GB399174A - Improvements relating to carpet scrubbing machines - Google Patents

Abstract

399,174. Scrubbing and polishing machines. WELCH, E. E., 6, High Avenue, Letchworth, Hertfordshire. March 22, 1932, No. 8510. [Classes 60 and 138 (i).] A scrubbing or polishing machine comprises a pad, for example, of sponge rubber, felt, or abrasive material, which is given an orbital movement by means of mechanism driven by a motor, liquid being supplied to the pad from a container, and a suction nozzle being situated at the rear of the pad for removing surplus liquid from the surface being treated. In the construction shown, two pads 22, 23 for use on a carpet are each carried by a structure 36 connected to one end of a bar 24, the other end of which is connected to a pivoted bar 126. Between its ends the bar 24 is formed with a strap surrounding an eccentric disc secured to a shaft 28. The two discs 26, 27 are oppositely arranged on the shaft 28 which is driven from the shaft 32 of an electric motor through a slip clutch device. The shaft 28 is provided with a member 40 forming a cage within which balls 42 run between an upper race 43 and a lower race 44 supported on springs 45. The pressure of the springs forces the balls inwardly against a groove on the end of the shaft 32, so that the shaft imparts its motion through the balls to the cage at reduced speed. Liquid from a container 14 is fed to the pads 22, 23 by means of a feed pipe 50 detachably connected to the container at one end, the other end opening into a valve chamber 52. A float 68 carries on its upper side a needle valve 69 to control the flow of liquid from the pipe 50 and on its lower side a needle valve 70 to control an outlet above the pad 22. A second outlet 71 is adapted to supply liquid by a duct 72 to the pad 23. The flow of liquid through the pipe 50 is also controlled by a valve 74 which in the position shown in Fig. 2 causes liquid to pass through an electric heater 76 before reaching the pads. When the position of the valve 74 is changed the supply of liquid to the pads is shut off while liquid circulates through the heater by way of pipe 78 and outlet 80. In a modification, the heater forms a portion of the main pipe 50 and comprises a heating element provided with a worm which compels the liquid to flow in a helical path. Surplus liquid is removed from the surface being treated through a suction nozzle 16, suction being provided by a fan 18 driven by the motor 12. The fan delivers the liquid through an opening 62 into a container 20 which can be removed from the machine after removal of the container 14. A brush 91 at the rear of the nozzle 16 acts to restore the carpet pile. Each of the pads 22, 23 embraces the sides of the box-like structure 36 and is pressed by springs 38 against the carpet. For scouring purposes the pads may consist of abrasive material such as pumice stone.