CN111053499A

CN111053499A - Wheeled propelled steerable floor cleaning machine

Info

Publication number: CN111053499A
Application number: CN201910982489.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 尼古拉斯·布莱恩·欧卡尼; 乔·怀特; 安东尼·金
Original assignee: Kaercher North America Inc
Current assignee: Kaercher North America Inc
Priority date: 2018-10-17
Filing date: 2019-10-16
Publication date: 2020-04-24
Also published as: EP3639718A1; KR102273415B1; US20200121150A1; KR20200043295A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wheeled propelled steerable floor cleaning machine. The present disclosure relates generally to floor surface cleaning or treating machines. In various embodiments, a powered floor cleaning device is provided with an improved brush tray assembly. The brush disc assembly is operable to control at least one of the direction and speed of the floor cleaning unit and provides improved operation and cleaning capability.

Description

Wheeled propelled steerable floor cleaning machine

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to floor cleaning devices and machines. More particularly, the present disclosure and the various embodiments disclosed herein relate to carpet extractors with powered wheel propulsion systems and floor cleaning systems and devices.

Background

Floor cleaning machines, including hard floor cleaning machines and carpet extractors, are commonly used by domestic consumers as well as in the business and service industries. These floor cleaning machines are known in the art to include a handle or steering wheel for steering the floor cleaning machine and have wheels to facilitate movement of the device. The cleaning liquid can be dispensed through a nozzle in the device. Typically, cleaners use rotating brushes to agitate and clean the surface.

Cleaning machines are widely used to clean floor surfaces, including tile surfaces, stone surfaces, brick surfaces, wood surfaces, concrete surfaces, carpet surfaces, and other common surfaces. Maintaining the cleanliness of these surfaces is a continuous and time consuming process, especially in high volume areas in businesses, industries, institutions, and public buildings. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a highly maneuverable floor cleaning or treatment apparatus. More specifically, some embodiments of the present invention are suitable for treating (e.g., cleaning, mopping, vacuuming, sanding, waxing, etc.) floor surfaces. The term "floor surface" or more generally "surface" as used herein encompasses an area comprising concrete, tile, carpet, wood, plastic, stone, turf, or any other substance known in the art.

Users often treat surfaces, such as tile hallways or toilet floors, using conventional mop bucket technology with known devices. The bucket may include a removable mop spin dryer and may be positioned on casters to facilitate movement. Carpet surfaces are typically cleaned using conventional upright vacuum cleaners which are relatively easy to manoeuvre or provide deep cleaning. Conventional devices and methods are labor intensive and provide limited cleaning efficacy.

The basic cleaning problems associated with the prior art mop bucket approach to cleaning surfaces have been generally addressed in the prior art, as shown in U.S. patent No. 6,206,980 to Robinson entitled "multi-function cleaner," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. These devices typically include a manually propelled wheeled body having a reservoir, a concentrated chemical container, vacuum and blower motors, and a fluid pumping system. Typically, such devices include only a single motor for both drawing the dirty liquid and blowing air that can be used to dry the cleaned surface. While such devices are generally steerable and an improvement over earlier mop bucket technology, such devices are still labor intensive and slow. As a result, productivity when using these types of systems is often reduced.

Productivity problems have been addressed in the prior art by providing a particular push floor treatment device. These devices typically have a scrub brush pan at the front of the machine and a wiper brush at the rear of the machine. The wiper has the ability to "oscillate" or follow the path of the scrub brush disc as the machine changes direction. This type of apparatus is generally more efficient at cleaning large surface areas than mop buckets or manually propelled devices.

Self-propelled cleaning devices are also well known in the art and may be used to treat large floor surfaces, such as tile, concrete or carpeted floors in hospitals, department stores, schools, gyms and the like. These devices are ideal for cleaning large open areas because they can contain large volumes of waste liquid and/or debris without having to repeatedly perform time consuming fluid replacement or debris removal tasks. Many self-propelled devices employ manual steering. The devices known in the art are generally difficult to handle and are generally not suitable for operating around narrow corners, and a pre-cleaning operation or a post-cleaning operation must be performed, thus increasing the time and expense of the overall task.

Commercial and consumer floor cleaners have a variety of components that can provide different specifications and advantages. Some floor cleaning machines are smaller and easier to operate, providing quick and efficient cleaning, while others are larger and provide additional features such as multi-directional cleaning, steerable suction heads and adjustability. The present disclosure is directed to the latter type of device. Self-propelled floor cleaning machines of the carpet extractor type typically use dual-purpose brushes for both cleaning and propelling. In addition, prior art floor cleaning machines have a single motor to drive the brush and propel. These floor cleaning machines often lack a consistent speed, which can negatively impact cleaning.

Disclosure of Invention

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

An aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure provides a floor treatment apparatus that is easy to handle. In various embodiments, the driven or powered wheels are provided in a leading or forward facing cleaning brush disc assembly comprising the device. In these embodiments, the floor cleaning machine includes a steerable cleaning brush tray assembly, and the cleaning brush tray assembly includes a floor cleaning device (e.g., a rotatable brush) and a powered wheel for providing motion and controlling the speed of the cleaning machine. While various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate driven wheels in or toward the rear of the machine, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device that is propelled or pushed solely by one or more drive wheels disposed in a steerable forward cleaning brush tray assembly. These embodiments provide improved operability, cornering performance and maneuverability.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a cleaning brush tray assembly is provided that includes a powered floor cleaning device and a powered wheel. In some embodiments, a dedicated motor is provided for each of the floor cleaning units and wheels. However, in a preferred embodiment, the drive wheel comprises a dedicated electric motor, which communicates with the drive shaft of the drive wheel. In these embodiments, speed control and cleaning capabilities are improved. In addition, these embodiments provide the user with the option of selecting and specifying brush speed and machine speed separately, thereby providing more efficient power usage and better control to the user on how the device operates. This feature also enables the user to extend the run time of the battery in a battery powered machine, if desired.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electric motor is provided to power driven wheels or drive wheels that power the cleaning device. In some embodiments, the speed of the propel wheel, and thus the speed of the cleaning apparatus, is controlled by adjusting the voltage provided to the motor. Specifically, in certain embodiments, the device is provided with a controller to convert alternating current (such as that provided by a standard wall outlet) to direct current. The device and/or the controller is provided with pulse width modulation to control and modulate the binary direct current electric power that is originally supplied to the motor. The apparatus of these embodiments includes a propel wheel that is preferably disposed within the cleaning head, and wherein the speed of the apparatus and the propel wheel can be selectively controlled by controlling the power signal. A switch, dial, touch screen or other similar user interface is preferably provided adjacent the user portion of the device to control speed. These devices avoid the need for various mechanical transmission components, including, for example, gear assemblies and variable speed transmission components. Thus, the overall size and weight of the device is reduced, and various components and parts can be provided within the confines of, or largely within the confines of, the cleaning brush tray assembly.

In various embodiments, at least one cleaning device is provided in the cleaning brush tray assembly. In some embodiments, the cleaning device includes a cleaning brush that is rotatable about a horizontal axis that extends substantially parallel to the ground or floor surface during normal device operation. It is also contemplated that the cleaning brush tray assembly of these embodiments includes one or more spray nozzles for dispensing cleaning fluid, and a suction port (or suction wand with multiple ports).

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include at least one electric motor. Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure include devices that can be connected to a power source (e.g., a 50 or 60Hz AC power source). It is also contemplated that certain embodiments of the present disclosure include one or more on-board rechargeable batteries for powering the motor and other components of the device.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a cleaning machine is provided that includes at least one wheel that provides propulsion to the device. In some embodiments, at least one wheel is provided that is substantially centered with respect to the chassis such that it is substantially centered with respect to the entire apparatus. In these embodiments, operation and performance is provided, and the device is capable of making small radius or "zero radius" turns.

In various embodiments, floor cleaning devices are provided that include a chassis or body portion having a small housing that is operable to pass through various doorways, aisles and elevators, for example.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a cleaning device which is easy to operate and handle. In various embodiments, the floor cleaning apparatus is provided with a steering mechanism that allows input from an operator to be efficiently communicated to the steering wheel and/or brush wheel assembly of the cleaning device. The steering apparatus and measures of the present disclosure may be used to facilitate maneuverability of a processing device and include, for example, a steering wheel, joystick, touch screen, buttons, remote control elements, and the like.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a floor cleaning device is provided that includes a chassis or main body portion. The chassis of the present disclosure is contemplated to include and house various cleaning components, including, for example, cleaning fluid and dirty fluid reservoirs or containers. Additionally, one or more pumps are provided for distributing fluid to and collecting (i.e., vacuum pumping) fluid from the floor or ground. It is contemplated that these devices store or contain water as well as cleaning agents and solutions that can be selectively dispensed to the area to be cleaned.

U.S. patent application publication No. 2017/0340183 to Pedlar, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses various floor cleaning machines, components and devices contemplated for use with embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, it is contemplated that the motorized member, drive shaft and drive assembly designs and cleaning brush disc concepts shown and described herein can be provided with the various embodiments and systems shown and described in the Pedlar patent application.

The combination of the various aspects of the present disclosure briefly discussed above provides an effective and efficient tool that can be used to treat many areas in and around businesses, industries, institutions and public buildings. Moreover, due to the various aspects of the present invention, a particular room or facility may be cleaned more efficiently than previously possible. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used for various cleaning operations, such as buffing, vacuuming, scrubbing, sanding, waxing, sweeping, sealing, painting, polishing, and the like. To accomplish these tasks, the devices of the present disclosure can be equipped with various combinations of floor treatment devices. Additionally, a pumping mechanism may be employed such that the fluid and/or dry particulate matter is transferred into the container. It is also envisioned that one embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least one solution applicator positioned adjacent to the scrub brush, wherein the solution is injected onto the surface after or before agitation by the brush. The debris-entrained solution is then collected by a wiper brush and subsequently vacuumed into a holding tank or drained from the chassis into an external reservoir. The brush and/or solution used in this embodiment may be suitable for cleaning, mopping, painting, buffing, sanding, 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.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a floor treatment apparatus that can be used for various floor maintenance operations. More particularly, one embodiment of the present disclosure is adapted to interconnect with a plurality of devices to perform a variety of floor treatment operations. It is envisioned that one embodiment of the present disclosure enables the quick removal of certain treatment devices so that different devices can be added later to quickly change the scope of the apparatus, thereby providing a device suitable for scrubbing, cleaning carpets, waxing floors, polishing floors, removing wax or varnish from floors, vacuum suction, and the like. Thus, it is contemplated that such a system may be used for a variety of cleaning or floor treatment operations.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a floor treatment apparatus that performs its tasks without requiring direct contact with an operator. More specifically, certain embodiments of the present disclosure are adapted to be remotely controlled. These embodiments are equipped with remote control mechanisms and software currently known in the art, such as taught by U.S. patent No. 6,625,843 to Kim et al, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Devices of this type are known in the art, such as the Roomba apparatus of the iRobot corporation, various aspects of which are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,594,844 and 6,535,793 (both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a floor treatment apparatus comprising: a chassis including a front portion, a rear portion, a lower surface, a front surface adjacent the front portion, an upper surface, a rear surface located behind a center point of the chassis, a left surface, and a right surface; a cleaning brush tray configured to turn independently of the chassis; a propulsion wheel associated with the cleaning brush tray and configured to control a speed of the floor cleaning machine; a steering mechanism engaged with the cleaning brush disk and having an operator accessible portion, wherein the cleaning brush disk is steerable using the steering mechanism; a drive shaft associated with at least one propulsion wheel, wherein a speed of the motor controls a speed of the at least one propulsion wheel; and a cleaning brush positioned adjacent to the at least one propulsion wheel. U.S. patent No. 8,424,625 to ishi, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a driveshaft system contemplated for use with embodiments of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, a floor cleaning apparatus is provided. The device comprises a chassis and a steerable cleaning brush wheel rotatable about a vertical axis. A steering mechanism is provided in communication with the cleaning brush tray, the steering mechanism having an operator accessible portion. The cleaning brush tray is steerable by a steering mechanism and includes a drive assembly operable to transport the device and adjust the speed of the device. The drive assembly includes a propulsion wheel and a motor in communication with the propulsion wheel to control the speed of the propulsion wheel. A recess is provided which is operable to receive a cleaning device positioned adjacent the at least one impeller. A vacuum assembly is operable to collect at least one of debris and fluid, the vacuum assembly being in fluid communication with the cleaning brush disc.

In one embodiment, a floor cleaning device is provided that includes a chassis providing an enclosure and including a forward portion, a rearward portion, and left and right side portions. A steerable cleaning brush tray is disposed adjacent the forward portion of the chassis. The steerable cleaning brush tray is provided in communication with a steering mechanism having an operator accessible portion. The steerable cleaning brush tray includes a drive assembly having an electric motor and a propulsion wheel. The propulsion wheel is operable to transport the apparatus and control the speed of the apparatus. The steerable cleaning brush tray also includes a floor cleaning device, and the floor cleaning device is disposed behind the propulsion wheel.

In one embodiment, a floor surface cleaning apparatus is provided that includes a chassis, and a cleaning brush disc in communication with the chassis and rotatable relative to the chassis. The cleaning brush tray is operable to clean a floor surface and provide mobility to the device. The cleaning brush plate comprises 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 disposed behind the cleaning brush tray, the at least two wheels being operable to support the weight of the chassis. The cleaning brush tray includes a second motor in communication with the cleaning device. A steering mechanism is provided in communication with the cleaning brush tray and has an operator accessible portion. The speed of the drive wheels controls the speed of the device, and the cleaning device is operable to be driven independently of the drive wheels.

This summary is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, 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 drawings and the detailed description, and elements, components, etc., which may or may not be included in the summary are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further aspects of the disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

Drawings

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the following description is merely illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure, which can be applied in various ways to provide many different alternative embodiments. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the teachings of the present disclosure and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with a general description of the disclosure given above, and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain some principles of the disclosure.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the present disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. Of course, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cleaning machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a cleaning machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and is

Fig. 11 is an exploded view of the components of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment of fig. 10.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1-11, a cleaning machine 2 for cleaning or otherwise treating a floor surface is shown. The embodiment of figure 1 comprises a chassis 6 with rear wheels 12 and a cleaning brush tray 4. A steering column 10 is provided which extends from the chassis 6 and includes a steering mechanism 8, such as a steering wheel.

In various embodiments, the chassis 6 preferably comprises at least one plastic component. It is contemplated that the chassis includes a plurality of injection molded portions. The chassis 6 provides an external structural frame and generally defines an enclosure or area of the cleaning machine 2. In various embodiments, the device 2 comprises an overall height of between about 30 and 60 inches, and more preferably about 45 inches; an overall length of between about 20 and 50 inches, and more preferably about 35 inches; and a width of between about 12 and 30 inches, and more preferably about 18 inches. However, the size or scale of the device is not limited herein. As shown, the chassis 6 includes a front portion 22, a rear portion 24, a front surface 28, an upper surface 30, a left surface 36, and a right surface 38.

The upper surface 30 of the device preferably includes a selectively removable cover for accessing the internal components of the device 2. In various embodiments, the upper surface of the device 2 includes a cover that is secured by fasteners and can be completely removed from the rest of the device. In addition, and as shown at least in fig. 1, the upper surface 30 includes first and second sight glasses or sight covers 31, 33. The first observation lid 31 (right side) is provided as a sewage conduit observation lid, and the second observation lid 33 (left side) is provided as a vacuum conduit observation lid. A solution filled cap 16 is provided and includes a removable cap for selectively inserting a cleaning fluid into the device 2.

The recovery drain hose 18 is provided as a drip hose for selectively emptying dirty fluid from the apparatus. As shown, the drain hose 18 includes a removable cap 14 and is typically recessed within 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 wheels 12 include support wheels for accommodating the weight of the device, but do not include powered or driven wheels. However, in alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that at least one of the rear wheels 12 includes a drive or driven wheel. As shown, the rear wheel 12 is disposed behind the center point or centroid of the device 2 and forward of the rear 24 of the machine. The device of fig. 1 comprises a hand propelled device in which a user is able to steer, control and/or operate the device while standing and walking behind the device. However, it should be recognized that the various components, devices, and systems of the present disclosure are also contemplated for use with other floor cleaning devices, including, for example, straddle or stand-up floor cleaning devices. The rear wheel 12 of the various embodiments of the present disclosure comprises a solid molded wheel. In some embodiments, a pressurized rubber tire is disposed on the wheel 12.

A cleaning brush disc 4 is provided, which cleaning brush disc 4 is normally arranged at the forward part of the device 2. The cleaning brush tray 4 includes various components and devices as shown and described herein, and typically includes provisions for at least one of cleaning a floor or ground and propelling the device 2. The cleaning brush disc 4 is operatively connected to the steering column 10 and the steering mechanism 8 such that an operator can steer and/or steer the cleaning brush disc 4 by manipulating the steering mechanism 8. The cleaning brush disc 4 can be steered using a steering mechanism 8 and the remainder of the cleaning machine 2 is towed behind the cleaning brush disc 4. In a preferred embodiment, and as shown and described in greater detail herein, the cleaning brush tray includes a propulsion system for the cleaning machine. The chassis 6 is referred to herein as a "trailer" based on the relationship of the chassis 6 to the cleaning brush tray 4 provided at the forward end of the apparatus 2.

The cleaning brush disc 4 is preferably pivotable about a vertical axis and relative to the rest of the machine 2 in dependence on input from a steering mechanism 8. In various embodiments, steering may be electronically controlled in response to mechanical movement of the steering mechanism 8.

Fig. 2-7 provide various views of the embodiment shown in fig. 1. Various components already described and disclosed with reference to fig. 1 are shown in fig. 2 to 7, and such description is not repeated with reference to fig. 2 to 7. A solution tank drain hose 15 is provided to allow the user to selectively drain cleaning fluid from the device. As shown in fig. 6, a recessed notch portion 25 is provided to allow space for a user to interact with the device 2.

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the cleaning machine 2 according to the embodiment of fig. 1-7. As shown, the cleaning brush tray 4 includes a recess 46 for receiving a cleaning device (such as a brush). The cleaning brush tray 4 also includes 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 centre line of the cleaning brush tray 4 and is operable to transport the device 2 and control the speed of the device. The driven wheel 42 is preferably disposed forward of the cleaning device recess 46 so that the cleaning device is operable to extract or clean any debris left behind by the wheel 42. As further shown in fig. 8, the device 2 includes a motor 40 for controlling and operating a driven wheel 42. The motor 40 is disposed substantially adjacent the driven wheel 42 and forward of the cleaning device recess 46. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the drive assembly 100 comprises a relatively compact device having the motor 40.

As further shown in fig. 8, the apparatus 2 includes a vacuum shoe 62, the vacuum shoe 62 having a vacuum hose or conduit 17 in fluid communication with a waste reservoir disposed within the apparatus 2. The vacuum motor assembly is disposed within the vacuum housing.

In various embodiments, and as shown in more detail in fig. 11, the drive assembly 100 includes at least one of the motor 40, the transmission 45, and the bearing 44 in one integral assembly. The motor 40 is in communication with the driven wheel 42 and is capable of providing power to the wheel 42. Thus, the cleaning machine 2 places a drive assembly, including a drive assembly 100 having a propulsion wheel 42, within the leading cleaning brush tray 4. The chassis 6 is arranged opposite the trailing element of the cleaning brush disc assembly 4.

Figure 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 includes at least one impeller wheel 42 in the cleaning brush tray assembly 4. A propulsion or driven wheel 42 is powered and driven by the motor 40. Ports or electrical connectors are provided to receive plugs and power cords to provide current and electrical power to the device. The depicted embodiment includes devices that require physical connection to an external power source. However, alternative embodiments include an on-board battery unit such that wired physical connections are not required to operate the various components of the device 2. The embodiment of fig. 9 preferably includes a controller operable to convert alternating current to direct current, and wherein the controller is further operable to provide pulse width modulation to control the speed of driven wheel 42, and thus the speed of device 2.

Figure 9 shows a device with a cleaning device recess which is not provided with a cleaning device. The recess comprises a joint 47 for the rotatable cleaning means. The joint 47 comprises cogs or similar means for driving the cleaning means in a rotating manner.

A vacuum assembly comprising a vacuum housing 49 and a vacuum motor 51 is provided within the apparatus. The vacuum assembly is operable to draw fluid from the floor surface behind the cleaning device in the brush disc assembly 4. The vacuum assembly comprises dry and wet vacuum components and comprises an air inlet line 17 and exhaust lines 21, 23. The evacuated fluid is stored or contained in an on-board collection vessel 27, which collection vessel 27 can be selectively emptied via a drain hose or drip hose (see fig. 1, item 18). As further shown in fig. 9, the steering column 10 includes a release member 9 to allow for selective positioning and adjustment of the steering device 8.

Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a floor cleaning device 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. A propulsion wheel 42 is shown relative to the motor 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the propulsion wheel 42 is mounted to the cleaning brush disc 4 by means of first and second bracket members 44, and the axle extends through the propulsion wheel 42. The driving unit includes a driving shaft extending from the motor 40, and the driving shaft communicates with the propulsion wheel 42 to drive the propulsion wheel 42 forward and backward at various speeds. As shown, the drive unit and the impeller 42 are disposed within a recess 39, the recess 39 being disposed within the brush disc assembly 4. The recess 39 comprises a void or hollow space to allow at least part of the drive assembly to be raised from the ground, and wherein the propulsion wheels 42 are operable to and can contact the floor or ground.

As further shown in fig. 10, the device 2 comprises a vacuum having a vacuum shoe 62, the vacuum shoe 62 having at least one vacuum pick-up aperture behind the floor cleaning device. In some embodiments, a wiper brush is provided on the brush plate. The brush tray assembly 4 of fig. 10 includes guide wheels or rollers 59 to contact walls and the like and guide the orientation of the device 2 while minimizing damage to the environment in which the device 2 operates.

Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the brush disc assembly 4 according to the embodiment of fig. 10. As shown, the brush tray 4 includes a plurality of cleaning members and assemblies. Specifically, the brush tray 4 includes a driven wheel 42, and the driven wheel 42 is rotatably mounted to first and second bracket members 44 provided on the plate 41. The motor 40 is mounted on the plate and communicates with a driven wheel 42. In particular, the drive shaft of the drive unit 40 communicates with the axle of the driven wheel 42 via a transmission member 45, it being contemplated that the transmission member 45 comprises a belt, a roller chain or similar device. The present disclosure also contemplates a direct drive assembly between the motor drive shaft and the wheel. The brush tray assembly 4 further includes a motor and brush holder 52, the brush holder 52 being 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 rotating brush which is operable to be removed therefrom for cleaning, maintenance and replacement. A shroud 54 and a weight member 56 are also provided, and when the brush tray 4 is in an assembled state, the shroud 54 and the weight member 56 are stacked (see, for example, fig. 10). At least one of the shroud 54 and the weight member 56 is operable to receive and house electronics including, but not limited to, wiring, a circuit board, and a controller. The brush tray 4 further comprises a debris tray 58, a vacuum slide 60 and a vacuum shoe 62. The vacuum slide 60 and the vacuum shoe 62 preferably comprise a trailing part which is arranged behind the cleaning brush (with respect to the forward travel direction of the device 2). The debris tray 58 is preferably removable for cleaning.

As shown in fig. 9-11, a motor 40 is provided in communication with a driven wheel 42 for providing mobility to the device. In the depicted embodiment, the motor 40 is disposed vertically above the driven wheel 42. While various arrangements are contemplated, particular embodiments of the present disclosure provide for at least the drive axle of the motor 40 to be disposed vertically above the axle of the driven wheel 42. It is also contemplated to provide more than one driven wheel.

In some embodiments, a propulsion or driven wheel is provided that is adjustable at least in the vertical direction. In particular, various embodiments of the present disclosure include a powered wheel for driving and controlling the speed of the floor cleaning devices shown and described herein, and wherein the powered wheel includes vertical adjustability. The vertical position, as well as the position of the powered wheels relative to the floor surface or ground, is adjustable to accommodate different floor surface conditions, and in at least some embodiments, to allow a user to lift or remove the propulsion wheels from the floor surface or ground. These embodiments allow the user to choose to make the wheel unavailable for motorized operation, and for these purposes, rely solely on the rotating brush. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the drive assembly 100 of the present disclosure is pivotable such that the vertical position of the drive wheel is adjustable.

Various components and embodiments of a floor cleaning machine are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the various components are not necessarily specific to certain embodiments, and may be provided on any one or more embodiments. The present disclosure and the embodiments provided herein are not mutually exclusive and may be combined, substituted, and omitted. Thus, the scope of the invention provided herein is not limited to any particular embodiment, figure, or particular arrangement of parts.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of those embodiments will be apparent 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. Moreover, the invention described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including …," "including …," or "adding …," and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Claims

1. A floor cleaning device, comprising:

a chassis;

a steerable cleaning brush wheel rotatable about a vertical axis;

a steering mechanism in communication with the cleaning brush disc and having an operator accessible portion, wherein the cleaning brush disc is steerable with the steering mechanism;

the cleaning brush tray includes a drive assembly operable to transport the device and adjust a speed of the device;

the drive assembly includes a propulsion wheel and a motor in communication with the propulsion wheel to control a speed of the propulsion wheel;

a recess operable to receive a cleaning device adjacent the at least one impeller; and

a vacuum assembly operable to collect at least one of debris and fluid, the vacuum assembly in fluid communication with the cleaning brush disc.

2. The floor cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning apparatus comprises a rotatable brush.

3. The floor cleaning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a support wheel disposed adjacent a rearward portion of the apparatus, the support wheel including a non-driven wheel for supporting a weight of the apparatus.

4. The floor cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning apparatus recess includes a cleaning apparatus drive element in communication with a second motor.

5. The floor cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning brush tray further comprises at least one solution nozzle for dispensing cleaning fluid.

6. The floor cleaning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controller for regulating the current supplied to the motor and controlling the speed of the propel wheel.

7. A floor cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a chassis providing an outer shell and including a forward portion, a rearward portion, and left and right side portions;

a steerable cleaning brush wheel disposed adjacent the forward portion of the chassis;

the steerable cleaning brush tray is disposed in communication with a steering mechanism having an operator accessible portion;

wherein the steerable cleaning brush wheel comprises a drive assembly comprising an electric motor and a propulsion wheel;

wherein the propulsion wheel is operable to transport the apparatus and control the speed of the apparatus; and is

Wherein the steerable cleaning brush tray further comprises a floor cleaning device, and wherein the floor cleaning device is arranged behind the propulsion wheel.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the cleaning device comprises a cleaning brush.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the cleaning device is disposed in communication with a second motor.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the cleaning brush tray further comprises at least one solution nozzle for dispensing a cleaning fluid.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the cleaning brush is removably attached to the steerable cleaning brush tray.

12. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a vacuum assembly, and wherein the vacuum assembly comprises a vacuum shoe adjacent the cleaning device.

13. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the chassis comprises a width of no greater than 24 inches.

14. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the device comprises a push device lacking an area for accommodating a weight of a user.

15. A floor surface cleaning device, the floor surface cleaning device comprising:

a chassis;

a cleaning brush tray in communication with the chassis and rotatable relative thereto, and wherein the cleaning brush tray is operable to clean a floor surface and provide mobility to the apparatus;

the cleaning brush disc comprises a driving 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, the at least two wheels being disposed behind the cleaning brush tray and operable to support the weight of the chassis;

the cleaning brush tray includes a second motor in communication with the cleaning device;

a steering mechanism in communication with the cleaning brush tray and having an operator accessible portion; and is

Wherein the speed of the drive wheel controls the speed of the device and the cleaning device is operable to be driven independently of the drive wheel.

16. The floor surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least two wheels comprise passive non-driven wheels.

17. The floor surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15, wherein the drive assembly is located within the cleaning brush tray and is configured to drive the floor cleaning machine.

18. The floor surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cleaning brush tray further comprises at least one nozzle for dispensing cleaning fluid and a suction port for extracting fluid from the cleaning surface.

19. The floor surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cleaning apparatus comprises a brush.

20. The floor surface cleaning apparatus of claim 19, wherein the drive wheel is centered between lateral sides of the cleaning brush tray.