providing locomotion to
the device. In the depicted embodiment, the motor 40 is provided
vertically above the wheel 42. Although various arrangements are
contemplated, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide
that at least a drive axle of the motor 40 is provided vertically
above an axle of the wheel 42. It is also contemplated that more
than one driven wheel is provided.
[0060] In some embodiments, a propel or driven wheel is provided
that is adjustable in at least a vertical direction. Specifically,
various embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a powered
wheel for driving and controlling the speed of a floor cleaning
device as shown and described herein, and wherein the wheel
comprises vertical adjustability. A vertical position, and a
position of the wheel relative to a flooring or ground surface is
adjustable to accommodate for different floor surface conditions
and, in at least some embodiments, allows a user to lift or remove
a propel wheel from the floor or ground surface. Such embodiments
allow a user the option to render the wheel inoperable for
locomotive purposes, and rely on a rotary brush alone for such
purposes. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that a drive
assembly 100 of the present disclosure is pivotable such that a
vertical position of the drive wheel is adjustable.
[0061] Various features and embodiments of floor cleaners are
provided herein. It will be recognized, however, that various
features are not necessarily specific to certain embodiments and
may be provided on any one or more embodiments. The present
disclosure and embodiments provided herein are not mutually
exclusive and may be combined, substituted, and omitted. The scope
of the invention(s) provided herein is thus not limited to any
particular embodiment, drawing, or particular arrangement of
features.
[0062] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have
been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and
alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the
art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such
modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of
the present disclosure. Further, the invention(s) described herein
are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being
carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood
that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the
purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The
use of "including," "comprising," or "adding" and variations
thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter
and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.
* * * * *