GB2612352A - Battery powered floor treatment machine - Google Patents

Battery powered floor treatment machine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2612352A
GB2612352A GB2115607.0A GB202115607A GB2612352A GB 2612352 A GB2612352 A GB 2612352A GB 202115607 A GB202115607 A GB 202115607A GB 2612352 A GB2612352 A GB 2612352A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
battery
floor treatment
treatment machine
machine
configuration
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB2115607.0A
Other versions
GB202115607D0 (en
Inventor
John Putt Nicholas
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.)
Numatic International Ltd
Original Assignee
Numatic International Ltd
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
Application filed by Numatic International Ltd filed Critical Numatic International Ltd
Priority to GB2115607.0A priority Critical patent/GB2612352A/en
Publication of GB202115607D0 publication Critical patent/GB202115607D0/en
Publication of GB2612352A publication Critical patent/GB2612352A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • A47L11/29—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid
    • A47L11/30—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction
    • 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
    • A47L11/03—Floor surfacing or polishing machines characterised by having provisions for supplying cleaning or polishing agents
    • 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
    • A47L11/04—Floor surfacing or polishing machines hand-driven
    • A47L11/08—Floor surfacing or polishing machines hand-driven with rotating 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
    • A47L11/02—Floor surfacing or polishing machines
    • A47L11/04—Floor surfacing or polishing machines hand-driven
    • A47L11/08—Floor surfacing or polishing machines hand-driven with rotating tools
    • A47L11/085—Floor surfacing or polishing machines hand-driven with rotating tools with supply of cleaning agents
    • 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
    • A47L11/20—Floor surfacing or polishing machines combined with vacuum cleaning devices
    • A47L11/204—Floor surfacing or polishing machines combined with vacuum cleaning devices having combined drive for brushes and for vacuum cleaning
    • A47L11/206—Floor surfacing or polishing machines combined with vacuum cleaning devices having combined drive for brushes and for vacuum cleaning for rotary disc brushes
    • 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
    • A47L11/26—Floor-scrubbing machines, hand-driven
    • 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
    • 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
    • A47L11/30—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction
    • A47L11/302—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction having rotary tools
    • A47L11/305—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction having rotary tools the tools being disc brushes
    • 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
    • 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
    • A47L11/4002—Installations of electric equipment
    • 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
    • A47L11/4002—Installations of electric equipment
    • A47L11/4005—Arrangements of batteries or cells; Electric power supply arrangements
    • 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
    • A47L11/4044—Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees
    • 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
    • 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
    • A47L11/4083—Liquid supply reservoirs; Preparation of the agents, e.g. mixing devices

Landscapes

  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery powered floor treatment machine 20, such as a floor scrubber drier for cleaning and/or treating a floor surface. The floor treatment machine comprises a base portion 30 provided with at least one floor treatment workhead 31, a cleaning fluid outlet located such that cleaning fluid is entrained in the floor treatment work head during operation, and a waste fluid collector inlet locatable proximate the floor treatment work head in use. The machine also comprises a handle portion 40 movably connected to the base portion. A battery portion 51 is also provided comprising battery connectors (fig. 9, 45 and 46), wherein each battery connector is selectively connectable to a battery (fig. 2, 47) to provide power to electrically powered components of the machine. The battery portion and the battery connectors are constructed and located such that at least two different configurations of batteries are selectable within the battery portion and each with a different available power capacity. The choice of battery configuration will depend on the required power capacity for a particular cleaning operation. This gives an operator flexibility with a single floor treatment machine to select an optimum battery configuration and power capacity.

Description

BATTERY POWERED FLOOR TREATMENT MACHINE
The present invention relates to a battery powered floor treatment machine, such as a floor scrubber drier, Particularly, though not exclusively, the invention relates to a wet floor treatment machine having a battery portion with selectable battery connectors. The selectable battery connectors enable connection with at least two different configurations of batteries to allow an operator to choose the optimum power capacity for a particular cleaning operation.
Known floor scrubbers typically have at least one workhead formed from an annular rotatable scrubbing portion including bristles or a polishing pad. Battery powered floor scrubbers typically use rechargeable batteries to provide power to electric motors used to drive the workhead(s) and other peripherals requiring power. Floor scrubbers powered by batteries have a finite run time dictated by the current drawn from the battery to operate the machine, For lengthy cleaning operations or those which draw higher current, it would be desirable to supply additional power capacity to extend the working time period of the floor scrubber. However, larger batteries or multiple batteries contribute significantly to the overall weight and can adversely affect manoeuvrability of the scrubber.
Typical wet floor scrubbers have a cleaning fluid dispenser from which detergent or dilute cleaning solution can be distributed over the surface to be cleaned, in advance of, or through the workhead(s). A squeegee suction collector trails behind the workhead(s) to entrain and collect dirty liquid from the floor surface. The dirty liquid is sucked through a waste f uid return hose and is collected and stored in a separate waste fluid tank within the machine. Where additional or more powerful batteries are provided to extend the machine run time, there is a corresponding need for greater capacity in the fluid tanks to account for the extended period of use. However, the presence of large fluid tanks containing greater volumes of fluid increases the overall weight of the machine. Furthermore, the distribution of fluid between the tanks within the machine needs to be carefully managed because uneven distribution of fluid can adversely affect handling of the machine.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a battery powered floor treatment machine with increased flexibility providing an option for increased run time and/or a greater intensity cleaning operation, while maintaining satisfactory handling and manoeuvrability.
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a battery powered floor treatment machine for cleaning and/or treating a floor surface, the floor treatment machine comprising: a base portion provided with at least one floor treatment workhead, a cleaning fluid outlet located such that cleaning fluid is entrained in the floor treatment workhead during operation, and a waste fluid collector inlet locatable proximate the floor treatment workhead in use and arranged to collect waste fluid therefrom; a handle portion movably connected to the base portion such that the handle portion is arranged to guide movement of the base portion; and a battery portion comprising battery connectors, wherein each battery connector is selectively connectable to a battery to provide power to electrically powered components of the machine, wherein the battery portion and the battery connectors are constructed and located such that at least two different configurations of batteries are selectable within the battery portion and wherein each configuration provides a different available power capacity.
Advantageously, the battery configuration is selectable according to the requirements of an operator to enable at least two different arrangements of batteries to be connected to the battery connectors within the battery portion.The specific choice of battery configuration will depend on the required power capacity for a particular cleaning operation. This gives an operator greater flexibility with a single floor treatment machine to select an optimum battery configuration and power capacity.
The battery portion may comprise a plurality of battery connectors.The battery connectors may be located and configured within the battery portion such that the weight of the one or more batteries attached thereto in use is evenly distributec within the battery portion in each of the configurations. 25 The battery connectors may comprise ports, each port enabling connection of a battery to the machine to provide power to electrically powered components. The battery connectors may comprise a first port for selective connection in a single battery configuration. The battery connectors may comprise twin ports for selective connection in a twin battery configuration. The first port may be centrally disposed within the battery portion and the twin ports may be located on either side of the first port.
The battery connectors may comprise a centrally disposed port and two further ports equispaced from the centreline. The first battery configuration may comprise a battery locatable centrally within the battery portion and connectable to the centrally disposed port. The second battery configuration may comprise two batteries equispaced from a central region of the battery portion and connectable to ports located on either side of the central port. Therefore, during use of the machine in either configuration, the weight of the batteries is evenly distributed within the battery portion.
Each different configuration of batteries may be mutually exclusive. Therefore, selection of the appropriate power capacity may dictate one particular configuration of batteries within the battery portion. Such configuration will necessitate connection of one or more batteries to selected battery connectors and no other configurations may be possible simultaneously within the battery portion of the machine.
Each battery connector may be adapted to connect with a battery of a predetermined specification. Each battery connector may be adapted to connect with a battery of a specific voltage.The one or more batteries may comprise rechargeable batteries.The rechargeable batteries may be solid state rechargeable batteries. The rechargeable batteries may be lithium ion or lithium polymer rechargeable batteries, The battery connectors may be electrically connected within the machine such that power is supplied to the electrically powered components either via the centrally disposed port when connected to a battery in the first battery configuration, or via the twin ports, when each port is connected to a battery in the second battery configuration.
Alternatively or additionally, the twin battery ports may be electrically connected within the machine in the second battery configuration such that components of the machine are selectively powered by one or other of the batteries connected to the twin ports.
A control or processing means may be electrically connected to the batteries such that the power source may be selected and provided from either one, or both, of the batteries connected to the twin ports, The control or processing means may have a feedback loop to enable determination of the required battery source to power the electrical components.
In any battery configuration, the weight of the one or more batteries when connected to the battery connectors may be evenly distributed within the battery portion. In any battery configuration, the weight of the one or more batteries when connected to the battery connectors may be evenly distributed within the floor treatment machine. In any battery configuration, the weight of the one or more batteries when connected to the battery connectors may be evenly distributed on either side of the handle portion of the floor treatment machine, The battery portion may be located on the handle portion. The battery portion may be located towards a lower end of the handle portion. The battery portion may be located on the handle portion vertically spaced above the base portion, when the machine is in an upright configuration. The battery portion may be located on the handle portion to optimise the weight distribution of the at least one battery to substantially balance the handling of the floor treatment machine in use when the one or more batteries are connected to the battery connectors.
When the battery portion is provided on the handle portion above the base portion and the machine is in an upright configuration, the centre of gravity of the machine may extend between rear and front wheels located on the base portion ofthe floor treatment machine. When the battery portion is provided on the handle portion above the base portion and the machine is in an upright configuration, the centre of gravity of the machine may extend through the base portion in the region of the workheads.
Advantageously, locating the battery portion at the front lower region of the handle portion minimises the weight of the one or more batteries in the hands of an operator during operation of the machine. This improves overall manoeuvrability and manipulation of the floor treatment machine.Thus, the invention enables the anticipated duration of a particular cleaning operation to be optimised while minimising the impact on the overall handling and weight of the machine.
The battery powered floor treatment machine may comprise two fluid tanks. The fluid tanks may comprise a clean fluid reservoir and a waste fluid tank. The two fluid tanks may be provided with a predetermined capacity to allow sufficient fluid storage volume calculated for use in conjunction with the battery configuration having maximum power capacity.
The clean fluid reservoir may be provided with one or more visual indicators that indicate a cleaning fluid fill level associated with a specific fluid volume. The visual indicators may correspond to the level of cleaning fluid required to support a cleaning operation having a predetermined expected duration based on the power capacity options offered by the different battery configurations.
Alternatively, the machine may accept different sizes of fluid tanks that hold different volumes of fluid. This enables the appropriate clean fluid reservoir volume and waste fluid tank volume to be preselected and incorporated on the machine such that the anticipated fluid volume within the tanks is matched according to the specific oattery configuration.
The battery portion may be detachably coupled to the handle portion. The battery portion may form part of a modular subassembly. The modular subassembly may be selectively attachable to the handle portion via inter-engaging means, The inter-engaging means may be provided for the interconnection of the battery portion and the modular subassembly without the need for tooling.
The inter-engaging means may comprise complementary moulded portions or interconnection members allowing interconnection of the battery portion to the handle portion without the need for tools. The inter-engaging means may comprise a snap-fit, resilient coupling, or interference fit for the secure interconnection of the hand e portion and the battery portion.
The modular subassembly may comprise an outer housing.The outer housing may be formed from a lightweight rigid plastic. The outer housing may comprise at least two pertions. At least a part of the outer housing may be shaped and constructed to define a battery portion comprising an accessible battery compartment for the connection, housing and/or removal of one or more batteries. The outer housing may be constructed with an elongate passage extending therethrough. The elongate passage may accept part of the handle portion.
The outer housing of the modular subassembly may comprise a battery support plate for supporting a base of each battery. The battery support plate may also incorporate the battery connectors. The outer housing may further comprise a backing plate to provide a rigid support on at least one side of the battery housing.
The modular subassembly may further comprise one or more fluid tanks. The outer housing of the modular subassembly may comprise part of a fluid tank. At least one of the fluid tanks may be shaped to enclose the battery compartment. At least one of the of the fluid tanks may form part of the outer housing and be shaped to enclose the one or more batteries when connected with the battery connectors within the battery compartment. This arrangement is advantageous and optimises use of space since the fluid tank may serve the dual purpose of holding cleaning fluid and forming part of the outer housing of the modular subassembly.
The modular subassembly may further comprise a tank module having a clean fluid reservoir and a waste fluid tank. The tank module may be selectively detachable from the modular subassembly.
The clean fluid reservoir and the waste fluid tank may be in a stacked configuration within the tank module.
The floor treatment machine may comprise a cleaning fluid conduit for selective fluid communication between the clean fluid reservoir and the cleaning fluid outlet. The cleaning fluid outlet may be located in advance of the workhead(s) or in the region of the workhead(s) to deliver cleaning fluid thereto in an operational configuration.
The floor treatment machine may comprise a suction collector assembly arranged to suction waste fluid proximate the workhead in use. The suction collector assembly may comprise a waste fluid collector inlet. The waste fluid tank may be fed by the suction collector assembly which may be towed behind the workhead(s). The suction collector assembly may be provided with a conduit to a suction generator for drawing up waste fluid from the collector. The suction collector assembly may comprise a squeegee collector shaped to assist the feed of waste fluid into the waste fluid collector inlet. The squeegee collector may be disposed behind the base portion with respect to a forward direction of travel. The squeegee collector may comprise at least one squeegee blade.
The suction collector assembly may be provided with a tilt mechanism and latch, which latch is activated automatically when the suction collector assembly is tilted up from the floor by more than a predetermined amount. This allows unhindered transport between work tasks, and storage of the machine without the squeegee blades being deformed under the weight of the collector assembly when not in use.
The handle portion may be movably connected to the base portion such that the handle portion may be angled with respect to the base portion to aid guiding and movement of the machine in an operational configuration when the machine is in use. The handle portion may be reclinable with respect to the base portion in the operational configuration.
The handle portion may be positioned in an upright configuration that is substantially perpendicular relative to the base portion in a non-working configuration. The base portion and the handle portion may be lockable in a substantially vertical position with respect to the base portion when in the non-working configuration.
The handle portion may be connected to the base portion via an articulation which permits reclining of the handle portion. The articulation preferably comprises a twin axis universal joint arrangement which permits movement of the handle portion in multiple directions, while permitting torque to be applied via the handle portion to the base portion for swivel steering.
The floor treatment machine as hereinbefore described may be configured as a walk-behind wet floor scrubber drier. The floor treatment machine may be a compact floor scrubber drier machine. 10 The battery connectors may be electrically connected to one or more components requiring power within the machine. The one or more batteries may be connectable to the battery connectors to provide power to any or all of the following components including but not limited to: electric motors, suction fan, pumps, valves, processors, visual display, lights and other electromechanical parts.
The base poriion may include one or more motors Hai are arranged roiare [he workhedds in an operational configuration.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular subassembly that is selectively attachable to a floor treatment machine, the subassembly comprising a battery portion incorporating a battery connector for electrical connection with at least one battery and a tank module.
The modular subassembly may comprise an elongate passage shaped to accommodate part of a handle portion of a floor treatment machine therethrough.
The modular subassembly may comprise inter-engaging portions for selective attachment of the subassembly with the handle portion of a f oor treatment machine, The handle portion of the floor treatment machine may comprise complementary inter-engaging means for the secure attachment of the subassembly thereto.
The tank module may comprise a clean fluid reservoir and a waste fluid tank.The tank module may be selectively removable from the modular subassembly. The tank module may comprise a resiliently deformable interconnecting member to removably attach the tank module to the modular subassembly.
The clean fluid reservoir and the waste fluid tank may be in a stacked relation,The tank module may form at least part of an outer housing of the modular subassembly.
The modular subassembly may comprise a base plate to support the one or more batteries within the battery portion. The base plate may incorporate the battery connectors for the batteries. The subassembly may further comprise a rigid backing to provide a rear housing for the battery portion.
The modular subassembly may be arranged to receive different sizes of tank module incorporating tanks having a different maximum fluid capacity.
The first and second aspects of the invention may be combined with any other feature or embodiment described in the specification or shown in the figures.
Embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the following drawings in which: Figures 1 is an isometric view of a floor treatment machine according to the invention; Figure 2 is an isometric view of the floor treatment machine of figure 1 with the tank module removed and spaced from the machine; Figure 3 is a side view of the floor treatment machine of figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of the floor treatment machine of figure 1 with the tank module and removed and spaced from the machine; Figure 5a is an isometric view of a modular subassembly comprising the tank module and battery portion; Figure 5b is an isometric view of the modular subassembly of figure 5a with part of the battery housing removed to show two batteries in a twin battery configuration located within the battery portion; Figure Sc is an isometric view of the subassembly of figure 5b with the tank module removed; Figure 5d is an isometric view of the tank module and battery portion of figure 5a with two batteries connected in an alternative location in a twin battery configuration; Figure 6a is an isometric view of a modular subassembly comprising the tank module and battery portion; Figure 6b is an isometric view of the modular subassembly of figure 6a with part of the battery housing removed to show a single battery located within the battery portion; Figure 6c is an isometric view of the modular subassembly of figure 6b with the tank module removed; Figure 6d is an isometric view of the modular subassembly of figure 6a with a single battery connected in an alternative location; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an interconnection arrangement of different battery configurations within the floor treatment machine of figure 1; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an interconnection arrangement of different battery configurations within the floor treatment machine of figure 1; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of battery connectors incorporated within the battery portion of the floor treatment machine of figure 1.
According to a first embodiment of the invention, a battery powered floor treatment machine shown generally at 20 is provided in the form of a walk-behind compact wet floor scrubber drier. The machine 20 has a handle portion 40 and a base portion 30 that is shown substantially perpendicular to the handle portion 40 in an upright configuration in figures 1 to 4. The handle portion 40 is connected to the base portion 30 via an articulation (not shown) which permits reclining of the handle portion 40. The articulation comprises a twin axis universal joint arrangement which allows movement of the handle portion 40 up and down and side to side, while permitting torque to be applied via the handle portion 40 to the base portion 30 for swivel steering. This makes the machine 20 highly manoeuvrable and easy to steer and swivel around a primary wheel means 22 located on the base portion 30. One machine of this type is disclosed in W0201 9207290A2 (Numatic International), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The base portion 30 carries a motor housing 21 vvhich houses drive motors (not shown) arranged to rotatably drive respective disc-shaped vvorkheads 31. The drive motors are electrically connected to and povvered by at least one battery 47. A pair of primary support wheels 22 are provided at a rear end region of the base portion 30. A squeegee suction collector assembly 23 (shown in figures Band 4) is attached to the rear end region of the base portion 30. The suction collector assembly 23 comprises a squeegee blade 24 and is connected to a waste fluid conduit 35 in the form of a flexible plastic corrugated return hose that acts as a fluid communication line from a waste fluid collector inlet into a waste fluid collection tank. A pair of side support vvheels and a centrally disposed vvheel 27 are located on an underside of the collector assembly 23 to support the collector assembly 23 and ensure it remains level when the squeegee blade 24 is brought into contact with a floor surface in use.
The floor treatment machine 20 further includes a tank and battery modular subassembly 51 (figures 5 and 6). The tank and battery modular subassembly 51 includes an outer housing comprising a handle backing plate 49 that connects with a battery support 43 extending outwardly from the base of the backing plate 49 on the other side of the handle portion 40. The tank and battery subassembly 51 further contains a detachable tank module 50 with a tvvo-part outer housing 56,57 that provides an outer cover for the fluid tanks and batteries 47. The tank module 50 contains a cleaning fluid reservoir for delivering cleaning fluid to the vvorkheads 31 in use via two cleaning fluid connecting hoses 32. The tank module 50 also includes a waste fluid collection tank for collecting waste fluid from a region behind the vvorkheads 31 in use via the waste fluid collection hose 35. The tank module 50 is configured to be selectively detachable from the tank and battery modular subassembly 51 so that the tanks may be removed easily for refilling and/or emptying.
The one or more batteries 47 are housed within a battery portion that includes the battery support 43 extending perpendicular to and forward of the handle portion 40. The battery support 43 incorporates battery connectors in the form of ports 45, 46, each adapted to electrically connect with a battery 47 as shown in figure 9, According to the present embodiment all ports 45, 46 are connectable with a Li-Ion (Lithium Ion) battery or LiPo (Lithium Polymer) battery. There is one centrally disposed port 45 allowing a single battery 47 to connect thereto in a single battery configuration. In this single battery configuration, an underside of the battery 47 is supported by the battery support 43 such that the battery 47 is centrally located vvithin the battery portion, vvith weight evenly distributed on either side and forward of the handle portion 40. Twin electrical ports 46 are provided, with each port 46 equidistant from the central port 45 to support an alternative arrangement of twin batteries 47 in a second twin battery configuration. In the twin battery configuration, each battery port 46 is connectable to a battery 47 located on either side of the central port 45. In the second twin battery configuration, a base of each battery 47 is supported by the battery support 43 such that both batteries 47 are connectable to the floor treatment machine 20 in such a way that their weight is equally distributed on either side of and forward of the handle portion 40 to maximise stability and handling of the machine 20 during use by an operator.
The single battery 47 configuration is shown in figures 1 to 4 and 6a to 6c. Figure 6d shows an alternative embodiment where the single battery 47 is attached to an electrical connector provided at a higher point on the handle portion 40 in a different location. The twin battery 47 configuration is shown in figures 5a to Sc. Figure 5d shows an alternative embodiment where the twin batteries 47 are attached to an electrical connector provided at a higher point on the handle portion 40 in a different location.
Advantageously, the selectable battery ports 45,46 of the present invention gives an operator a choice of battery configuration allowing selection of the appropriate batteries 47 and therefore the required power capacity tailored to a particular cleaning operation. The design of the battery portion is such that one or more batteries 47 may only be accepted in either the single battery configuration or the twin battery configuration but not in both configurations simultaneously.
The batteries 47 are interconnected to provide power to electrically powered components within the machine 20. According to one embodiment shown in the schematic of figure 7, a single battery 47, or twin batteries 47, are selectively interconnected with a control board 90 that controls the supply of power to two or more motors 91 as vvell as peripherals 92 such as a suction fan, lights and other powered components of the floor machine 20, where appropriate. An interface 93, which comprises user controls, enables operator input that is fed directly to the control board 90. The arrangement and interconnection of the battery 47 to supply power to electric/electronic components shown in figure 7 is advantageous because it is simple and enables either an operator (via the interface 93) or the control board 90 to selectively provide power for the motors 91 using a single battery 47 or twin batteries 47, Thus, a single floor treatment machine 20 is able to accommodate different types and durations of cleaning regime by easily altering the power source according to the connected batteries 47 with different available power capacity.
An alternative embodiment of battery interconnection with electric/electronic components of the machine 20 is shown schematically in figure 8. Two switches 95 with alternative grounds allow interconnection of either, or both, battery A and battery B via the circuit to selectively provide power to the motors 91. Switch A 96 and switch B 97 are power MOSFETS (metal-oxide semi-conductor field effect transistors). H the twin battery configuration, the positive terminals of the batteries 47 are connected to switches A 96 and B 97, while the ground of each battery 47 is selectively switched by the switches 95, The system is controlled by the control board 90 via a feedback loop containing motor sensors 94. The arrangement of this system enables one battery 47 to run either, or both, loads associated with the motors 91 or other electric components drawing power. Accordingly, the system allows for batteries 47 having different charge levels. H the twin battery configuration to maximise runtime, the electrical loads could be run from one battery 47, or from both batteries 47 depending on state of charge of each battery 47.
Furthermore, the control board 90 can 'detect if a battery 47 is present and act accordingly assigning different motors 91, The control board 90 acts as an additional safety layer and when appropriate can alert an operator (via the user interface) to any issues. For example, if only one battery 47 is connected to the battery connectors 46 in the twin battery configuration, the operator is alerted and prompted to take action to add the second battery 47 to the unused port 46, The circuit shown in figure 8 enables the machine 20 to operate in different modes to provide high or low power to the motors and/or vary the run time by enabling circuits with varied power capacity.
The fluid capacity of the individual tanks within the tank module 50 is pre-selected such that the tanks can hold the required volume of cleaning fluid and waste fluid according to either the capacity required for a typical run using a single battery 47 in the first battery configuration or an extended or intense cleaning operation where two batteries 47 can be used in the second twin battery configuration.
According to one embodiment, the cleaning fluid reservoir within the tank module 50 is provided with a visual indicator (not shown) to mark the appropriate fill level for cleaning fluid required for an operation using a single battery 47, This enables an operator to fill the cleaning fluid tank to the appropriate level prior to an operation such that the overall weight of the machine 20 is minimised relative to the duration of use, thereby maximising the efficiency of the machine 20.
According to alternative embodiments (not shown), interchangeable tank modules 50 may be provided containing different tank/reservoir sizes and with capacities for different fluid volumes.
Therefore, a larger tank module 50 may be attached to the modular subassembly 51 when the machine 20 is used in the twin battery configuration and the duration of a cleaning operation is expected to be longer. Therefore, the operational time is extended by both the available power and the volumes of the cleaning fluid and collection facility.
Prior to use, an operator selects the appropriate battery configuration for the machine 20 according to the expected duration and/or intensity of the required cleaning operation. This advantageously increases flexibility enabling a single floor treatment machine 20 to support different types and durations of cleaning operation. For a typical session an operator may select a single battery 47 that is connected to the central port 45. The operator fills the cleaning fluid reservoir to the appropriate fill level with the aid of the visual indicator provided thereon by adding approximately two litres of cleaning solution. This first battery configuration may support a cleaning operation of around 60-80 minutes.
Alternatively, where intensive cleaning or a large area is to be covered by an operator of the machine 20, the tank and battery subassembly 51 may be appropriately configured for such a task by ensuring two batteries 47 are connected to the twin ports 46, The cleaning fluid reservoir is filled to the maximum fill level aided by another visual fill line, to provide a larger volume of cleaning solution required to account for the extended run time, This enables an operator to configure the same machine 20 for a longer cleaning run, without the need to stop the operation to empty the waste fluid and refill cleaning fluid. The twin battery configuration may support a cleaning operation of between around 2 hours and 2 hours 40 minutes.
The machine 20 is typically stored and transported in the non-working configuration, in which the handle portion 40 is lockable in a vertica or substantially vertical position (perpendicular) with respect to the base portion 30. Such a locking mechanism is shown in W02019207289A1 (Numatic International) the contents of which are incorporated by reference. The floor treatment machine 20 is transportable in the non-working configuration, in which the squeegee suction collector assembly 23 is in its resting configuration, tilted upwards away from the floor behind the machine 20. The primary wheels 22 support the machine 20 during transport, with the user steering the machine 20 using the handle portion 40. The handle portion 40 may be tilted back in the locked non-working configuration during transport so that the workheads 31 are lifted from the floor surface.
For use, the floor treatment machine 20 is moved into the operational configuration where the workheads 31 contact the floor and take the weight of the motor units so as to provide a good scrubbing force. The squeegee suction co lector assembly 23 is deployed at the rear of the base portion 30 so that the squeegee blade 24 is in contact with the floor surface. Power is supplied by the batteries 47 in either the first or the second battery configuration to supply power to the motors, suction assembly and other peripherals.
In the cleaning or operational configuration, the handle portion 40 is reclined and the workheads 31 are in working contact with the floor surface. Cleaning fluid is fed from the clean fluid reservoir to the clean fluid outlet ahead of the workheads 31 such that the vvorkheads 31 scrub the floor surface with cleaning solution. Dirty water is deposited behind the vvorkheads 31 to be retrieved by the suction collector assembly 23. The collector assembly 23 uses the combined action of the squeegee blade 24 and suction to collect dirty fluid and the waste fluid hose 35 transfers the dirty fluid to the waste fluid tank located on the handle portion 40. Advantageously in either configuration with the single or twin batteries 47 the weight distribution of the batteries 47 is forward of the handle portion 40 and equally distributed on both sides of thereof As a result, the handling of the machine 20 remains stable whether used for a shorter or longer cleaning operation.
The described embodiments all provide a battery powered floor treatment machine 20 having a modular design that provides a flexible tool free configuration of alternative power and fluid capacity variants from a single platform. Thus, the machine 20 has improved versatility compared with conventional floor scrubbers and the invention enables varied and optimally efficient cleaning operations. The machine 20 of the invention provides for longer run times and larger tanks, while ensuring balanced weight distribution, practical handling and optimised manoeuvrability.
Modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Relative terms such as "upper", "lower", "higher", "base", and/or "rear" are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims (25)

  1. Claims 1. A battery powered floor treatment machine for cleaning and/or treating a floor surface, the floor treatment machine comprising; a base portion provided with at least one floor treatment workhead, a cleaning fluid outlet located such that cleaning fluid is entrained in the floor treatment workhead during operation, and a waste fluid collector inlet locatable proximate the floor treatment workhead in use and arranged to collect waste fluid therefrom; a handle portion movably connected to the base portion such that the handle portion is arranged to guide movement of the base portion; and a battery portion comprising battery connectors, wherein each battery connector is selectively connectable to a battery to provide power to electrically powered components of the machine, wherein the battery portion and the battery connectors are constructed and located such that at least two different configurations of batteries are selectable within the battery portion and wherein each configuration provides a different available power capacity.
  2. 2. A floor treatment machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery portion comprises a plurality of battery connectors, which are located and incorporated within the battery portion such that the weight of the one or more batteries connectable thereto in each configuration is evenly distributed within the battery portion.
  3. 3. A floor treatment machine as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the battery connectors comprise a first port for selective connection to provide a single battery configuration and twin ports for selective connection to provide a twin battery configuration.
  4. 4. A floor treatment machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the battery connectors comprise a first port centrally disposed within the battery portion and two further ports equispaced within the battery portion relative to the first port.
  5. 5. A floor treatment machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the floor treatment machine comprises either a first battery configuration wherein a battery is located centrally within the battery portion and connected to a centrally disposed battery connector, or, a second battery configuration in which two batteries are each equispaced from a central region of the battery portion and each connected to a battery connector disposed either side of the central battery connector.
  6. 6. A floor treatment machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein the battery connectors are electrically connected within the machine such that in the first configuration the centrally disposed port provides power, and in the second configuration the twin ports supply power, to the electrically powered components of the machine.
  7. 7. A floor treatment machine as claimed in claims 5, wherein in the second battery configuration, the twin batteries are electrically connected within the machine such that electrically powered components are selectively powered by one or other of the batteries connected to the battery connectors.
  8. 8. A floor treatment machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in any battery configuration, the weight of the one or more batteries when connected to the battery connectors, is evenly distributed on either side of the handle portion of the floor treatment machine.
  9. 9. A floor treatment machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the battery portion is located towards a lower end of the handle portion spaced from and in line with the base portion.
  10. 10. A floor treatment machine as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a modular subassembly, wherein the battery portion forms a part of the subassembly and wherein the modular subassembly is detachably coupled to the handle portion.
  11. 11. A floor treatment machine as claimed in claim 10, wherein the modular subassembly is selectively attachable to the handle portion via inter-engaging means enabling the secure interconnection of the handle portion and the modular subassembly.
  12. 12. A floor treatment machine as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the modular subassembly comprises a tank module containing at least one fluid tank, and wherein the tank module is selectively removable from the modular subassembly,
  13. 13. A floor treatment machine as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising two fluid tanks in the form of a clean fluid reservoir and a waste fluid tank, wherein the clean fluid reservoir and the waste fluid tank have a predetermined capacity to allow a sufficient fluid storage volume calculated to account for use of the machine in the battery configuration with the maximum power capacity.
  14. 14. A floor treatment machine as claimed in claim 13, wherein the clean fluid reservoir is provided with one or more visual indicators that indicate a cleaning fluid level associated with a specific fluid volume corresponding to the level of cleaning fluid required to support the machine throughout a cleaning operation having an expected duration based on the power capacity options supported by the different battery configurations.
  15. 15. A floor treatment machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the machine is adaptable to accept different sizes of fluid tanks in the form of a clean fluid reservoir and a waste fluid tank, enabling the appropriate tank volumes to be preselected and incorporated on the machine to account for the anticipated fluid volume required within the tanks according to the specific battery configuration and the selected power capacity.16. A floor treatment machine as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, when dependent on claims 10 or 11, wherein the clean fluid reservoir and the waste fluid tank are stacked in vertical relation to one another within the tank module.
  16. 16. A floor treatment machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the handle portion is connected to the base portion via an articulation which permits reclining of the handle portion and wherein the articulation comprises a twin axis universal joint arrangement.
  17. 17. A floor treatment machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the battery powered floor treatment machine comprises a compact floor scrubber drier machine,
  18. 18. A modular subassembly that is selectively attachable to a handle portion of a floor treatment machine, the modular subassembly comprising a battery portion with at least one battery connector for electrical connection with a battery and a tank module comprising a clean fluid reservoir and a waste fluid tank.
  19. 19. A modular subassembly as claimed in claim 18, comprising an elongate passage shaped to accommodate a handle portion of a floor treatment machine therethrough.
  20. 20. A modular subassembly as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, comprising inter-engaging portions for selective attachment of the modular subassembly with the handle portion of a floor treatment machine.
  21. 21. A modular subassembly as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the tank module is removable from the modular subassembly,
  22. 22. A modular subassembly as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the clean fluid reservoir and the waste fluid tank are in stacked relation and wherein the tank module forms at least part of an outer housing of the modular subassembly.
  23. 23. A modular subassembly as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the tank module comprises a resiliently deformable interconnecting member to removably attach the tank module to the modular subassembly.
  24. 24. A kit of parts comprising components of a floor treatment machine as claimed in any of claims 1 to 17.
  25. 25. A kit of parts comprising components of a modular subassembly as claimed in any of claims 18 to 23.
GB2115607.0A 2021-10-29 2021-10-29 Battery powered floor treatment machine Withdrawn GB2612352A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2115607.0A GB2612352A (en) 2021-10-29 2021-10-29 Battery powered floor treatment machine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2115607.0A GB2612352A (en) 2021-10-29 2021-10-29 Battery powered floor treatment machine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB202115607D0 GB202115607D0 (en) 2021-12-15
GB2612352A true GB2612352A (en) 2023-05-03

Family

ID=78828288

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB2115607.0A Withdrawn GB2612352A (en) 2021-10-29 2021-10-29 Battery powered floor treatment machine

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2612352A (en)

Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6448732B1 (en) * 1999-08-10 2002-09-10 Pacific Steamex Cleaning Systems, Inc. Dual mode portable suction cleaner
JP2007089895A (en) * 2005-09-29 2007-04-12 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Vacuum cleaner
US20090211607A1 (en) * 2008-02-25 2009-08-27 Karry Lee Garland Compact system and method for cleaning a window or another smooth surface
US20110198103A1 (en) * 2010-02-12 2011-08-18 Makita Corporation Electric tool powered by a plurality of battery packs and adapter therefor
CN208355349U (en) * 2017-10-31 2019-01-11 苏州德莱电器有限公司 Floor surface washing machine
JP2019005244A (en) * 2017-06-26 2019-01-17 日立アプライアンス株式会社 Vacuum cleaner
US20190082910A1 (en) * 2017-09-15 2019-03-21 Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. Surface cleaning apparatus
EP3476267A1 (en) * 2017-10-31 2019-05-01 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Collection system and collector
CN209236056U (en) * 2018-09-04 2019-08-13 浙江绍兴苏泊尔生活电器有限公司 Steam mop
CN209269567U (en) * 2018-12-17 2019-08-20 常州格力博有限公司 Dust catcher
DE202021101937U1 (en) * 2021-04-12 2021-04-21 Shenzhen Tianwan Chuangxin Co., Ltd New vertical scrubber-dryer for the household
CN214760892U (en) * 2020-12-25 2021-11-19 格力博(江苏)股份有限公司 Vacuum cleaner

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6448732B1 (en) * 1999-08-10 2002-09-10 Pacific Steamex Cleaning Systems, Inc. Dual mode portable suction cleaner
JP2007089895A (en) * 2005-09-29 2007-04-12 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Vacuum cleaner
US20090211607A1 (en) * 2008-02-25 2009-08-27 Karry Lee Garland Compact system and method for cleaning a window or another smooth surface
US20110198103A1 (en) * 2010-02-12 2011-08-18 Makita Corporation Electric tool powered by a plurality of battery packs and adapter therefor
JP2019005244A (en) * 2017-06-26 2019-01-17 日立アプライアンス株式会社 Vacuum cleaner
US20190082910A1 (en) * 2017-09-15 2019-03-21 Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. Surface cleaning apparatus
CN208355349U (en) * 2017-10-31 2019-01-11 苏州德莱电器有限公司 Floor surface washing machine
EP3476267A1 (en) * 2017-10-31 2019-05-01 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Collection system and collector
CN209236056U (en) * 2018-09-04 2019-08-13 浙江绍兴苏泊尔生活电器有限公司 Steam mop
CN209269567U (en) * 2018-12-17 2019-08-20 常州格力博有限公司 Dust catcher
CN214760892U (en) * 2020-12-25 2021-11-19 格力博(江苏)股份有限公司 Vacuum cleaner
DE202021101937U1 (en) * 2021-04-12 2021-04-21 Shenzhen Tianwan Chuangxin Co., Ltd New vertical scrubber-dryer for the household

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB202115607D0 (en) 2021-12-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11653598B2 (en) Electric riding lawn mower
US5926909A (en) Remote control vacuum cleaner and charging system
US7950103B2 (en) Portable cleaning system
WO2019129129A1 (en) Rideable electric mower
EP3639718A1 (en) Wheel propelled steerable floor cleaning machine
EP2800504B1 (en) Floor cleaning tool having a mechanically operated pump
CN215605455U (en) Cordless floor cleaning machine
US6295682B1 (en) Rideable cleaning appliance
US9877625B2 (en) Floor cleaning tool having a mechanically operated pump
US5993563A (en) Combination of main scrubbing machine and attachment scrubbing machine
US9877624B2 (en) Floor cleaning tool having a mechanically operated pump
GB2612352A (en) Battery powered floor treatment machine
CA3087293C (en) Electric riding lawn mower
WO2020197896A1 (en) Mobile surface maintenance machine with an onboard pressure washer
CN217013871U (en) Hand-push type floor washing device
WO2023073331A1 (en) Floor treatment machine
CN217013872U (en) Hand-push type floor washing machine
GB2612350A (en) Floor treatment machine
CN219048263U (en) Hand-push type floor washing machine
US20230389476A1 (en) Electric riding lawn mower
CN115349784A (en) Surface cleaning device and surface cleaning equipment
US20040198202A1 (en) Cordless orbital wax applicator/buffer
GB2511854A (en) A machine for scrubbing or finishing floor surfaces

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)