AU2021106996A4

AU2021106996A4 - Improved commercial cleaning apparatus and management system

Info

Publication number: AU2021106996A4
Application number: AU2021106996A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Innocenza Pilon
Original assignee: LG Utilities Pty Ltd
Current assignee: LG Utilities Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-19
Filing date: 2021-08-24
Publication date: 2021-12-02
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-24

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved commercial cleaning apparatus with locating services and or swappable power units. The improved commercial cleaning apparatus includes, a body including a cleaning end, a cleaning means, associated with the body cleaning end and connected to a power source and operable by controls to provide cleaning to surfaces. The apparatus also includes a locating means associated with the body to provide locating information of the improved commercial cleaning apparatus. The improved commercial cleaning apparatus is used in the usual manner and the location and nature of the use is recorded through use of the locating means, and or the length of use is extended through use of the multiple swappable power units. The invention also relates to variants thereon, and methods of use. 1/5 16 18 14 2 16 22 36 20 26 5 34 7 28 FIGURE 1

Description

1/5

16 18 14

2 16

22 36

26 5

34 7 28

FIGURE 1

PATENTSACT 1990

Section 29

INNOVATION Patent

Applicant: LG Utilities Pty Ltd

Address: Shed 8/3 Donaldson Street Manunda, Cairns Queensland 4870 Australia

Inventor: Innocenza Pilon

Address: Shed 8/3 Donaldson Street Manunda, Cairns Queensland 4870 Australia

Priority claimed: Provisional Patent Application No. 2021902214, filed 19 July 2021

Title of Invention:

IMPROVED COMMERCIAL CLEANING APPARATUS AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The applicant applies for the grant of a patent for the invention described in the accompanying complete patent specification:

The following is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing the invention, known to us:

IMPROVED COMMERCIAL CLEANING APPARATUS AND MANAGEMENTSYSTEM

[0001] The present invention relates to improved commercial cleaning apparatus, and in particular to improved commercial cleaning apparatus with management system.

[0002] Commercial cleaning is a specialist service, and requires quite different equipment than is used domestically. The commercial vacuum cleaners need to be extremely reliable and resilient to wear and tear, to withstand use for extended periods, and frequently. For some machines they will be taken from cleaning job to cleaning job and will be operated for many hours in a day. For cleaning of office buildings very large areas may need to be cleaned, necessitating that the vacuum cleaner be operated for an extended period without stopping. To clean efficiently, the vacuum cleaner needs to be easy to move so as to be able to be moved over the whole floor, and to get around objects and into all the corners. The cleaning job will not be considered to be well done unless the floor can be cleaned efficiently.

[0003] Powered vacuums must be plugged in and can only be used to the extent of the length of the lead, and then must be unplugged, and plugged into a new socket, to enable cleaning of a new area. Cordless apparatus is preferable, as without being tied to a lead and plugged socket, the cleaning movement is freer and easier. Cordless and handheld small vacuum devices are known in domestic applications, however the short battery time of these is unsuitable for the longer times needed for commercial cleaning.

[0004] Backpack style vacuum cleaners are known commercially, as these can be easily carried on the back and used for short time periods but do not provide the desired cleaning functionality. Therefore, there has long been a want for a cordless commercial cleaner, that can very easily be used to clean all areas of a floor, be used for extended periods of time as required for commercial applications, and have sufficient power and functionality to provide quality cleaning.

[0005] Often a commercial cleaning service will have lots of vacuum cleaners, for use by a team of workers. The workers may transport the cleaning apparatus with them, of the machine may remain at a particular office or work place instead. It is difficult to keep track of all these many vacuum or other cleaning machines, and current systems rely on the memory of the supervisor of where a particular machine is being kept currently, and possibly a spreadsheet and list of machine numbers to keep track of the machine. These existing systems, are prone to error and inaccuracy as in reality it is most difficult to know where a machine is, and only on a physical check can it really be verified the particular machine is at a location and the state of repair. It may be that only an annual physical audit is carried out and so a missing or damaged machine may not be reported to management for some time after the event occurs.

[0006] A cleaning machine may be swapped with another machine without the knowledge of management, and so this machine may be experiencing more or less use than expected. There are numerous parts of a vacuum cleaner that may need maintenance or periodic replacement, such as emptying or replacing a bag or container for the dirt, filters or rollers, bristles or brushes. Where a hand-held cordless machine is used the batteries may need charging for every use and will then need a new battery to replace a worn-out battery periodically. For all of these service actions it is essential to a well organised cleaning company that the cleaning machines are working, and working well at all times. If a machine is found to be faulty or in need of maintenance during the working day, time may be lost and the cleaning not able to be carried out. To avoid this situation it would be useful to keep track of the time of use of each machine, as accurately as possible, and develop an accurate schedule to anticipate before parts need replacement, and order them and do so. Where this relies on a simple spreadsheet, and accurate record keeping, human error is likely to be introduced and errors made, which is highly undesirable. Maintenance and replacement of the various parts may occur too early or too late if errors arise which in either way are costly to the company, and damage reputation.

[0007] Therefore, there has long been a want for a real time tracking of particular vacuum cleaners to track where the machine is and what use has actually been made of that particular machine. The inventor has developed a vacuum cleaner that is cordless, has a fully rotatable joint and has sufficient power to be used for the necessary periods of time for commercial cleaning. These improvements are sufficient in themselves, but further the inventor has introduced an IOT tracking and management system to track the particular location of a machine eg which office or level a machine is kept, and the length of time of use. Through use of the IOT tracking the location of a particular machine can be seen and what use of the machine is being made eg length of time operating. The accurate maintenance schedule is a dramatic improvement for a commercial cleaner as it enables the owner to plan maintenance better, around the cleaning schedule itself, and ensure that the parts for replacement are available at an appropriate time. Use of the inventive management system linked through cloud computing allows a remote operator to check the location of a machine, eg at Workplace 1, level 3, and the hours used since last maintenance.

[0008] Automated parts ordering can be included so that parts can be ordered and alerts generated in the system to alert head office through the website as to the action required. In this way the machines can be scheduled to be serviced at times outside of cleaning use, to keep the machine in good order and operational when needed for cleaning. Use of magnetic attachments enables easy off and on for each part to prevent damage to parts on installation or maintenance. Each of these inventive aspects is strong in its own right, but in combination the inventor has developed a significant improvement for commercial cleaning apparatus management.

[0009] It would be most useful to have real time tracking of where a particular machine is now, and where it has been used in the past for cleaning. This will provide necessary information to the cleaning management that can dramatically improve the organisation and running of the cleaning system.

[0010] The inventor is an industry expert and has invented, through careful research and development, a new form of cleaning apparatus that has a long battery life, a rotatably joint for easy use, and uses location services to track use for maintenance. There are numerous further advantages in the clever, energy efficient design, with ergonomic features and stylish durable magnetic part attachments. A cleaning manager can, through use of the invention, readily log into the Cloud management and see exactly where all the units are and at the same time track their hours of use for a real time maintenance schedule. Each of these features provides very useful new features, not at present offered by any similar cleaner. We anticipate that once known about the invention will be adopted in the industry as the gold standard of machine tracking and maintenance scheduling.

[0011] The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to the invention being used for a vacuum cleaner for commercial use as a most useful application of the invention. The invention may be useful for other cleaning equipment or similar equipment, not necessarily vacuum cleaning, and it is not intended to limit the use of the invention to particular apparatus other than as limited in the claims.

[0012] For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide improved commercial cleaning apparatus that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is a further and separate object of the present invention to provide a method of use of improved cleaning apparatus that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is another further and separate object of the present invention to provide a management system of improved cleaning apparatus that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

[0014] Accordingly, the present invention provides in one aspect an improved commercial cleaning apparatus with locating services, the improved commercial cleaning apparatus including:

a body including a cleaning end; a cleaning means, associated with the body cleaning end, connected to a power source and operable by controls to provide cleaning to surfaces; a locating means associated with the body to provide locating information of the improved commercial cleaning apparatus,

wherein the improved commercial cleaning apparatus is used in the usual manner and the location and nature of the use is recorded through use of the locating means.

[0015] Accordingly, the present invention provides in a second aspect an improved commercial cleaning apparatus with extended power, the improved commercial cleaning apparatus including:

a body including a cleaning end; a cleaning means, associated with the body cleaning end, operable by controls to provide cleaning to surfaces; a power source including multiple power units whereby 3 or more power units can be removably installed, wherein the improved commercial cleaning apparatus is used in the usual manner and the location and nature of the use and extended use time is achieved through use of the multiple power units that may be readily exchanged as needed.

[0016] Preferably, the design has only a short distance between the motor and the power source and efficient suction to enable reduced power consumption.

[0017] Preferably, there are a plurality of power units. Preferably, there are a plurality of swappable power units. Preferably, there are 2, 4 or 6 power units. Preferably, some power units may be used and some be charging to swap if required. A battery charger may be included to charge 1 or more power unit. The battery charger may be used to charge 2, 4 or 6 power units at a time for example. Each battery unit may provide a particular time of cleaning. Preferably, each battery unit provides substantially 75 minutes of cleaning. Other arrangements may be used instead. For example, to enable cleaning for substantially 90 minutes.

[0018] Preferably, the power source includes 4 or more swappable power units to enable cleaning for an extended period of time. Any number of swappable power units may be included. Preferably, the swappable power units enable an extended cleaning period. Preferably, a suitable number of swappable power units are provided to enable different time periods of cleaning. Preferably, cleaning can be carried out for substantially 150 minutes through use of multiple power units, and an extend time period can be achieved through swapping one or more of the power units. Preferably, 2 power units are used at a time to provide 150 minutes or more cleaning time without the need to recharge or swap power units.

[0019] Preferably, a bank of power units is provided that are readily swappable during use to extend the length of use of the apparatus. Preferably, a plurality of power units are installed initially to enable an extended time of cordless use of the cleaning apparatus, a significant advance over the prior art.

[0020] Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved commercial cleaning apparatus with a swivel joint, the improved commercial cleaning apparatus including:

a body including a cleaning end and a handle end; a cleaning means, associated with the body cleaning end, connected to a power source and operable by controls to provide cleaning to surfaces; and a swivel joint between the cleaning end and the handle end, enabling swivelling of the cleaning end and associated cleaning means in substantially 180 degrees,

wherein the improved commercial cleaning apparatus is used in the usual manner and the change of direction of cleaning is readily possible due to the swivel joint.

[0021] Preferably, a handle is included and the body is configured to be pushed over the surface by use of the handle. Preferably, operation may be through use of controls on the handle. Preferably, the handle is ergonomic.

[0022] Preferably, the commercial cleaning apparatus is a portable vacuum cleaner. The commercial cleaning apparatus may be any suitable portable cleaning apparatus. Preferably, the commercial cleaning apparatus is an upright vacuum cleaner operable at a handle end with surface cleaning occurring at the cleaning end.

[0023] Preferably, the body is made of a suitable plastics material. Any suitable material may be used.

[0024] Preferably, the cleaning means includes one or more brushes. Preferably, the cleaning means includes one or more rollers.

[0025] Preferably, the power source is one or more battery. Any suitable power source may be used. Preferably a plurality of swappable batteries are included and these may be readily swapped to allow for an extended period of cleaning at one time. Preferably, 4 or more batteries are installed. Preferably, the cleaning apparatus may be used for substantially 150 minutes without needing to replace a battery to allow longer cleaning jobs to be finished in a single session. Preferably, a battery charger to charge the units is provided.

[0026] Preferably, the locating means enables the geographical location the apparatus to be known remotely. Preferably, the locating means enables communicates data via wireless networks to be accessible in the Cloud. Preferably, the data includes the length of time operational. Preferably, a management system is included, including access to the Cloud data so that the cleaning apparatus may be monitored remotely.

[0027] Preferably, the locating means is a geographical beacon locator. Preferably, an internet of things IOT unit is included to enable wireless communication. Preferably, the IOT unit monitors any one or more of the following features: location; run time; kind of operation; and a combination thereof. Any suitable data may be captured by the IOT unit and communicated remotely. Preferably, the data can then be accessed through a remote website or similar. Access to warranty may be similar. Preferably, a maintenance schedule can be based around the real use of the machine and actual use data, and the machine that needs servicing be readily located geographically eg at which office or building the machine can be found so the parts can be installed.

[0028] Preferably, a swivel joint is included between a handle part and the cleaning end so that a user can drive the cleaning end in any desired direction on the surface for efficient cleaning.

[0029] Preferably, the apparatus requires spare parts and the spare parts are replaced accordingly to a schedule according to the length of time of actual use. Preferably, the parts are automatically ordered or flagged for ordering when the recommended maximum use time is approaching, through use of the IOT system.

[0030] Another advantage of the invention is the use of magnetic attachments for parts to enable ready replacement. Breakage of clips and connections is a significant problem leading to the need to replace parts that do not fit rather than are otherwise worn out. Use of reciprocating magnetic attaching parts is particularly useful in this multifaceted invention.

[0031] Accordingly, the present invention provides in a variant an improved commercial cleaning apparatus with locating services, the improved commercial cleaning apparatus including:

a body including a handle end and a cleaning end; a cleaning means, associated with the body cleaning end, connected to a power source with multiple swappable power units, and the cleaning mean is operable by controls to provide cleaning to surfaces; a swivel joint between the handle end and the cleaning end to enable substantially 180 degree rotation of the cleaning end through use of the handle; and a locating means associated with the body to provide locating information of the improved commercial cleaning apparatus,

wherein the improved commercial cleaning apparatus is used in the usual manner and the location and nature of the use is recorded through use of the locating means, and the long power life and easy manoeuvrability are suitable for commercial cleaning applications.

[0032] Accordingly, the invention also provides a method of use of improved commercial cleaning apparatus, the commercial cleaning apparatus including a body including a cleaning end, a cleaning means, associated with the body cleaning end, connected to a power source and operable by controls to provide cleaning to surfaces, and a locating means associated with the body to provide locating information of the improved commercial cleaning apparatus, the method including the following steps: a) Identifying commercial cleaning apparatus and giving an identifier to each machine; b) Identifying cleaning locations and giving an identifier to different geographical locations eg Workplace 1, Factory 3; c) (Optionally) further identifying areas within each cleaning location eg floors of a building; d) Operation of the cleaning apparatus to clean surfaces; e) Operation of the locating unit to collect data about the use an identified cleaning apparatus and the cleaning location and wireless communication to a remote location; f) Remote access of the data sent by the locating unit, to enable monitoring and maintenance management, without the need to physically see the apparatus,

wherein the exact location of a particular machine in need of maintenance and when and what needs to occur can be determined remotely and maintenance organised.

[0033] An initial set up step may be included, to set up the identification and desired maintenance schedule for a particular machine. A storage location may be included. The apparatus of the method may the apparatus of the invention in any of its aspects or variants.

[0034] The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a head of a commercial vacuum cleaner according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the IOT unit and wireless communication indicated, the remainder of the apparatus is omitted from Figure 1 for ease of illustration;

[0036] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the commercial vacuum cleaner according to the preferred embodiment of the invention and as shown in part in Figure 1, illustrating the components;

[0037] Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of part of the exploded view of the commercial vacuum cleaner of Figure 2, to show the IOT unit and swivel joint in particular;

[0038] Figure 4 is a detailed perspective of the swivel joint of Figures 2 and 3;

[0039] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the swappable batteries of the commercial vacuum cleaner of Figure 2; and

[0040] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the electrical connections of the commercial vacuum cleaner of Figures 1 to 3.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where commercial vacuum cleaner 1, includes vacuum motor 2, indicated generally but usually hidden within the housing, rotary motor 5, at the front, again generally indicated and usually hidden within the house and Light Emitting Diode ("LED") decorative light bar 7. Light bar 7 may be used to indicate operation, communication and the need for service, through different lights and symbols, as well as providing bright lights for cleaning.

[0042] Handle 10, connected to wand 12, post motor filter 14, multiple battery units 16, swivel joint 18, wheel 20 with wheel cover 22 and wheel lock 24. Handle is formed of a plastics material shaped to an ergonomic grip and padded with a softer plastics material to help use for a longer time period in comfort. Wand 12, is somewhat conventional of steel with an easy attachment in the usual manner. Post motor filter 14 has a magnetic cover to enable ready removal, and replacement through use of reciprocating magnetic (not shown). All the maintainable parts are fitted through use of reciprocating magnets (not shown) to allow each part to be easily removed with a pull in the correct direction without risk of damage, and likewise bias to be replaced correctly.

[0043] Internet Of Things "lOT" unit 26 as shown is a customisable, IOT unit of a known form, namely ESP32 dev board with wireless network communication. IOT unit 26 is important to relay the key data for access remotely through the website to monitor status and interact therewith. At the front of cleaner 1 is front lip 28, formed of plastic in a low profile for reaching under furniture for example. Roller 30 is a standard roller used conventionally with a hard floor and carpet setting, but any suitable roller may be used instead. Roller motor 32 of generally indicated rotary motor 5 provides the power and is a high speed roller motor and gearbox (not shown) to allow 3000rpm for better dust collection.

[0044] Front cover 34 and dustbin 36 are formed of a plastics material, and are attached through use of reciprocating magnets (not shown). Front cover 34 has LED bar 7 which not only provides communication but also a bright light to light the cleaning. The dustbin is sized to allow prolonged cleaning time before maintenance is required. Filter 38 is a High Efficiency Particular Air ("HEPA") filter and dustbin cover 40 also seen listed but on the left hand side of Figure 2. Dustbin cover 40 is likewise attached magnetically (magnets not shown) to enable easy attachment and release, as required for maintenance and to replace parts.

[0045] Handle 10 is attached to wand 12 in the usual manner and features a plastic ergonomically shaped grip for the user to grab hold and direct wand 12 for extended cleaning. Wand 12 is a stainless steel tube to extend the reach of the user so they do not need to bend or stretch unnecessarily. Wand 12 with attached handle 10 is able to move in 180 degrees across the surface and allow efficient cleaning through use of aluminium swivel joint 18.

[0046] It is useful to be able to use the cleaning head in 180 degrees rotation for a quality commercial clean, getting around office furniture, fixed articles and into all the corners. Wheels 22 with wheel locks 24 are of a conventional form, with a rubber wheel about a metal axis to enable smooth operation over the surface. In other forms of the invention the wheels may be replaced by one or more ball bearing arrangement, in the centre of the rear of the base. The ball bearing form of wheels is useful to avoid the collection of hair or other fibres, which is undesirable.

[0047] Unique to a commercial cleaner used as a conventional cleaner an internet of things "lOT" unit is included positioned suitable to enable communication to wireless networks. In use a machine will include a unique identifier, and this is logged on a website and as the machine is used the IOT unit communicates data to the Cloud accessible via the website. In this way the length of use, the wear to the parts and the actual location right now of a particular machine can be determined. Therefore the manager can, entirely remotely monitor the activity and operation of the machines and manage the maintenance system to minimise down time and maximise efficiency of the cleaning business.

[0048] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiment disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST:

1 Commercial vacuum cleaner 38 Filter 2 Vacuum motor 40 Dustbin cover Roller motor 7 LED bar Handle 12 Wand 14 Post motor filter 16 Battery units 17 Battery charger 18 Swivel joint Wheel 22 Wheel cover 24 Wheel lock 26 Internet of things "lOT" unit 28 Front lip Roller 32 Roller motor 34 Frontcover 36 Dustbin

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An improved commercial cleaning apparatus with locating services, the improved commercial cleaning apparatus including:

2. An improved commercial cleaning apparatus with extended power, the improved commercial cleaning apparatus including:

a body including a cleaning end; a cleaning means, associated with the body cleaning end, operable by controls to provide cleaning to surfaces; a power source including multiple power units whereby 3 or more power units can be removably installed,

wherein the improved commercial cleaning apparatus is used in the usual manner and the location and nature of the use and extended use time is achieved through use of the multiple power units that may be readily exchanged as needed.

3. The improved commercial cleaning apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the power source includes 2 or more swappable power units to enable cleaning for an extended period of time.

4. The improved commercial cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a swivel joint is included between the cleaning end and the handle end, enabling swivelling of the cleaning end and associated cleaning means in substantially 180 degrees.

5. The improved commercial cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein magnetic accessory attachments are used.