KR102273415B1 - Wheel propelled steerable floor cleaning machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to a floor cleaning or treatment machine. In various embodiments, a powered floor cleaning apparatus is provided with an improved deck assembly. The deck assembly is operable to control at least one of the direction and speed of the floor cleaning apparatus, and provides improved handling and cleaning capabilities.

Description

Wheel Propelled Steerable Floor Cleaning Machine {WHEEL PROPELLED STEERABLE FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE}

The present disclosure generally relates to a floor cleaning apparatus and machine. More particularly, the present disclosure and various embodiments described herein relate to a carpet cleaner and a floor cleaning system and apparatus having a powered-wheel propulsion system.

Floor cleaners, including hard floor cleaners and carpet cleaners, are common in home consumer or business and commercial applications. It is known in the art that these floor cleaners include a handle or steering wheel for operating the floor cleaner and have wheels for facilitating movement of the device. The cleaning fluid may be dispensed through a nozzle in the device. In many cases, vacuum cleaners use a rotating brush to sweep and sweep the surface.

Cleaning machines are widely used to clean floors consisting of common surfaces such as tile, stone, brick, wood, concrete, carpet, etc. Maintaining the cleanliness of these surfaces, especially of large areas of commercial, industrial, corporate and public buildings, is an ongoing and time-consuming process. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to highly operable floor cleaning or treatment machines. More specifically, some embodiments of the present disclosure are suitable for treating (cleaning, sweeping, vacuuming, polishing, waxing, etc.) a floor surface. As used herein, the term "floor" or more generally "surface" refers to an area of concrete, tile, carpet, wood, plastic, stone, turf, or any other material known in the art. includes

With known devices, users often use traditional mop and bucket technology to treat surfaces such as tiled hallways or bathroom floors. The bucket may have a detachable mop ring and may be positioned on a caster wheel to facilitate movement. Carpeted surfaces are often cleaned with a conventional upright vacuum cleaner that is relatively easy to manipulate or provides deep cleaning. Conventional devices and methods are labor intensive and provide a limited amount of cleaning efficacy.

The basic cleaning issues associated with conventional mop and bucket methods for cleaning surfaces are addressed in the United States titled "Multi-functional Cleaning Machine" by Robinson, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As shown in Patent No. 6,206,980, it is roughly addressed in the art. Such devices generally include a manually propelled wheeled body with a tank, a concentrated chemical container, vacuum and blower motors, and a fluid pumping system. Typically, such installations include only one motor used for both vacuuming the contaminated fluid and blowing air that can be used to dry the cleaned surface. Although such equipment is largely operational and an improvement over the mop and bucket technology of the past, such equipment is still labor intensive and slow. Therefore, productivity is generally low when using this type of system.

The productivity problem is being addressed in the art by providing specific walk-behind floor treatment devices. Typically, these devices have a scrub deck at the front of the machine and a squeegee at the back. The squeegee has the ability to "swing" or follow the path of the scrub deck as the machine changes direction. These types of installations are generally more efficient than mops and buckets or manually propelled units for cleaning large areas.

Self-propelled cleaning devices are also generally known in the art and are used to treat large floor surfaces such as tiled, concrete or carpeted floors found in hospitals, department stores, schools, gyms, and the like. These devices are ideal for cleaning large open areas as they can accommodate large volumes of waste fluids and/or waste without the need to repeatedly perform time-consuming fluid exchanges or waste removal. Many self-propelled devices employ manual steering. The devices known in the art are generally difficult to operate and are often not suitable for use near narrow corners, so that operations before or after cleaning must be performed, thereby increasing the time and cost of the overall operation.

Commercial and consumer floor cleaners are equipped with various functions and provide various specifications and advantages (European Patent Publication 0 448 824 A1). Some floor cleaners are small and easy to operate, providing quick and efficient cleaning, while others are large and offer additional features such as multi-directional cleaning, a steerable cleaner head and adjustability. The present disclosure relates to the latter type of equipment. Self-propelled floor cleaners of the carpet cleaner type typically use dual-purpose brushes for cleaning and propulsion. In addition, the conventional floor cleaner is provided with a single motor for driving and propulsion of the brush. These floor cleaners often lack consistent speed, which adversely affects cleaning.

Accordingly, there is a long unmet need to provide a self-propelled floor cleaner having improved cleaning and handling capabilities. There is also a need to provide a walking cleaning machine having a cleaning brush motor and a separate drive wheel and having improved user convenience, maneuverability and control.

One aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a floor treatment machine that is easy to operate. In various embodiments, a driven wheel or a powered wheel is provided on a cleaning deck assembly that includes the leading or front portion of the device. In such an embodiment, the floor cleaning machine includes a steerable cleaning deck assembly, the deck assembly including a floor cleaning device (eg, a rotatable brush), and a power wheel to enable movement of the cleaning machine and control the speed of the cleaning machine includes While various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate driven wheels in or towards the rear portion of a machine, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are only propelled or powered by one or more drive wheels provided within a steerable front deck assembly. provide a device to be Such an embodiment provides enhanced handleability, rotation and maneuverability.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a deck assembly including a powered floor cleaning apparatus and a powered wheel. In some embodiments, each of the powered floor sweeper and the powered wheel is provided with a dedicated electric motor. However, in a preferred embodiment, the drive wheel comprises a dedicated electric motor in communication with the drive shaft for the drive wheel. In such an embodiment, the speed control capability and the cleaning capability are improved. In addition, such an embodiment gives the user the option to separately select and specify the brush speed and machine speed, providing a more efficient use of power, as well as giving the user better control over how the device operates. to provide. This feature also allows the user to extend battery run time, if desired, in battery powered machines.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electric motor is provided to power a drive wheel or driven wheel that enables movement of the cleaning device. In some embodiments, the speed of the propel wheel and thus the speed of the cleaning device is controlled by adjusting the voltage supplied to the motor. Specifically, in certain embodiments, the device is provided with a controller for converting alternating current (such as provided by standard wall outlets) to direct current. The device and/or controller is provided with pulse width modulation to control and modulate an otherwise binary direct current power supply to the motor. The device of such an embodiment preferably includes a propulsion wheel provided within the cleaning head, the speed of the device and propulsion wheel being selectively controllable by controlling the power signal. To control the speed, a switch, dial, touchscreen, or other similar user interface is preferably provided on the user proximal portion of the device. Such an arrangement avoids the need for various mechanical transmission features, including, for example, gear assemblies and variable speed transmission features. Thus, the overall size and weight of the device is reduced, and various components and features are provided within or near the scope of the cleaning deck assembly.

In various embodiments, at least one cleaning device is provided within the deck assembly. In some embodiments, the cleaning device includes a cleaning brush that is rotatable about a horizontal axis extending substantially parallel to the ground or floor surface during normal device operation. It is contemplated that the deck assembly of such an embodiment also includes one or more spray nozzles and a suction port (or a suction bar having a plurality of ports) for dispensing a cleaning fluid.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include at least one electric motor. A preferred embodiment of the present disclosure includes a device connectable to a power source (eg, a 50 or 60 Hz AC power source). It is also believed that certain embodiments of the present disclosure include one or more built-in rechargeable batteries for powering features, such as motors, of the device.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a cleaning machine is provided that includes at least one wheel that provides thrust to an apparatus. In some embodiments, at least one wheel is provided that is centered substantially with respect to a chassis. In such an embodiment, handleability and performance are provided, and the device is capable of small radius or “zero-radius” turns.

In various embodiments, for example, a floor cleaning apparatus is provided that includes a chassis or body portion having a small envelope operable to pass through various entrances, passages and elevators.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning machine that is easy to operate and operate. In various embodiments, the floor cleaning apparatus is provided with a steering mechanism that allows input from an operator to efficiently communicate with the steering wheel(s) and/or deck assembly of the cleaning machine. Steering devices and means of the present disclosure may be used to facilitate operability of processing machines, including, for example, steering wheels, joysticks, touch screens, buttons, remote control elements, and the like.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a floor cleaning apparatus including a chassis or main body portion is provided. It is believed that the chassis of the present disclosure includes and houses various cleaning features, including, for example, cleaning and soiling fluid storage tanks or containers. Also provided is one or more pumps for dispensing fluid to, or collecting fluid from, a floor or ground surface (ie, vacuum suction). It is contemplated that the floor cleaning apparatus stores or contains detergent and cleaning liquid as well as water that may be selectively dispensed to the area to be cleaned.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0340183 to Pedlar, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes various floor cleaning machines, features and devices contemplated for use with embodiments of the present disclosure. start Specifically, the moving feature, transaxle and drive assembly designs, and cleaning deck concepts shown and described herein may be equipped with the various embodiments and systems shown and described in Peddler's publications.

The various aspects of the present disclosure briefly discussed above are combined to provide a useful, effective and efficient tool in treating numerous areas inside and around commercial, industrial, corporate and public buildings. Further, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, it is possible to clean a particular room or facility more efficiently than before. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used for various cleaning operations such as polishing, vacuuming, scrubbing, polishing, waxing, sweeping, sealing, painting, polishing, and the like. To accomplish these tasks, the apparatus of the present disclosure may be equipped with various combinations of floor treatment apparatuses. A suction mechanism may also be employed to transfer fluid and/or dry particulate matter into the vessel. It is believed that one embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least one solution applicator positioned proximate to a scrub brush, wherein the solution is sprayed onto the surface after or prior to agitation with the brush. Then, the garbage-containing solution is collected by a squeegee and then vacuum sucked into the holding tank or discharged from the chassis to an external reservoir. The brush and/or solution used in this embodiment may be suitable for cleaning, sweeping, painting, polishing, polishing, stripping, varnishing or waxing the floor. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any type of solution suitable for treating any floor surface may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention(s).

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a floor treatment machine that can be used in various floor maintenance operations. More specifically, one embodiment of the present disclosure is suitable for interconnection to a plurality of devices for performing various floor treatment operations. One embodiment of the present disclosure allows for the rapid removal of a particular treatment device, so that the range of a floor treatment machine can be quickly changed by adding several devices, thereby scrubbing the floor, cleaning carpets, waxing the floor or Apparatus suitable for varnishing, removing wax or varnish from floors, vacuuming floors, and the like are provided. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the system may be used for multiple cleaning or floor treatment operations.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a floor treatment machine that does not require direct contact with an operator to perform a job. More specifically, certain embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to be remotely controlled. Such embodiments are equipped with remote control mechanisms and software now known in the art, such as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,625,843 to Kim et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Machines of this type are known in the art, such as the Roomba apparatus by iRobot Corporation, aspects of which are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,594,844 and 6,535,793, which are incorporated herein in their entirety. have.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a floor treatment machine, wherein the floor treatment machine is disposed as a chassis after a front portion, a rear portion, a lower surface, a front surface adjacent to the front portion, an upper surface, behind a center point of the chassis. a chassis comprising a front side, a left side, and a rear side; a cleaning deck configured to steer independently of the chassis; a propulsion wheel associated with the cleaning deck and configured to control a speed of the floor cleaning machine; a steering mechanism engaged with the cleaning deck, the steering mechanism having an operator accessible portion, the cleaning deck being steerable by the steering mechanism; a transaxle associated with the at least one propulsion wheel, wherein a speed of the electric motor controls a speed of the at least one propulsion wheel; and a cleaning brush disposed proximate to the at least one propulsion wheel. U.S. Patent No. 8,424,625 to Ishii, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses a transaxle system believed to be used with embodiments of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, a floor cleaning apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a chassis and a steerable cleaning deck rotatable about a vertical axis. A steering mechanism is provided in communication with the cleaning deck, the steering mechanism having an operator accessible portion. The cleaning deck is steerable by a steering mechanism and the cleaning deck includes a drive assembly that carries a floor cleaning device and is operable to adjust the speed of the device. The drive assembly includes a propulsion wheel and an electric motor in communication with the propulsion wheel to control the speed of the propulsion wheel. A recess operable to receive a cleaning device disposed proximate the at least one propulsion wheel is provided. A vacuum assembly operable to collect at least one of trash and fluid is provided, the vacuum assembly in fluid communication with the cleaning deck.

In one embodiment, a floor cleaning machine is provided that provides an envelope and includes a chassis having a front portion, a rear portion, a left portion and a right portion. A steerable cleaning deck is provided near the front portion of the chassis. A provided steerable cleaning deck is in communication with a steering mechanism having an operator accessible portion. A steerable cleaning deck includes an electric motor and a drive assembly having a propulsion wheel. The propulsion wheel carries the floor cleaning machine and is operable to control the speed of the machine. The steerable cleaning deck further includes a floor cleaning device, the floor cleaning device being provided behind the propulsion wheel.

In one embodiment, a floor cleaning apparatus is provided that includes a chassis and a cleaning deck in communication with the chassis and rotatable relative to the chassis. The cleaning deck is operable to clean the floor and enable movement of the floor cleaning device. The cleaning deck includes a drive assembly and a cleaning device. The drive assembly includes a first electric motor in communication with the drive wheel. The chassis includes at least two wheels provided at the rear of the cleaning deck, the at least two wheels being operable to support the weight of the chassis. The cleaning deck includes a second electric motor in communication with the cleaning device. A steering mechanism is provided in communication with the cleaning deck, the steering mechanism having an operator accessible portion. The speed of the drive wheel controls the speed of the floor cleaning device, the cleaning device being operable to be driven independently of the drive wheel.

The subject matter of the invention is not intended to, and should not be construed as, representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is described with various levels of detail in the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description as well as the content of the invention, and is not within the scope of the present disclosure depending on whether elements, components, etc. are included or not included in the content of the invention. No limitation is intended. Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the following description is merely illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure, which may be applied in various ways to provide many different alternative embodiments. This description is made to explain the schematic principles of the teachings of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the above schematic description of the present disclosure and the following description of the drawings, explain some of the principles of the present disclosure.
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 present disclosure or details that make other details difficult to understand may be omitted. Of course, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific embodiments described herein.
1 is a front perspective view of a cleaning machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
3 is a side view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
4 is a side view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
5 is a front view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
6 is a rear view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
7 is a plan view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
8 is a bottom view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
9 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
10 is a bottom perspective view of a cleaning machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
11 is an exploded view of components of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 10 ;

1 to 11 , there is shown a cleaning machine 2 for cleaning or otherwise treating a floor surface. The embodiment of FIG. 1 comprises a chassis 6 with rear wheels 12 and a cleaning deck 4 . A steering column (10) extending from the chassis (6) and comprising a steering mechanism (8), such as a steering wheel, is provided.

In various embodiments, the chassis 6 preferably comprises at least one plastic member. It is believed that the chassis consists of a plurality of injection molded parts. The chassis 6 provides the external structural framework and schematically defines the envelope or area of the cleaning machine 2 . In various embodiments, the cleaning machine 2 has a total height of approximately 30 to 60 inches, more specifically about 45 inches; a total length of about 20 to 50 inches, more specifically about 35 inches; and about 12 to 30 inches, more specifically about 18 inches wide. However, this does not provide any limitation on the size or proportion of the cleaning machine. As shown, the chassis 6 includes a front portion 22 , a rear portion 24 , a front surface 28 , a top surface 30 , a left surface 36 , and a right surface 38 .

The top surface 30 of the cleaning machine preferably comprises a selectively removable cover for accessing the internal features of the cleaning machine 2 . In various embodiments, the upper surface of the cleaning machine 2 comprises a cover secured by fasteners and which may be completely removed from the rest of the cleaning machine. Additionally, and at least as shown in FIG. 1 , the upper surface 30 includes first and second viewing glasses or viewing covers 31 , 33 . The first observation cover 31 (right) serves as a wastewater conduit observation cover, and the second observation cover 33 (left) serves as a vacuum conduit observation cover. A solution filled cover (16) is provided, which includes a removable cap for selectively inserting a cleaning fluid into the cleaning machine (2).

A recovery drain hose 18 is provided as a drop hose for selectively draining the waste fluid(s) from the cleaning machine. As shown, the drain hose 18 includes a removable cap 14 and is formed schematically in a slot 20 provided in the chassis 6 .

As shown, a pair of rear wheels 12 are operatively interconnected to the cleaning machine 2 . In a preferred embodiment, the rear wheel 12 includes support wheels for accepting the weight of the cleaning machine, but not power or drive wheels. However, in alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that at least one of the rear wheels 12 comprises a driven or driven wheel. As shown, the rear wheel 12 is provided behind the center point or center of mass of the cleaning machine 2 and in front of the rear portion 24 of the cleaning machine. The cleaning machine of FIG. 1 includes a walking device that allows a user to steer, control and/or operate the device while standing and walking behind the device. However, it should be understood that the various features, devices, and systems of the present disclosure are also contemplated for use with other floor cleaning apparatuses, including, for example, ride-on or stand-on floor cleaning apparatuses. The rear wheel 12 of various embodiments of the present disclosure comprises a solid formed wheel. In some embodiments, a pressurized rubber tire is provided on wheel 12 .

A cleaning deck 4 is provided, which is schematically arranged in the front part of the cleaning machine 2 . The cleaning deck 4 comprises the various features and devices shown and described herein, and schematically comprises means for at least one of cleaning the floor or ground surface and propulsion of the cleaning machine 2 . The cleaning deck 4 is operatively connected to the steering column 10 and the steering mechanism 8 such that an operator may operate and/or steer the cleaning deck 4 by manipulating the steering mechanism 8 . The cleaning deck 4 is steerable using a steering mechanism 8 , and the remainder of the cleaning machine 2 follows the cleaning deck 4 . In a preferred embodiment, and as shown and described in detail herein, the cleaning deck includes a propulsion system for the cleaning machine. The chassis 6 may also be referred to herein as a “trailer” based on its relation to the cleaning deck 4 provided at the front end of the cleaning machine 2 .

The cleaning deck 4 is preferably pivotable about a vertical axis and with respect to the rest of the cleaning machine 2 according to an input from the steering mechanism 8 . In various embodiments, the steering may be controlled electronically in response to mechanical motion of the steering mechanism 8 .

2-7 provide various views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 . Various features already described and disclosed with respect to FIG. 1 are shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 , and the description thereof will not be repeated again with respect to FIGS. 2 to 7 . A solution tank drain hose 15 is provided to allow the user to optionally drain clean fluid from the cleaning machine. As shown in FIG. 6 , a recess 25 is provided to allow space for the user to interact with the cleaning machine 2 .

8 is a bottom view of the cleaning machine 2 according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7 . As shown, the cleaning deck 4 includes 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 includes a motor 40 and a driven wheel 42 . A driven wheel 42 is provided at or near the horizontal midline of the cleaning deck 4 and is operable to carry the cleaning machine 2 and control the speed of the cleaning machine. A driven wheel 42 is preferably provided in front of the cleaning device recess 46 so that the cleaning device is operable to collect or clean any debris left behind by the driven wheel 42 . As further shown in FIG. 8 , the cleaning machine 2 includes a motor 40 for controlling and energizing the driven wheel 42 . A motor 40 is provided substantially near the driven wheel 42 and in front of the cleaning device recess 46 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, drive assembly 100 includes a relatively compact device having an electric motor 40 .

As further shown in FIG. 8 , the cleaning machine 2 comprises a vacuum shoe having a vacuum hose or conduit 17 in fluid communication with a spent fluid storage tank provided within the cleaning machine 2 ( 62). A vacuum motor assembly is provided within the vacuum housing.

In various embodiments, and as shown in greater detail in FIG. 11 , drive assembly 100 comprises at least one of electric motor 40 , transmission 45 and bearing(s) 44 as one integrated assembly. include The motor 40 communicates with the driven wheel 42 , and may supply power to the driven wheel 42 . Accordingly, the cleaning machine 2 places the drive components including the drive assembly 100 in the proximal cleaning deck 4 together with the propulsion wheel 42 . The chassis 6 serves as a dragging element against the cleaning deck assembly 4 .

9 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning machine 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the cleaning machine 2 includes at least one propulsion wheel 42 within the cleaning deck assembly 4 . The propulsion wheel or driven wheel 42 is powered and driven by an electric motor 40 . A port or electrical connection is provided to receive an electrical cord and a plug that supplies current and power to the cleaning machine. The illustrated embodiment includes a device that requires a physical connection to an external power source. However, an alternative embodiment includes a built-in battery unit such that a wired physical connection is not required to operate the various features of the cleaning machine 2 . The embodiment of FIG. 9 preferably comprises a controller operable to convert alternating current to direct current, the controller pulse-width to control the speed of the driven wheel 42 and thus the speed of the cleaning machine 2 . operable to provide modulation.

9 shows a device with a cleaning device recess without a cleaning device provided, FIG. The recess comprises a connection 47 for the rotary cleaning device. The connection portion 47 comprises a cog or similar device for rotationally driving the cleaning device.

A vacuum assembly comprising a vacuum housing 49 and a vacuum motor 51 is provided in a cleaning machine. The vacuum assembly is operable to draw fluid from the floor surface behind the cleaning device in the deck assembly 4 . The vacuum assembly includes a wet-dry vacuum feature and includes an intake line 17 and an exhaust line 21 , 23 . The vacuum aspirated fluid is stored or contained within a built-in collection vessel 27 that may optionally be emptied via a drain or drop hose (see reference numeral 18 in FIG. 2 ). As further shown in FIG. 9 , the steering column 10 includes a release member 9 for allowing selective positioning and adjustment of the steering mechanism 8 .

10 is a bottom perspective view of the floor cleaning machine 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Propulsion wheel 42 is shown in relation to motor 40 . In the illustrated embodiment, the propulsion wheel 42 is mounted to the cleaning deck 4 by first and second bracket members 44 , and an axle extends through the propulsion wheel 42 . The drive unit includes a drive shaft extending from a motor 40 , the drive shaft being in communication with the propulsion wheel 42 to drive the propulsion wheel 42 back and forth at various speeds. As shown, the drive unit and propulsion wheel 42 are provided in a recess 39 provided in the deck assembly 4 . The recess 39 includes an empty or hollow space such that at least a portion of the drive assembly is raised from the ground, and the propulsion wheel 42 is operable against and can contact the floor or the ground.

As further shown in FIG. 10 , the cleaning machine 2 includes a vacuum having a vacuum shoe 62 having at least one vacuum collection orifice trailing the floor cleaning machine. In some embodiments, the deck is provided with a squeegee. The deck assembly 4 of FIG. 10 is a guide wheel or roller 59 which contacts an object such as a wall to guide the direction of the cleaning machine 2 while minimizing damage to the environment in which the cleaning machine 2 is operating. includes

11 is an exploded perspective view of the deck assembly 4 according to the embodiment of FIG. As shown, deck 4 includes a plurality of cleaning features and components. Specifically, the deck 4 includes a driven wheel 42 rotatably mounted to first and second bracket members 44 provided on a plate 41 . A motor 40 is mounted on the plate and communicates with the driven wheel 42 . Specifically, the drive shaft of the drive unit 40 communicates with the axle of the driven wheel 42 via a transmission member 45 which is considered to include a belt, roller chain or similar device. This disclosure also contemplates a direct drive assembly between a motor drive shaft and a wheel. The deck assembly 4 further includes a motor and brush mount 52 operable to receive and support a cleaning brush (not shown in FIG. 11 ) and a dedicated brush motor 50 . The cleaning brush preferably includes an interchangeable rotating brush operable to be removed for cleaning, repair and replacement. A shroud 54 and a weighted member 56 are also provided, which are stacked when the deck 4 is in an assembled state (see, eg, FIG. 10 ). At least one of the shroud 54 and the weight member 56 is operable to receive and receive electronic components including, but not limited to, wiring, circuit boards, and controllers. The deck 4 also includes a garbage tray 58 , a vacuum glide 60 and a vacuum shoe 62 . The vacuum glide 60 and the vacuum shoe 62 preferably comprise trailing features provided on the back of the cleaning brush (relative to the forward direction of movement of the cleaning machine 2 ). The garbage tray 58 is preferably detachable for cleaning.

9 to 11 , a motor 40 is provided in communication with a driven wheel 42 for enabling movement of the cleaning machine. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 40 is provided vertically above the wheel 42 . While various arrangements are contemplated, in certain embodiments of the present disclosure at least the drive axle of the motor 40 is provided vertically above the axle of the driven wheel 42 . It is also contemplated that more than one driven wheel is provided.

In some embodiments, propulsion or driven wheels are provided that are adjustable in at least a vertical direction. Specifically, various embodiments of the present disclosure include a power wheel for driving and controlling the speed of a floor cleaning machine as shown and described herein, the wheel including vertical adjustment possibilities. The vertical position and position of the wheel relative to the floor or ground is adjustable to accommodate different floor conditions, and in at least some embodiments, the user may raise or remove the propulsion wheel from the floor or ground. . Such an embodiment allows the user to disable the wheel for movement purposes and to rely solely on the rotating brush for that purpose. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 100 of the present disclosure is considered pivotable such that the vertical position of the drive wheel is adjustable.

Various features and embodiments of floor cleaners are provided herein. However, it should be understood that various features are not necessarily limited to a particular embodiment and may be provided in any one or more embodiments. The disclosures and examples provided herein are not mutually exclusive, and combinations, substitutions, and omissions may be made. Accordingly, the scope of the invention(s) provided herein is not limited to any particular embodiment, figure, or particular arrangement of features.

Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and variations of these embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it should be clearly understood that such modifications and variations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Moreover, the invention(s) described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or practiced in various ways. Furthermore, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "comprising", "comprising" or "adding" and variations thereof herein is intended to encompass additional items as well as items subsequently described and their equivalents.

Claims (20)

A floor cleaning machine comprising:
chassis;
steerable cleaning deck rotatable about a vertical axis;
a steering mechanism in communication with the cleaning deck and having an operator accessible portion, the cleaning deck being steerable by the steering mechanism, the cleaning deck carrying the floor cleaning machine and adjusting the speed of the floor cleaning machine a drive assembly operable to: a drive assembly comprising a propel wheel and a first electric motor in communication with the propulsion wheel to control a speed of the propulsion wheel; a recess operable to receive a cleaning device; , the steering mechanism comprising a second electric motor in communication with the cleaning device; and
a vacuum assembly operable to collect at least one of garbage and a fluid, the vacuum assembly being in fluid communication with the cleaning deck;
wherein the recess is disposed proximate to at least one said propulsion wheel.
floor cleaning machine. The method of claim 1,
The cleaning device includes a rotatable brush
floor cleaning machine. The method of claim 1,
and a support wheel provided near the rear portion of the floor cleaning machine, the support wheel including a non-driven wheel for supporting the weight of the floor cleaning machine
floor cleaning machine. The method of claim 1,
wherein the recess for the cleaning device includes a cleaning device drive element in communication with the second electric motor.
floor cleaning machine. The method of claim 1,
The cleaning deck further comprises at least one solution nozzle for dispensing the cleaning fluid
floor cleaning machine. The method of claim 1,
and a controller for regulating the current supplied to the first electric motor and for controlling the speed of the propulsion wheel.
floor cleaning machine. A floor cleaning machine comprising:
a chassis providing an envelope and comprising a front portion, a rear portion, a left portion and a right portion; and
a steerable cleaning deck provided proximate the front portion of the chassis;
the steerable cleaning deck is provided in communication with a steering mechanism having an operator accessible portion;
the steerable cleaning deck comprises a drive assembly having a first electric motor and a propulsion wheel;
the propulsion wheel carries the floor cleaning machine and is operable to control the speed of the floor cleaning machine;
The steerable cleaning deck further includes a floor cleaning device and a second electric motor in communication with the floor cleaning device, wherein the floor cleaning device is provided behind the propulsion wheel
floor cleaning machine. 8. The method of claim 7,
The cleaning device includes a cleaning brush
floor cleaning machine. delete 8. The method of claim 7,
The cleaning deck further comprises at least one solution nozzle for dispensing the cleaning fluid
floor cleaning machine. 9. The method of claim 8,
The cleaning brush is detachably attached to the steerable cleaning deck.
floor cleaning machine. 8. The method of claim 7,
further comprising a vacuum assembly having a vacuum shoe proximate the cleaning device
floor cleaning machine. 8. The method of claim 7,
The chassis has a width of 24 inches or less.
floor cleaning machine. 8. The method of claim 7,
The floor cleaning machine comprises a walk-behind device without an area for receiving the weight of the user.
floor cleaning machine. In the floor cleaning machine,
chassis;
a cleaning deck in communication with the chassis and rotatable with respect to the chassis, the cleaning deck operable to clean a floor and enable movement of the floor cleaning machine, the cleaning deck comprising: a drive assembly and a cleaning device; wherein the drive assembly includes a first electric motor in communication with a drive wheel, the chassis including at least two wheels provided at the rear of the cleaning deck, the at least two wheels carrying the weight of the chassis the cleaning deck operable to support, the cleaning deck including a second electric motor in communication with the cleaning device; and
a steering mechanism in communication with the cleaning deck and having an operator accessible portion;
The speed of the drive wheel controls the speed of the floor cleaning machine, and the cleaning device is operable to be driven independently of the drive wheel.
floor cleaning machine. 16. The method of claim 15,
wherein the at least two wheels include a passive, non-driven wheel.
floor cleaning machine. 16. The method of claim 15,
wherein the drive assembly is positioned within the cleaning deck and configured to drive the floor cleaning machine.
floor cleaning machine. 16. The method of claim 15,
The cleaning deck further comprises at least one nozzle for disassembling the cleaning fluid, and a suction port for collecting the fluid from the floor surface
floor cleaning machine. 16. The method of claim 15,
The cleaning device includes a brush
floor cleaning machine. 20. The method of claim 19,
The drive wheel is centrally located between the sides of the cleaning deck.
floor cleaning machine.

Images