EP1871211B1 - Outil et machine de nettoyage pour sols durs et tendres - Google Patents

Outil et machine de nettoyage pour sols durs et tendres Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1871211B1
EP1871211B1 EP06737340.7A EP06737340A EP1871211B1 EP 1871211 B1 EP1871211 B1 EP 1871211B1 EP 06737340 A EP06737340 A EP 06737340A EP 1871211 B1 EP1871211 B1 EP 1871211B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaning
machine
members
cleaning tool
tool
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
EP06737340.7A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1871211A1 (fr
Inventor
Bruce F. Field
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tennant Co
Original Assignee
Tennant Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP1871211A1 publication Critical patent/EP1871211A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1871211B1 publication Critical patent/EP1871211B1/fr
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/02—Floor surfacing or polishing machines
    • A47L11/10—Floor surfacing or polishing machines motor-driven
    • A47L11/14—Floor surfacing or polishing machines motor-driven with rotating tools
    • A47L11/18—Floor surfacing or polishing machines motor-driven with rotating tools the tools being roll brushes
    • A47L11/19—Parts or details of the brushing tools
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/28—Floor-scrubbing machines, motor-driven
    • A47L11/282—Floor-scrubbing machines, motor-driven having rotary tools
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/29—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid
    • A47L11/292—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid having rotary tools
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/34—Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or vapour, e.g. by steam
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4013—Contaminants collecting devices, i.e. hoppers, tanks or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4036—Parts or details of the surface treating tools
    • A47L11/4041—Roll shaped surface treating tools
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4036—Parts or details of the surface treating tools
    • A47L11/405—Machines using UV-lamps, IR-lamps, ultrasound or plasma cleaning
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/408—Means for supplying cleaning or surface treating agents
    • A47L11/4088—Supply pumps; Spraying devices; Supply conduits
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4097—Means for exhaust-air diffusion; Exhaust-air treatment, e.g. air purification; Means for sound or vibration damping
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B13/00—Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers
    • A46B13/001—Cylindrical or annular brush bodies
    • A46B13/003—Cylindrical or annular brush bodies made up of a series of annular brush rings; Annular brush rings therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/30—Brushes for cleaning or polishing
    • A46B2200/3066—Brush specifically designed for use with street cleaning machinery
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46D—MANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
    • A46D1/00—Bristles; Selection of materials for bristles

Definitions

  • Dry and wet floor cleaning operations are generally performed by dry carpet vacuum cleaners, wet carpet vacuum cleaners, hard floor sweepers and hard floor scrubbers.
  • Dry carpet vacuum cleaners generally include a sweeping brush that rotates in a horizontal plane (i.e., parallel to the surface being cleaned) and a vacuum driven waste collection system. The rotating bristle brush beats and scrapes the carpet surface, and sweeps dust and debris intro position for removal by the vacuum driven waste collection system.
  • Wet carpet vacuum cleaners generally include a scrubbing brush, a carpet cleaning liquid applicator, and a vacuum driven waste fluid recovery system.
  • the carpet cleaning liquid applicator applies a very small amount of cleaning liquid or a dry cleaning liquid foam to the carpet surface.
  • the scrubbing brush scrubs the cleaning liquid covered carpet and the vacuum driven waste collection system sucks the soiled cleaning liquid from the carpet and into a recovery tank.
  • the carpet is typically vacuumed with a dry carpet vacuum cleaner prior to performing the wet carpet cleaning operation.
  • Hard floor sweepers are similar to carpet cleaners in that they utilize a rotating sweeping brush to sweep dust and debris from the surface, which is then collected by a vacuum driven waste collection system. Such hard floor sweepers often include a dust control system that sprays the surface with water prior to engaging the surface with the sweeping brush to prevent sweeping the dust on the surface into the air.
  • Hard floor sweepers are generally not used on carpeted surfaces due to problems with static charge buildup, which can reset the electronics of the sweeper. Even when static straps, chains, and other components are used to "ground” the sweeper, problems with static charge buildup are encountered.
  • Hard floor scrubbers typically include a cleaning liquid applicator, one or more rotating scrubber brushes, and a vacuum driven waste collection system.
  • the cleaning liquid applicator generally sprays cleaning liquid, or a foamed cleaning liquid, to the hard floor surface which is then scrubbed by the rotating scrubber brush.
  • the scrubber brush includes a horizontal scrubbing member (bristle brush or cleaning pad) that rotates about a vertical axis.
  • the vacuum driven waste collection system generally includes a squeegee positioned at the rear end of the cleaner adjacent the scrubbing member that engages the floor and pools the liquid and debris. A vacuum sucks the pooled liquid and debris through a hose and deposits the collected waste into a recovery tank.
  • Combination hard floor cleaners have been developed that include both a hard floor sweeper and a hard floor scrubber, which eliminates the need for two separate machines. Such cleaners typically include two vacuum driven waste recovery systems: one for the collection of the dry or slightly damp debris collected by the sweeping system; and one for the soiled cleaning liquid produced by the scrubbing system.
  • Cleaning operations of multiple floor surfaces require the use of multiple surface cleaners, such as, dry and wet carpet vacuum cleaners, and a hard floor sweeper and scrubber.
  • the carpeted areas must be vacuumed with a dry carpet vacuum cleaner.
  • the carpeted areas must be cleaned with the wet carpet vacuum cleaner.
  • the hard floor surface areas must be cleaned by either performing sweeping and scrubbing operations using a hard floor surface sweeper and a hard floor surface scrubber, or with a combination hard floor surface cleaner.
  • the vacuum systems of the dry and wet carpet cleaners and the hard floor sweepers and scrubbers consume a large percentage of the energy required to operate them.
  • the operating runtime of battery powered systems such as walk-behind hard floor scrubbers and sweepers, is significantly limited by their vacuum systems.
  • larger batteries are required to provide the desired longer runtimes.
  • Such batteries increase the cost of the machine due to the expense of the batteries themselves.
  • the machines become more expensive due to the necessity to make them larger in order to accommodate for the large batteries.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide solutions to these and other problems, and offer other advantages over the prior art.
  • GB 2303570 describes an abrasive roller for a floor cleaning machine which comprises a plurality of abrasive discs or tubes on a central body.
  • the discs or tubes are held on the roller in a longitudinally compressed state and are also attached to the body such that when in use on a cleaning machine they rotate with the body. They are attached by means of locking discs having barbs which project into an adjacent abrasive discs and/or by gluing the abrasive discs to the body.
  • Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a cleaning tool and a mobile floor cleaner that includes the cleaning tool.
  • Embodiments of the cleaning tool include a hub having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of cleaning members.
  • the cleaning members formed of a fibrous material, are connected to the hub.
  • the cleaning members are distributed along the longitudinal axis.
  • Embodiments of the floor cleaning machine include a mobile body configured to travel over a surface.
  • the mobile body supports the cleaning tool, which is configured to scrub the surface.
  • the cleaning machine includes a motor configured to drive a rotation of the cleaning hub about the longitudinal axis.
  • One aspect of the present invention is directed to a cleaning tool that is configured for use in a surface cleaner, such as hard and soft mobile floor cleaners.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a mobile floor cleaner that includes the cleaning tool.
  • FIG. 1 is a front plan view of an exemplary cleaning tool 100 in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a simplified side view of an exemplary mobile floor cleaning machine 102 in accordance with embodiments of the invention that includes the cleaning tool 100.
  • the machine 102 is configured to support the cleaning tool 100 for engagement with a surface 104 and to rotate the cleaning tool 100 to scrub the surface 104.
  • Embodiments of the surface 104 can be a hard (e.g., cement, tile, stone, etc.) or soft floor surface (e.g., carpet, rug, etc.).
  • the cleaning tool 100 comprises a plurality of cleaning members 106 connected to a hub 108.
  • the hub 108 has an associated longitudinal axis 110, about which the cleaning members are configured to rotate when installed in the cleaning machine 102.
  • the longitudinal axis 110 extends substantially parallel to the surface 104 when the cleaning tool 100 is installed in the machine 102, as illustrated in FIG. 1 .
  • the hub 108 represents the structure to which the cleaning members are connected and which is rotated about the longitudinal axis 110 by a motor 112 of the cleaning machine 102.
  • the hub 108 can take on many different forms including one or more components, which, taken as a whole, serve the purpose of supporting the cleaning members 104 for rotation about the longitudinal axis 110 when installed in the cleaning machine.
  • the hub 108 is cylindrical and the longitudinal axis 110 is concentric with the cylindrical hub 108.
  • Hub 108 can also take on alternative, non-cylindrical shapes, while still serving the cleaning member support function.
  • the cleaning members 106 are distributed along the longitudinal axis 110, as shown in FIG. 1 , for example.
  • Embodiments of the cleaning tool 100 include distributing the cleaning members 106 along less than 122cm (48 inches) of the hub 108, less than 91 cm (36 inches) of the hub 108, and less than 61 cm (24 inches) of the hub 108.
  • the cleaning members 106 are distributed around the longitudinal axis 110. That is, the cleaning members 106 are angularly displaced from each other around the longitudinal axis 110, as shown in FIG. 5B .
  • the motor 112 is configured to rotate the hub 108 and the connected cleaning members 106 about the longitudinal axis 110.
  • the hub 108 includes ends 114 that are received by the machine 102.
  • the ends 114 are secured by a quick release mechanism to allow for convenient replacement of the tool 100.
  • the hub 108 comprises a sleeve that is configured to slide over a shaft of the machine 102 that is rotated by the motor 112.
  • the hub 108 comprises a shaft of the cleaning machine 102, to which the cleaning members 106 are connected.
  • the cleaning members 106 can be connected to the hub 108 either directly or indirectly (i.e., through an intermediary component).
  • the connection of the cleaning members 106 to the hub 108 comprises compressing the cleaning members 106 between end members 116, such as rigid discs, that are secured to the hub 108, as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • Other means of securing the cleaning members 106 to the hub 108 or a component thereof include the use of glue, clamps, staples, screws, brackets, and other suitable mechanical means.
  • the cleaning members 106 extend through slots in the hub 108.
  • the cleaning members 106 can take on a variety of shapes.
  • the cleaning members 106 are disk-shaped, as shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3A . Additional embodiments including cleaning members having alternative shapes, examples of which are illustrated in FIGS. 3B-3D .
  • the cleaning members 106 include slits or notches 118, as illustrated in FIG. 3B .
  • Other exemplary cleaning member shapes in accordance with embodiments of the invention include, oval, square ( FIG. 3C ), rectangular ( FIG. 3D ), triangular, irregular, symmetric, and other shapes.
  • the cleaning members 106 are planar members having a width 120 and a length 122 ( FIG. 3A ) that are larger than a thickness 124 ( FIG. 1 ).
  • the widthwise and lengthwise edges, or the circular edge of the disk-shaped cleaning members, define the plane of the cleaning members 106 when lain or extended flat.
  • the thickness 124 is in a range of 0.05-6mm (0.002- 0.25 inches) while the width 120 and the length 122 are in the range of 5-61 cm (2-24 inches).
  • the cleaning members 106 are oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis 110, as shown in FIGS. 1 , 4A and 4B.
  • FIG. 4A is a front view of a portion of an exemplary cleaning tool 100 illustrating an exemplary cleaning member 106 in contact with the surface 104 during rotation of the cleaning tool 100. Additional cleaning members 106 and the hub 108 are shown in phantom.
  • FIG. 4B is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary cleaning tool of FIG. 4A .
  • the cleaning members 106 are approximately concentric with the longitudinal axis 110.
  • the hub 108 extends through an opening 128 ( FIGS. 3A-3C ) in the cleaning members 106, as shown in FIG. 4B .
  • the cleaning members 106 are oriented approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B , which respectfully are front and side partial views of an exemplary cleaning tool 100 in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 5A only one cleaning member 106 is depicted to simplify the illustration while several cleaning members 106 are shown in FIG. 5B .
  • the cleaning members include a proximal end 130 that is connected either directly or indirectly to the hub 108 and a distal end 132 that is displaced from the proximal end in a radial direction from the longitudinal axis 110 when the cleaning members 106 are extended or rotated about the longitudinal axis 110.
  • the proximal end 130 is the edge of the opening 128.
  • the proximal end 130 includes an elongate edge 133 that is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis 110, as shown in FIG. 4B .
  • the elongate edge 133 of the proximal end 130 is oriented approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 110, as shown in FIG. 5A .
  • At least the surface engaging portions (e.g., the distal ends 132 or outer edge portions) of the cleaning members 106 include a fibrous material.
  • the phrase "fibrous material", as used herein, is intended to describe a material that comprises a plurality of entwined fibers or a weave of a single fiber. Accordingly, the bristles of conventional sweeper scrub heads are not formed of a fibrous material, because they do not comprise such entwined or woven fibers.
  • the fibrous material of the cleaning members 106 facilitates the collecting, capturing or grabbing solid and liquid waste from the surface 104 during a cleaning operation, which can then be discharged into a waste container 134 of the machine 102.
  • the fibrous material also allows the cleaning members 106 to flex at the distal ends 132 when brought into contact with the surface 104 under relatively low pressures, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 5B . This allows the cleaning members 106 to expand the scrubbing surface of the cleaning members 106 beyond the tip of the distal end 132. Additionally, the flexibility of the distal end 132 of the cleaning members 106 allows the cleaning members to conform to the surface 104 being scrubbed. As explained below in greater detail, such waste collection properties of the cleaning members 106 eliminate the need for a vacuum driven waste recovery device, such as that used by hard and soft floor cleaning machines of the prior art.
  • microfiber such as that produced by Toray Ultrasuede (America), Inc., of New York, New York.
  • the fibrous material comprises polyester and polyamide, such as approximately 70% polyester and 30% polyamide.
  • the fibrous material includes spandex (e.g., 3%) to provide elasticity to the cleaning members 106 which can provide additional flexibility to the cleaning members 106 to allow them to conform to the surface they are scrubbing.
  • Other embodiments of the fibrous material include Kevlar and/or nylon. Such materials can be used to increase the durability of the cleaning members 106.
  • Each cleaning member 106 can comprise one or more layers of the fibrous material.
  • the cleaning members 106 are formed of a single layer of the fibrous material having a desired thickness 124.
  • Multiple layer cleaning members 106 can also be formed that include two or more pieces of the fibrous material that are connected to each other, preferably at their edges.
  • the cleaning members 106 include a first layer 136 formed of the fibrous material and a second layer 138 formed of another material that is different from the fibrous material, as illustrated in FIG. 6 , which is a side cross-sectional view taken generally along line 6-6 of an embodiment of the cleaning member 106 depicted in FIG. 3A .
  • the second layer 138 is configured to provide a desired rigidity to the cleaning member 106.
  • a desired rigidity For example, it may be desirable to have a more rigid cleaning member 106 for use in cleaning operations for more resilient surfaces, such as concrete or stone, and a less rigid cleaning member 102 for more delicate surfaces, such as hard wood floors, or to provide a desired scrubbing action on the surface.
  • Exemplary materials forming the second layer 138 include foam, rubber, plastic, and other materials.
  • the second layer 138 is substantially enclosed by the first layer 136, as illustrated in FIG. 6 .
  • the second layer 138 can define a desired thickness to the cleaning member 106, including a varied thickness in the cleaning member 106.
  • the portion of the cleaning member 106 adjacent the proximal end or edge 130 can be made thicker than the portion adjacent the distal end 132, which can then cause a gap between the distal ends 132 of adjacent cleaning members 106 when arranged in a side-by-side fashion.
  • the cleaning tool 100 includes a plurality of spacer members 140 between adjacent cleaning members 106, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A (phantom).
  • the spacer members 140 provide additional space between the distal ends 132 of adjacent cleaning members 106, which allows the cleaning members 106 to flatten against the surface 104 ( FIG. 4A ) and improve cleaning performance.
  • the spacer members 140 are not formed of a liquid absorbing material, such as foam, plastic, rubber, or other suitable material.
  • the spacer members 140 are each attached to one or both sides of the cleaning members 106, as shown in FIG. 7 , which is a side view of an exemplary cleaning member 106.
  • FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the exemplary floor cleaning machine 102 shown in FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram of a floor cleaning machine 102 in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • the floor cleaning machine 102 generally includes a mobile body 150, the cleaning tool 100 described above, and the motor 112.
  • the cleaning tool 100 and the motor 112 are both supported on the mobile body.
  • the motor 112 is an electric motor powered by batteries supported on the mobile body (not shown) or line power through an appropriate cable.
  • the motor 112 can be a combustible engine.
  • the motor 112 is generally configured to rotate the cleaning tool 100 about the longitudinal axis 110 during cleaning operations of the surface 104. In one preferred embodiment, the motor 112 rotates the cleaning tool as indicated by arrow 142 shown in FIGS. 2 and 9 . In accordance with this embodiment, the distal ends 132 of the cleaning members 106 that are engaging the surface 104 move in a forward direction indicated by arrow 143. In another embodiment, the motor 112 rotates the cleaning tool 100 in the direction that is opposite that indicated by arrow 142.
  • the linear velocity (hereinafter "tip speed"), at which the surface engaging distal ends 132 of the cleaning members 106 are traveling depends on the angular velocity at which they are rotating about the horizontal axis and the distance the distal ends 132 extend radially from the longitudinal axis 110.
  • an angular velocity of approximately 200-500 revolutions per minute (rpm) is used for a cleaning tool 100 that includes disk-shaped cleaning members 106 having a diameter of approximately 20cm (8 inches). It should be noted that this is a significant reduction in the angular velocity at which conventional sweepers and scrubbers rotate their tools, which is approximately 600-800 rpm. Not only does the reduced velocity at which the cleaning tool 100 of the present invention rotates result in a significant energy savings, but it also reduces the operating noise level of the surface cleaner 102.
  • Embodiments of the mobile body 150 include a frame or housing to which wheels, generally designated as 152, or other mobile support is attached, which allows for the mobile body 150 to travel over the surface 104. While the floor cleaning machine 102 is depicted as a walk-behind machine, embodiments of the machine also include a ride-on mobile body.
  • one or more front wheels 152A pivot to allow for easy direction control of the machine 102.
  • one or more of the wheels 152 are driven by a motor, such as motor 112, or a separate motor (not shown).
  • none of the wheels 152 are motor driven. Instead, the mobile body is propelled manually by the operator.
  • the machine 102 includes a handle 154 that extends in a rearward direction from the mobile body that is opposite the forward direction 143. The operator pushes on the handle 154 to propel the machine 102 in the forward direction 143 over the surface 104, and pulls on the handle to move the machine 102 over the surface 104 in the rearward direction.
  • the machine 102 includes a housing 158, which can be part of the mobile body 150.
  • the housing 158 generally encloses components of the machine 102 and provides other functions.
  • One embodiment of the housing 158 includes a bottom opening 160 ( FIG. 8 ) through which the distal ends 132 of the cleaning tool 100 can extend toward the surface 104, as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • One embodiment of the housing includes an opening 162 that exposes the waste container 134 to the cleaning tool 100. Liquid and solid waste collected by the cleaning members 106 during rotation of the cleaning tool 100 is discharged through the opening 162 and into the waste container 134.
  • the housing 158 includes a surround portion 164 that substantially conforms to the exterior surface (e.g., distal ends 132 of the cleaning members 106) of at least a portion of a top side 166 of the cleaning tool 100 during operation, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 9 .
  • the surround portion 164 functions to guide the waste collected by the cleaning tool 100 over the cleaning tool 100 and to the opening 162 where it is discharged into the waste container 134 when the cleaning tool is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 142.
  • a gap between the surround portion 164 and the top side 166 of the cleaning members 106 is less than 7.6mm (0.3 inches), and preferably 5.1mm (0.2 inches) or less.
  • housing 158 includes a removable cover (not shown) through which the components of the machine 102 can be accessed.
  • Skirting 168 ( FIGS. 2 and 8 ) preferably extends downward from the perimeter of the bottom opening 160 to the surface 104 to prevent spray from the rotating cleaning tool 100 from escaping from under the cleaner 102.
  • Embodiments of the skirting 168 include, flexible shield members 168A positioned at the sides of the opening 160, a flexible shield member 168B positioned at a rear side of the opening 160, and/or a flexible shield member 168C positioned at a front side of the opening 160.
  • the skirting 168 includes at least shield members 168A.
  • the waste container 134 is supported on the mobile body 150 and can form a portion of the housing 158. As discussed above, the waste container 134 is positioned to receive waste (e.g., liquid and solid waste), represented by arrow 169, that is flung from the rotating cleaning members 106 through the opening 162. In one embodiment, the waste container 134 is located at the rear side of the machine 102 and the opening 162, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 9 .
  • waste e.g., liquid and solid waste
  • the waste container 134 is located on the front side of the cleaning tool 100, which is opposite the location of the container 134 shown in FIGS. 2 and 9 .
  • the cleaning tool 100 is rotated in the opposite direction of that indicated by arrow 142.
  • the waste container 134 is removable from the cleaner 102 for easy disposal of the waste contained therein.
  • the waste container 134 includes a disposable container or liner, in which the waste 169 from the cleaning tool 100 is collected. The disposable container can be discarded when full. This embodiment of the invention reduces contact between the user of the cleaner 102 and the collected waste.
  • One embodiment of the floor cleaning machine 102 includes a cleaning liquid dispenser 170 supported on the mobile body 150.
  • One embodiment of the dispenser 170 includes a supply of cleaning liquid 172, as shown in FIG. 9 .
  • the supply of cleaning liquid 172 is held in a container 173 ( FIG. 2 ) that is supported on the mobile body 150.
  • Embodiments of the container 173 include a fixed tank and a removable container.
  • the dispenser 170 is generally configured to apply the cleaning liquid 172 to the cleaning members 106 of the cleaning tool 100, as indicated by arrow 174 in FIGS. 2 and 9 .
  • the cleaning liquid dispenser 170 is configured to apply the cleaning liquid from the supply 172 to the surface 104, as indicated by arrow 176, but preferably to the front side of the cleaning tool 100 rather than the rear side as shown in FIG. 9 .
  • the cleaning liquid dispenser 170 applies cleaning liquid to both the surface 104 and the cleaning members 106.
  • One embodiment of the supply of cleaning liquid 172 solely comprises water 178 (e.g., tap water, distilled water, deionized water, deionized highly filtered (i.e., soft) water supply, etc.). It is understood by those skilled in the art that such a cleaning liquid would contain additional elements that are normally found in water supplies.
  • water 178 e.g., tap water, distilled water, deionized water, deionized highly filtered (i.e., soft) water supply, etc.
  • the supply of cleaning liquid 172 comprises a mix of water (e.g., tap water, distilled water, deionized water, etc.) and a cleaning agent (e.g. detergent or other chemical additive).
  • the water and cleaning agent are premixed and stored in the container 173 as the cleaning liquid.
  • the dispenser 170 includes separate supplies of water 178 and cleaning agent 180 supported on the mobile body 150, which are combined by a mixing member 182 to form the cleaning liquid 172, as shown in FIG. 9 .
  • the supply of cleaning agent 180 is contained in a removable container supported on the mobile body 150.
  • Embodiments of the mixing member 182 include a fluid flow junction, such as a t-coupling joining the tubing from the water supply 178 to the tubing from the cleaning agent supply 180, valves, and/or other flow regulating components.
  • the mixing member 182 includes an injector that injects the flow of cleaning agent 180 into the flow of water 178 at a predetermined rate that achieves the desired mixing ratio.
  • the injector operates to siphon the cleaning agent 180 using a venturi member. In operation, the flow of the water 178 through the injector creates a vacuum that draws the flow of cleaning agent 180 into the flow of water 178 at the desired rate.
  • One such suitable injector is the 50580 siphon produced by Spraying Systems Company of Wheaton, Illinois.
  • the cleaning agent supply 180 is in a concentrated form (e.g., more than 30% solids).
  • One embodiment of the cleaning agent 180 includes a polymer-based surfactant that cleans, disinfects, and removes or dissolves scum, mold, mildew, stains and odors. Additionally, the surfactant is preferably safe for application to carpet, natural fibers, fixtures, tiles, chrome, fiberglass, baked enamel, porcelain, vinyl, stainless steel, synthetic marble and other materials.
  • the cleaning agent 180 may include builders, solvents, or other components.
  • the cleaning agent includes an anionic surfactant, a non-anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, or a combination thereof.
  • a particularly preferred surfactant is DETERIC CP-Na-38 manufactured by DeForest Enterprises, Inc. of Boca Raton, Florida.
  • Additional embodiments of the cleaning liquid 172 include one or more additives such as, for example, an anti-fungal additive and/or an anti-bacterial additive.
  • Typical cleaning liquids utilize non-filtered tap water containing hard minerals such as iron and manganese (i.e., hard water). Unless wiped clean, the surfaces can take a long time to dry. Additionally, spots or residue often form on non-wiped surfaces as a result of the hard minerals in the water.
  • the water used to form the cleaning liquid 172 consists of a de-ionized highly filtered (i.e., soft) water, which reduces the likelihood of a residue forming on the surface following a cleaning operation.
  • the cleaning liquid dispenser 170 includes a filter 184 that is in line with the flow of cleaning liquid 172.
  • the filter 184 operates to remove hard minerals (e.g., iron and manganese) from the water of the cleaning liquid 172 prior to its application to the cleaning tool 100 or the surface 104.
  • the filter 184 can be inline with the water supply 178, but prior to the mixing member 182.
  • Embodiments of the filter 184 include filtering elements such as ceramic, glass fiber, hard-block carbon, and/or other water-filtering materials.
  • One preferred water filter is the General Electric "SmartWater” model C, filter system, which reduces chlorine sediment, minerals and rust, all of which add to residue.
  • the ratio of water to cleaning agent/additive in the cleaning liquid 172 is preferably very high, such as 1000:1. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ratio of water to cleaning agent is approximately 3000:1. Such a high ratio of water to cleaning agent provides effective cleaning of the surface 104 while reducing the likelihood of leaving a visible residue behind. Additionally, the low percentage of cleaning agent in the cleaning liquid results in very little chemical waste from cleaning operations. As a result, embodiments of the present invention leave very little cleaning agent residue following application to the surface 104, produces very little chemical waste, and increases the life of the supply of cleaning agent 180.
  • One embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispenser 170 includes a pump 186 and a cleaning liquid distributor 188.
  • the pump 186 is configured to drive a flow of the cleaning liquid from the supply 172 to the distributor 188.
  • Embodiments of the invention include the driving of the cleaning liquid at flow rates of less than 100 cubic centimeters per minute (cc/min.), 50 cc/min., 20 cc/min. and 10 cc/min.
  • One suitable pump 186 is the SLV10-AC41 manufactured by ShurFlo.
  • the pump 186 is pulsed to provide the desired flow rate of cleaning liquid to the distributor.
  • the pump 186 can be enabled for a period of 0.5 seconds for each 13 second cycle.
  • Such pulsing of the pump 186 provides a flow rate of cleaning liquid to the cleaning members 106 of approximately 20 cubic centimeters per minute.
  • Other cleaning/rinsing cycles can also be performed using different pulsing periods, as will be discussed below.
  • the distributor 188 discharges the cleaning liquid 172 to the desired location (i.e., the cleaning members 106 and/or the surface 104).
  • the distributor 188 includes at least one nozzle 190, as shown in FIG. 1 , which directs the flow of cleaning liquid to the cleaning members 106 (as shown) or to the surface 104.
  • the distributor 188 includes a single wide angle spraying nozzle 190 to spray the cleaning liquid 172 across the surface of the cleaning members 106, as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • One such suitable nozzle is the R187C manufactured by Rain Drip, Inc.
  • the machine 102 includes an aerator configured to aerate the cleaning liquid into a foam.
  • the aerator can be combined with the cleaning liquid distributor 188 in the form of an aerating nozzle.
  • a controller 200 ( FIG. 9 ) controls the operations of the machine 102 including the operations of the motor 112 and the pump 186.
  • a user input 202 can be provided to the controller 200 to trigger various cleaning operations or cycles, which will be discussed below.
  • the user input 202 can be accessed through a control panel 204 mounted to the handle 154, for example.
  • One embodiment of the machine 102 lacks a vacuumized waste recovery system, such as a vacuumized squeegee, for example. Instead, the machine 102 relies upon the liquid and solid waste collection properties of the fibrous cleaning members 106 to pick up solids and liquids on the surface 104, as well as scrub the surface 104, particularly when wetted by the cleaning liquid, and discharge the collected waste 170 into the waste container 134 in response to the centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the cleaning members 106.
  • a vacuumized waste recovery system such as a vacuumized squeegee
  • the lack of a vacuumized waste recovery system results in quieter cleaning operations and a machine 102 that is relatively highly energy efficient.
  • the machine 102 of the present invention is more appropriate for use during business hours than the prior art cleaners that have vacuumized waste recovery systems.
  • the machine 102 of the present invention can be formed smaller, lighter, and have longer run times (i.e., when battery powered) than cleaners of the prior art.
  • One embodiment of the machine 102 includes a vacuumized waste recovery system supported on the mobile body 150.
  • Embodiments of the vacuumized waste recovery system are configured to remove collected debris from the surface 104, the waste container 134, and/or a remote location from the machine 102 (e.g. through a vacuum hose).
  • the wetting of the fibrous material used in the cleaning members 106 allows the cleaning members 106 to dissipate static charge thereby eliminating the need for static discharging elements, such as chains.
  • the machine 102 avoids static discharge problems that can damage conventional surface cleaners and makes the machine 102 suitable for both hard and soft floor cleaning operations.
  • the cleaning tool 100 is capable of performing both carpet and hard floor surface cleaning operations without having to adjust the machine 102.
  • a single machine 102 operated by a single person is capable of performing a carpet cleaning operation at one instant and move directly to a hard floor cleaning operation at another instant without stopping to adjust the machine 102. This provides a significant advantage over prior art cleaning methods that involve the use of different machines for hard and soft floor cleaning operations.
  • One embodiment of the invention includes a method of cleaning hard and soft floor surfaces using the machine 102 without reconfiguring the machine 102.
  • the machine 102 is moved over a hard floor surface while rotating the cleaning tool 100 and engaging the hard floor surface with the cleaning members 106 and then moved over a soft floor surface while maintaining the rotation of the cleaning tool 100 and engaging the soft floor surface with the cleaning members 106.
  • Additional embodiments include applying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning members, rotating the cleaning members 106 such that they are moving in the forward direction (arrow 143) at the surface, and collecting waste 170 picked up by the cleaning members 106 in a waste container 134.
  • the machine 102 includes a motorized cleaning tool lift 210, illustrated schematically in FIG. 9 , that is supported by the mobile body 150.
  • the cleaning tool lift 210 is configured to raise and lower the cleaning tool 100 relative to the housing 202 and the surface 104 being cleaned.
  • the cleaning tool lift 210 automatically adjusts the position of the cleaning tool 100 such that the cleaning tool 100 applies a substantially constant downward force to the surface 104.
  • the downward force can be adjustable through the user input 202, such as through the control panel 204.
  • the cleaning tool 100 may be lowered, for example, when the machine 102 transitions from a carpeted surface to a hard floor surface while applying substantially the same downward force to both surfaces.
  • Suitable cleaning tool lifts are described in U.S. Patent Numbers 4,675,935 , 4,679,271 and 4,757,566 .
  • the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the cleaning tool 100 operates to discharge most of the liquid and debris collected by the cleaning members 106 into the waste container 206
  • the cleaning members 106 may remain slightly damp following cleaning operations. Accordingly, bacteria and mold may develop on the cleaning tool if a long period of time elapses since the last cleaning operation. This problem may be alleviated by performing drying cycles and the inclusion of anti-fungal and/or anti-bacterial components in the cleaning liquid.
  • the machine 102 includes a UV sanitizer 220 ( FIG. 9 ) having a source of radiation that is operated under the control of the controller 200 (e.g., Direct Logic model number D0-05DR-D).
  • the UV sanitizer 220 is configured to control bacterial and fungal growth on the cleaning tool 100, as indicated by arrow 222.
  • the source of radiation is preferably contained within the housing 158 such that it is sufficiently shrouded to prevent significant UV radiation leakage and eliminate the need for eye protection by the operator.
  • the source of UV radiation is preferably configured to apply a substantially uniform dosage of UV radiation to the surface of the cleaning members 106 across the width of the cleaning tool 100 of a sufficient magnitude to provide a degree of sanitization to the surface of the cleaning members 106.
  • the dosage of radiation applied to the surface of the cleaning members 106 is in a range of 10-60 mW ⁇ cm 2 .
  • the source of UV radiation may include one or more UV lamps or other suitable UV source.
  • the UV lamps are preferably mercury flood lamps having a ballast incorporated on the lamp (self-ballasted). Alternatively the UV lamps may be externally ballast driven.
  • An optional cooling apparatus, such as a fan, may be provided to insure sufficient cooling of the UV source.
  • the wavelength of the UV radiation produced by the UV source is in the UV-C range, which is less than 280 nanometers.
  • the primary energy of the UV source is at a wavelength that is within a range of 240-260 nanometers.
  • One suitable UV source is produce number 90-0012-01 manufactured by UVP-Inc. of Upland, California, which emits a mercury spectrum with the primary energy at a wavelength of 254 nanometers.
  • the source of UV radiation of the UV sanitizer 220 applies UV radiation (arrow 224) to the surface 104 to kill bacteria and other germs thereon.
  • UV radiation applied to the surface 104 include the dosages described above.
  • Embodiments of the machine 102 can perform several different cleaning operations or cycles.
  • the cycles can be performed automatically by the controller 200 or in response to the user input 202. Examples of such cleaning cycles will be discussed below.
  • a start-up or pre-wetting cycle for the machine 102 is can be performed prior to the cleaning operation to ensure that the cleaning tool 100 is sufficiently wet with cleaning liquid.
  • a predetermined volume of the cleaning liquid is applied to the cleaning members 106 by the cleaning liquid dispenser 170 while the cleaning tool 100 is rotated by the motor 112. The centrifugal force on the applied cleaning liquid generated by the rotation of the cleaning tool 100, limits the amount of cleaning liquid that remains on the cleaning members 106 at the completion of this pre-wetting cycle.
  • the pre-wetting cycle is performed only when an assessment of the liquid content of the cleaning tool 100 indicates that it is necessary to do so.
  • historical operation information is maintained in onboard memory 226 of the machine 102 that includes information that can be used to assess the wetness of the cleaning tool 100. For example, information regarding the last time the machine 102 was operated, the time and amount of cleaning liquid that was last applied to the cleaning tool 100, the time when the last pre-wetting cycle was conducted, etc. can be stored in the memory 226, from which a determination of whether a pre-wetting cycle should be performed can be made.
  • a sensor is used to assess a wetness of the cleaning tool 100 and the pre-wetting cycle is performed when the sensor indicates that the wetness is below a threshold value.
  • Surface cleaning operations are generally performed by applying the desired dosage of cleaning liquid to the cleaning members 106 of the cleaning tool 100 as the cleaning tool 100 is rotated by the motor 112.
  • the cleaning members 106 pick up solid and liquid waste from the surface 104 (e.g., tile, stone, cement, carpet, wood, etc.) while simultaneously scrubbing the surface 104 with the cleaning liquid dampened cleaning members 106.
  • the cleaning members 106 flex and conform to the surface 104 in response to the cleaning tool 100, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5B .
  • the distal ends 132 of the cleaning members 106 that engage the surface 104 preferably flatten slightly to provide the desired scrubbing of the surface 104 while reducing the likelihood of forming "stripes" of residue in the wake of the machine 102 on hard surfaces. Additionally, when the cleaning members 106 are vertically oriented, they can enter crevices and remove debris and liquid contained therein.
  • the cleaning tool 100 is continuously cleaned due to the flinging of the waste 170 (liquid and particulate) into the waste container 134 and through the application of fresh cleaning liquid 172 to the cleaning members 106.
  • a tool cleaning operation can be performed by wetting the cleaning tool 100 and rotating it without operating the machine 102 over a dirty surface 104.
  • Multiple tool cleaning operations can be performed to remove excess debris from the cleaning members 106.
  • the operator of the machine 102 can apply a user input 202 (e.g., a press of a button) to the controller 200, which briefly increases the amount of cleaning liquid 172 that is discharged by the cleaning liquid dispenser 170.
  • a user input 202 e.g., a press of a button
  • Additional user inputs 202 can adjust the rotational velocity of the cleaning tool 100 and/or the pressure that is applied to the surface 104 by the cleaning tool 100, in order to provide the desired scrubbing action of the surface 104.
  • the machine 102 may also perform a rinse cycle to remove debris and cleaning liquid from the cleaning tool 100.
  • water is applied to the cleaning tool 100 as it rotates, which rinses the tool.
  • the cleaning liquid 172 is formed by mixing separate supplies of water 178 and a cleaning agent 180 ( FIG. 9 )
  • water from the onboard water supply 178 can be directed to the cleaning tool 100 through the cleaning liquid dispenser 170, or other device.
  • a drying cycle can also be performed by the machine 102 by rotating the cleaning tool 100 at a high angular velocity without applying the cleaning liquid thereto.
  • the high rotational velocity of the cleaning tool 100 causes the liquid absorbed by the cleaning members 106 to be released into the waste container 134.
  • the machine 102 can also be used to apply coatings to surfaces, such as wax coatings.
  • the cleaning liquid 172 is replaced with a liquid wax that is applied to the cleaning tool 100 or the surface 104, and is worked into the surface 104 by the rotation of the cleaning members 106 at a desired pressure.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)

Claims (5)

  1. Machine de nettoyage de sols (102), comprenant :
    un corps mobile (150) configuré pour passer sur une surface (104) ;
    un outil de nettoyage (100) supporté sur le corps mobile, configuré pour frotter la surface, l'outil de nettoyage comprenant :
    un moyeu (108) ayant un axe longitudinal (110) ; et
    une pluralité d'éléments de nettoyage (106) reliés au moyeu et distribués le long de l'axe longitudinal, les éléments de nettoyage comprenant un matériau fibreux ;
    un moteur (112) supporté sur le corps mobile et configuré pour entrainer une rotation du moyeu autour de l'axe longitudinal ; et
    un contenant de déchets (134) supporté sur le corps mobile et positionné sur un côté arrière de l'outil de nettoyage qui est opposé à un côté frontal de l'outil de nettoyage ;
    la machine étant caractérisée en ce que :
    le moteur est configuré pour entrainer la rotation du moyeu de telle sorte que les éléments de nettoyage se déplacent dans une direction avant (143), qui est dirigée du côté arrière vers le côté avant, lors de la mise en prise avec la surface ;
    la machine comprend en outre un boîtier (158) ayant une ouverture de fond (160) à travers laquelle une portion de l'outil de nettoyage s'étend, une portion d'entourage (164) s'adaptant sensiblement à un côté supérieur (166) de l'outil de nettoyage, et une ouverture (162) vers le contenant de déchets ; et
    l'outil de nettoyage est configuré pour libérer les débris recueillis dans le contenant de déchets à travers l'ouverture au contenant des déchets.
  2. Machine selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle les éléments de nettoyage sont en forme de disque, et une portion de bord extérieure (132) des éléments de nettoyage comprend un matériau fibreux et est configurée pour fléchir en réponse à un contact avec une surface.
  3. Machine selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un distributeur de liquide de nettoyage (170) supporté sur le corps mobile, le distributeur de liquide de nettoyage comprenant :
    un contenant (173) configuré pour contenir une alimentation en eau ;
    un filtre à eau (184) configuré pour recevoir un écoulement d'eau du contenant ;
    une pompe (186) configurée pour entrainer l'écoulement d'eau du contenant et à travers le filtre à eau ; et
    un distributeur (188) configuré pour évacuer l'écoulement d'eau sur un des éléments de nettoyage et sur la surface.
  4. Machine selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre une poignée (154) s'étendant du corps mobile dans une direction arrière qui est opposée à la direction avant.
  5. Machine selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le corps mobile ne supporte pas de système de collecte de déchets sous dépression.
EP06737340.7A 2005-03-11 2006-03-08 Outil et machine de nettoyage pour sols durs et tendres Expired - Fee Related EP1871211B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US66082005P 2005-03-11 2005-03-11
PCT/US2006/008159 WO2006098965A1 (fr) 2005-03-11 2006-03-08 Outil et machine de nettoyage pour sols durs et tendres

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1871211A1 EP1871211A1 (fr) 2008-01-02
EP1871211B1 true EP1871211B1 (fr) 2013-07-17

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EP (1) EP1871211B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP4896122B2 (fr)
CN (1) CN101137317A (fr)
AU (1) AU2006223465A1 (fr)
MX (1) MX2007011193A (fr)
WO (1) WO2006098965A1 (fr)

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DE102005047203A1 (de) 2005-10-01 2007-04-19 Daimlerchrysler Ag Brennkraftmaschine mit variablem Verdichtungsverhältnis
GB2470917A (en) 2009-06-09 2010-12-15 Dyson Technology Ltd Agitating means for cleaning head
GB2470918A (en) 2009-06-09 2010-12-15 Dyson Technology Ltd Agitating means for a cleaning head
GB2470919A (en) 2009-06-09 2010-12-15 Dyson Technology Ltd Agitating means for a cleaning head
DE102010029159A1 (de) * 2010-05-20 2011-11-24 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Verfahren zum Reinigen einer Bodenfläche und Bodenreinigungsgerät zur Durchführung des Verfahrens
AU2013219229B2 (en) * 2012-08-29 2017-07-13 Bissell Inc. Extraction cleaner with heat transfer
JP7213416B2 (ja) * 2018-12-25 2023-01-27 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 自律走行型掃除機
CN114831563A (zh) * 2022-06-10 2022-08-02 北京顺造科技有限公司 控制表面清洁设备的方法及表面清洁设备

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3407425A (en) * 1968-01-15 1968-10-29 Arthur E. Drumm Spacer for use in rotary brush assembly
US4176420A (en) * 1978-07-03 1979-12-04 Cello Chemical Company Surface treating pad
WO1984000465A1 (fr) * 1982-07-28 1984-02-16 George Malcolm Byrd Ameliorations relatives a des agitateurs rotatifs
GB9515334D0 (en) * 1995-07-26 1995-09-20 Robertshaw Dawn Abrasive roller
DE19635146C1 (de) * 1996-08-30 1998-05-14 Kaercher Gmbh & Co Alfred Schrubbwalze für eine Schrubbmaschine
JP2002000529A (ja) * 2000-06-20 2002-01-08 Bridgestone Corp 軟質床面及び路面の付着物除去ローラとそれを用いた軟質床面及び路面の付着物除去方法
JP3708865B2 (ja) * 2001-10-31 2005-10-19 株式会社角田ブラシ製作所 回転式床面洗浄ブラシ

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JP4896122B2 (ja) 2012-03-14
AU2006223465A1 (en) 2006-09-21
JP2008532636A (ja) 2008-08-21
EP1871211A1 (fr) 2008-01-02
CN101137317A (zh) 2008-03-05
WO2006098965A1 (fr) 2006-09-21
MX2007011193A (es) 2007-10-02

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